2021 brought many business and restaurant closures to Berkshire County. However, many entrepreneurs decided to take the leap and start something new.
Here are some of the establishments that celebrated new beginnings in 2021:
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Some 20 years after leaving Tlaxcala, Mexico, and settling in the Berkshires, Cain Serrano has realized his dream of having his own restaurant, opening La Chalupa Y La Enchilada, a food truck, on March 1.
"How I cook for my kids is how I cook for the food truck," he said.
La Chalupa La Enchilada, a food truck in Pittsfield
Three new restaurants have recently opened in Pittsfield, all in dining spaces that were vacated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RJ's Restaurant, Berkshire Palate, and Flat Burger Society, restaurants all in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD — There is more than "soul" in the food served at Rem Roc's Fried Chicken and Soul Food on Fenn Street.
Rem Roc's Fried Chicken and Soul Food, restaurant in Pittsfield
GREAT BARRINGTON — Recognizing the significance of a business opening amid the landscape of closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and w…
twoflower, cafe in Great Barrington
PITTSFIELD — Independent bookstores often struggle to find a foothold these days, but a Berkshire County couple believe they have found a form…
Familiar Trees, bookstore in Pittsfield
Braised oxtail, jerk chicken and curried goat are just some of the Caribbean American food specialties now offered at BB's Hot Spot on Columbus Avenue in Pittsfield.
BB's Hot Spot, restaurant in Pittsfield
NORTH ADAMS — A few months from now, a walk-up window at the former Friendly’s restaurant at 221 State Road will reopen — the same window that…
Clear Sky Cannabis, cannabis dispensary in North Adams
SHEFFIELD — Roberto “Robbie” Robles finally is opening his own restaurant, after years of helping other proprietors succeed.
Roberto’s Pizza, restaurant in Sheffield
GREAT BARRINGTON — Rob Brannock remembers riding in the back seat of a wood-paneled station wagon on the way to his first day of junior high s…
Rob’s Records & Audio, music store in Great Barrington
The Norad Toy and Candy Company opened its doors at the Norad Mill on Friday.
Norad Toy & Candy Company, candy and toy store in North Adams
A secondhand store selling vintage clothing, home goods and other items opened last month on Ashland Street in North Adams.
Terra, vintage thrift store in North Adams
Restaurateur Pete Oleskiewicz reopened Miss Adams Diner on Thursday, more than a year after purchasing the iconic building on Park Street in Adams.
Miss Adams Diner, restaurant in Adams
Jillian Bamford always had dreamed of opening her own fitness studio. Losing her job because of COVID-19 provided her with the opening she needed to make it happen.
On Pointe Barre and Fitness, fitness studio in Williamstown
A non-profit that provides a niche into mainstream adult life for people with special needs will soon carve its own niche in the heart of Housatonic.
ExtraSpecialTeas, cafe in Great Barrington
Lanesborough's first retail recreational marijuana store opens on July 30 after three years of planning and going through local and state permitting process. The store is in the former Lanesborough Super Market on North Main Street (Rt. 7) across from the Lanesborough police station. In addition to various cannabis products, the store will have works from local artists on display.
Liberty Market, cannabis dispensary in Lanesborough
NORTH ADAMS — Empire-building is hard, slow work, especially during a pandemic. But the Taylor family is getting there.
Craft Food Barn, restaurant in North Adams
The owner of Johns Building Supply on Crane Avenue has decided to expand the 73-year-old company's offerings by opening a two-story, 11,000-square-foot hardware store across the street.
Johns Building Supply and Johns Ace Hardware, hardware store in Pittsfield