Jennie’s Restaurant-October 29, 1946

Jennie Purpura Opens New Restaurant Following Success Across Massachusetts

This smiling group, standing on the steps of Jennie’s Restaurant, 1064 Washington Street, Norwood, includes, left to right, Joseph Purpura, Mrs. Jennie Purpuro, owner of this popular eating place, and Miss Mary Domenico, an attractive waitress.

Bringing a celebrated reputation for fine home-cooked food to downtown Norwood, Jennie’s Restaurant officially opened its doors on September 25 at 1064 Washington Street. Owned and operated by culinary veteran Jennie Purpura (noted in records as both Purpura and Purpuro), the modern establishment quickly established itself as a popular dining destination.

Jennie is already well known to hundreds of patrons across Massachusetts who previously enjoyed her specialty pizzas and Italian delicacies at restaurants throughout Norwood, Malden, Walpole, and Revere. Setting her establishment apart, Jennie personally cooks every single meal to order in her kitchen.

Captured in a celebratory photograph standing on the restaurant steps are:

Joseph Purpura
Mrs. Jennie Purpuro (Owner and Head Cook)
Miss Mary Domenico (Waitress)

Grand Opening Gala and Menu Highlights

Opening night was celebrated as a gala community affair, drawing hundreds of guests who enjoyed souvenirs, danced to a live orchestra, and flooded Jennie with floral arrangements and telegrams of congratulations from across the country.

True to her philosophy that patrons should “concentrate on her food,” Jennie’s kitchen serves a diverse menu of made-to-order dishes, featuring:

Entrées: Chicken, steaks, pork chops, and classic Italian favorites including ravioli, spaghetti with meat sauce, and specialty pizzas.
Sandwiches: A wide variety of offerings, highlighted by a savory meatball sub and a gourmet provolone cheese sandwich.
Take-Out: Full food service available for takeout (beverages are limited to coffee, tea, milk, and soft drinks).

The restaurant also accommodates private parties and wedding celebrations of any size, offering optional entertainment arrangements. Reservations and inquiries can be made by calling NORwood 1498-R.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Norwood Messenger

More…

Selectmen Vote to Ban “Brown-Bagging” of Alcohol in All Local Restaurants-October 16, 1986

Patrons accustomed to bringing their own wine or beer to local dining establishments will soon have to change their habits. The Board of Selectmen voted last night to institute a comprehensive ban prohibiting customers from carrying alcoholic beverages into any eating place in Norwood—stretching from fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King to local Chinese…
Selectmen Deny Apollo Restaurant Liquor License on Split Vote-September 4, 1986

The owners of the Apollo Restaurant suffered a setback when their bid for a liquor license—intended for a planned function hall in the former Orent Bros. store on Washington Street in Norwood Center—failed on a 2-2 tie vote by the Board of Selectmen. Owners argued that the license would only be utilized during active functions.…
South Norwood Liquor License Transfer to Can Connection Approved-August 21, 1985

Norwood selectmen approve the transfer of a beer and wine license to the Can Connection on Washington Street despite neighborhood concerns.
Residents and Selectmen Target South Norwood’s Bar Concentration-August 10, 1985

Residents and selectmen are working to revitalize South Norwood’s “The Flats” Washington Street commercial strip while exploring legal options to revoke inactive bar licenses.
Selectmen Vote Unanimously to Support State Ban On “Happy Hours”-August 22, 1984

Citing concerns over drunk driving, Norwood selectmen voted 4-0 to support the ABCC’s statewide initiative to eliminate discounted bar “happy hours” and promotional drink pricing.
El Torito Legal Counsel Seeks Improved Relations with Norwood Selectmen-July 11, 1984

El Torito Restaurant and Norwood Selectmen On July 11, 1984, Attorney Mark Fitzsimmons of Weymouth appeared before the Norwood Board of Selectmen representing the El Torito restaurant on Route 1, requesting a fresh start in the relationship between the establishment and town leadership. Acknowledging past tensions, Fitzsimmons pledged the restaurant’s full cooperation in addressing community…
Shamrock Pub Owner Michael T. Gunning Receives Encouragement Instead of Reprimand from Selectmen-October 6, 1982

Norwood selectmen offer encouragement rather than discipline to Shamrock Pub owner Michael T. Gunning following neighborhood police reports.
Selectmen Vote 3-2 to Lease Old Town Firehouse for New Restaurant Development-September 29, 1982

Norwood selectmen vote 3-2 to lease the old fire station behind Town Hall to Carla Foley for conversion into Carla’s Dining Room and Cafe, bringing Italian dining to the town center.
Sole Proposal to Lease Historic Old Fire Station for Italian Restaurant Draws Mixed Selectmen Response-September 22, 1982

Carla Foley submits the sole bid to lease Norwood’s historic old fire station for a new Italian restaurant, sparking debate among selectmen over municipal needs.
Building Inspector Takes Blame for Permit Snafu as Restaurant Expansion and Solar Home Plans Come Before Board—September 23, 1981

Norwood building inspector takes blame for a restaurant remodeling permit oversight, while the zoning board reviews expansions for The Nicholas and a novel solar home.