Caffè Nero, a U.K.-based coffee franchise opening a location on Centre Street, has committed to to a “Good Community Business” agreement with the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, according to Michael Reiskind of the JPNC and the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association.
The agreement states that Caffè Nero will: participate in local JP businesses groups, such as BAPA; participate and financially support community cultural events, such as the Wake Up the Earth festival; sponsor local youth organizations; keep a clean store; have the store’s exterior design reviewed by a Centre/South Main Streets committee; and give hiring preference to JP residents.
Caffè Nero did not respond to a request to comment.
Caffè Nero is opening its second American location at 733 Centre St., the former home of the Commonwealth Bank. Its first location is already open in the Financial District. Several business organizations, including BAPA, had come out against the JP location opening, citing concerns about a chain stores impact on local businesses.
It is unclear when the Centre Street location is expected to open, though building renovation is underway.
The storefront of Caffè Nero is under construction at 733 Centre St. (Gazette Photo by Peter Shanley)