Welcome to Support Arlington Center
Support Arlington Center is a citizens' group dedicated to keeping Arlington Center thriving with diverse, successful small businesses. It was started in June 2016 during the alarming rate of empty storefronts and exorbitant rent increases. The group works with Town members, business owners and the community to encourage shopping and dining in Arlington Center. The group consists of Arlington residents, business owners, and visitors who love and support Arlington Center. We feel a special responsibility as the site of Town Hall, Robbins Library, Arlington High School, the Town Garden, Arlington Town Day, Jason Russell House, Cyrus Dallin Museum, Spy Pond, the Boys and Girls Club, the Senior Center, the main post office, and much more. Learn more about Support Arlington Center and join the conversation on Facebook.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
Featured Business:
Charlie's Barkery
When Covid-19 hit in 2020, Alex Francis did not know she was going to quit the corporate life to open a dog “barkery” in just two years. But Arlington Center is enriched by the presence of her new store, “Charlie’s Barkery,” a treats, toys, gear, and gift shop for dog owners and dog lovers located at 307 Broadway, two doors down from Abbott’s Custards and across from Mass Ave. During the Covid lockdown, Alex entertained herself and her dog, Charlie, by baking treats for him. “They’re just three ingredients, no preservatives,” she says. “Because who knows what is in a MilkBone.” She started selling the treats at farmers markets & craft fair, including in Melrose, where she lives. But when she baked a cake for Charlie’s birthday and posted it on social media, the requests for her healthy dog baked goods came pouring in. Soon the young women who owned a crafts shop, 4Goodvibes, in Medford that sold her treats were urging her to open her own bricks and mortar business. That, coinciding with her employer relocating her office to the South Shore, creating a two hour plus commute, convinced her to quit her job, find a location, and open Charlie’s Barkery. The store contains all the gear you’ll need and some you or your dog might just want. Balls and other toys, leashes and collars, bowls and mats, beds and bandanas line the shelves. It also features pet-themed gifts, including home décor and even jewelry. And, of course, the homemade treats by Alex and jerky made by a woman butcher in Tewksbury. In fact, much of what she sells is either locally made or at least made in the USA. There are colorful braided leashes also made by a woman in Tewksbury, hand-painted home décor signs made by a woman in Woburn, and more leashes and collars from a woman in Billerica, just to name a few. So support for Charlie’s Barkery is support for a local store and local crafters. Head over to Charlie’s Barkery and bring your pooch for a treat, meet Alex and Charlie, and discover the fun items they offer! Current Hours: Tues- Friday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Facebook | Instagram | Website |
Events, Recent News & ArticlesBoston Women's Market returns to Arlington
Bring your friends and family for sunshine and summer fun during Boston Women’s Market in Arlington on August 13, 2022 from 11 AM - 4 PM. The family-friendly day will feature 15 women-owned small businesses in the beautifully restored Whittemore Park. Learn more > 
Arlington Cable News story on Support Arlington Center
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Email Support Arlington Center | Photo credits: www.cambridgeville.com (home page photo) and Cheryl Freeman (secondary page photos)
