12 Businesses That Opened in Marblehead in 2012

As we continue to reflect on the year that was 2012 in Marblehead, we can't help but notice that a host of local businesses have opened their doors over the last 12 months.

Marblehead Businesses the Opened in 2012

Candy Pop Sweet Shoppe: Marblehead's new candy store, Candy Pop Sweet Shoppe, opened on Washington Street in May. Owner Traci Teague opened in the storefront formerly occupied by Bliss Home and the shelves are stocked with an assortment of dessert and cake pops, flavored popcorns, penny candy, organic candy, vegan candy, sugar-free candy, pre-packaged bags of assorted candies, brownies, fudge and cookies.

5 Corners Kitchen: After a devestating electrical fire in 2011 forced owner and head chef Barry Edelman to close his doors and rebuild, 5 Corners Kitchen came roaring back in the second half of 2012 and has re-established itself as one of Marblehead's premier dining destinations.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt: Marblehead's new Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt on Atlantic Avenue opened to rave reviews and a line down the street in June. Owner Michael Hennessy aimed to create a local hang-out where customers can relax and satisfy their urges for something sweet. Orange Leaf is unlike other frozen yogurt locations in that customers are asked to "weigh and pay" at the cash register.

Captn's Bakery: Captn's Bakery opened for business on Washington Street on June 1. The bakery opened in the space formerly occupied by the Sea Gull Gift Shop by owners Jocelyn Flowers; her husband, Chad Flowers; and her father, Lynn Weekley. The trio opened in the hopes of creating "an old-school bakery" offering a wide variety of baked goods, including artisan bread, cakes, cookies, cupcakes and brownies.

Just Fabulous! Custom Cakes and Sugarscapes: Just Fabulous!, Marblehead's new special-order cake studio, opened in the former home of the 40 Atlantic clothing store on Atlantic Avenue in August. Owner Ellyn Gimbel is currently accepting orders for specialty cakes and dessert tables and said when she opened that the cake studio, located at 40 Atlantic Ave., is meant to be similar in concept to the much-acclaimed television shows Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes.

Casa Corona: Casa Corona, Marblehead's new Mexican restaurant on Smith Street, opened their doors in August and secured Marblehead's first BYOB license earlier this month. Co-owner Jose Bracamontes spent five years working as a chef at Mexico Lindo in Melrose and he and his brother, Felix, said they expect Marblehead's lack of an authentic Mexican restaurant will mean big business.

Joey D's: In June, Joey D's Italian Grill opened in the space formerly occupied by Hooked Seafood & Grill and the nautical theme was replaced with more traditional Italian decorations. Owner Joseph Costanzo recently sold Luciana's Restaurant and Pizza on Highland Avenue in Salem and offers a menu featuring fresh-caught seafood, Italian fare and pizza.

Yannalfo's Ristorante: Yannalfo's opened in the space that used to be Pellino's Ristorante on Washington Street in September. Before they opened, the restaurant's owner, Brett Yannalfo, 43, of Andover, said he always dreamed of opening up a restaurant of his own.

Terry's Ice Cream: Forced to close up shop after the same fire that consumed 5 Corners Kitchen, Terry's Ice Cream owner Carlos Rocha moved his whole operation about a quarter-mile down the street and reopened on Atlantic Avenue in August. The shop now offers karaoke on the weekends.

Karmic Closet: In April, The Karmic Closet, a second-hand clothing store opened on Pleasant Street across from where the new Warwick Place building is being constructed. If you're ever looking for some cool hand-me-down clothing items or a cool costume idea, this is a good place to start.

Hungry Betty's Bar & Grille: After changing hands, Hungry Betty's Bar & Grille reopened at Village Plaza in September with a new owner, a new chef and a new look. At a meeting in July, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the transfer of three Hungry Betty's Bar & Grille licenses to new owner Jason Rakauskas. The restaurant was signed over to Rakauskas by former owner and Swampscott resident Patty Johnson.

Soall Bistro: Also opening at Village Plaza this year was Soall Bistro, a new Vietnamese restaurant on Bessom Street. Sibling owners Mia Lunt and Tan Nguyen opened in the former home of Kitsen Table. The name, like the restaurant, is rooted in family. "Soall" is a combination of Lunt and Nguyen's mother's name, Soa, and the first letters of Lunt's sons' names, Logan and Liem.

Marblehead Businesses Coming in 2013:

Palmers Restaurant and Tavern, at Warwick Place

Comella's Ristorante, on Atlantic Avenue

Haley's Market Cafe, Washington Street

Did your favorite new business not make our list? Let us know in the comments section below and we'll add it.