The Dot Block Diner opened for business this week, mixing a little of the old with the new in the neighborhood breakfast game and bringing the first ground-floor retail activity to the Dorchester Avenue complex that began to house hundreds of residents in 2023.
Bernie Goodman, the founder of McKenna’s Café in Savin Hill, is the owner-operator of the 49-seat diner, with 20 outdoor seats on the way. The eatery will serve breakfast and lunch, specializing in waffles, and will experiment with take-out from 4-6 p.m. once staff members get their feet under them, Goodman said this week inside the rustically modern space.
The diner will eventually be joined by neighbors in adjacent commercial spaces, with Sweet Teez Bakery expecting a fall opening and Chilicates Cantina – a new concept for the Boston-based Mexican street food chain –planning to open next door, having recently received a liquor license to create a sit-down restaurant experience.
“At every step of Dot Block’s evolution, we’ve sought out and invested in retail partners that reflect the energy and diversity of Dorchester,” said Abe Menzin, principal and executive vice president of development at Samuels & Associates. “From the beginning, we set out to create a retail environment that serves not just the residents of Dot Block, but the entire Dorchester community—offering spaces for local, small, and minority-owned businesses to grow and thrive. We are truly excited to have Chilicates, Sweet Teez, and Dot Block Diner be a part of realizing that vision.”
The diner launched on Monday with what Goodman termed a “soft opening.”
“We’re going full steam on Wednesday,” Goodman said. “We took our time, and I don’t think we missed anything. It’s exactly how I hoped it would look. It looks like a warehouse, so we built out a warehouse…There’s been a buzz about the place; we’ve had the ‘Coming Soon’ sign up for a while.
“I’m really proud of what we did at McKenna’s Café when I was there, and I want to work to do that at Dot Block Diner,” he added.
With rusted corrugated metal panels on the wall, and a weathered wooden bead board, the diner was a “labor of love” that will be a comfortable landing spot while indulging in waffles or pancakes, the ‘Dot Special’ traditional breakfast, or grabbing a flavored coffee and breakfast sandwich on the go.
Movie posters line the walls, and they have a meaning, as Goodman’s brother – Brian Goodman – has been involved in many Hollywood movies and directed the true to life “What Doesn’t Kill You,” starring Ethan Hawke.
Goodman no longer has any affiliation with McKenna’s Café, but his daughter still works there – her name being McKenna. He said she plans to be involved in Dot Block Diner operations and will be working there. He recalled that she jumped behind the register and poured coffee for his restaurants at a very young age.
Goodman has signed a 10-year lease with Samuels & Associates and has a five-year option on top of that, so he’s not planning on going anywhere else for the time being. He’s been very encouraged by the residents in the building who have showed great interest in the diner, and he’s excited to bring in the neighborhood customer base he has built in previous years.
As a complement to the eatery, he has leased an empty lot across the street for parking so it should never be difficult to stop at the diner.
“I got back into this because I miss it,” he said. “In a weird way I love the chaos. My daughter also is part of this, I want to leave something for her when I’m long gone, and I hope this is the first of many.”
Goodman has gotten good reception from the neighborhood so far, with a positive meeting of the Columbia Savin Hill Neighborhood Association (CSHCA) on July 8.
“I think it’s great to have a new business there and it’s going to be an asset to the community,” said Andy Donovan. Added Kristine Hoag, chair of the Planning Committee of CSHCA: “I think you’re hearing a lot of anticipation and excitement.”
The diner will be open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the potential for staying open until 6 p.m. for take-out only.
