We’re starting this week’s issue with a local business spotlight. As The Chelsea Pulse grows, we want to make more room to recognize the businesses, restaurants, and local spots that help shape the community.

This week’s spotlight: Khelsea’s Pizza.

A reader-recognized Chelsea favorite, Khelsea’s Pizza has become one of those neighborhood spots people mention when talking about local food done right. This week, we’re giving it the spotlight.

Chelsea is rallying once again to compete for the prestigious 2026 All-America City Award, aiming to become the first Massachusetts city to win back-to-back honors.  

City Manager Fidel Maltez is leading a 53-member delegation—including residents, officials, and community leaders—to Denver, showcasing collaboration and civic spirit as “The Chelsea Way.”  

This year’s presentation will spotlight trust-building initiatives, such as community policing programs like Cops and Bobbers, the Chelsea HUB, and Build the Base youth camp, which foster meaningful connections between police and young residents.  

Chelsea will also highlight La Colaborativa’s food pantry and Chelsea Opportunity Academy’s innovative educational support.  

After winning the 2025 award for environmental sustainability, Chelsea hopes to show that real trust is created through steady, everyday investment in people and neighborhoods.  

For Chelsea, success is measured by how the city shows up for one another, making sure no one faces hardship alone.

Chelsea will soon celebrate one of its most influential native sons with the unveiling of the Lewis H. Latimer Collection at the Chelsea Public Library on June 23.

This permanent exhibit honors Lewis Howard Latimer, a Chelsea-born inventor who played a key role in making electric lighting practical and affordable.

The collection, brought forward by Ron and Leo Robinson of the Lewis Latimer Society, features rare artifacts and scientific papers, thanks to support from the Chelsea Community Preservation Committee and library staff.

Born to parents who escaped slavery, Latimer overcame many barriers and contributed vital patents, working alongside pioneers like Edison and Bell.

By placing the collection in a busy, public part of the library, Chelsea invites all residents—students, families, newcomers—to connect with Latimer’s legacy and Chelsea’s larger story of invention and resilience.

The exhibit represents not just local pride but also a renewed commitment to preserving Chelsea’s remarkable history for generations ahead.

QDOBA Mexican Eats has received special permit approval from the Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals for a new restaurant, expected to occupy the former GameStop space near Market Basket plaza.

The precise address remains unclear, with public records identifying GameStop as 1090 Revere Beach Parkway (Chelsea Commons) and Market Basket’s official address as 170 Everett Avenue.

The proposed 2,500-square-foot eatery plans 40 indoor seats, two public restrooms, exterior updates, and rooftop HVAC work, as described by Daniel Brennan representing QDOBA.

Operating hours are proposed from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with up to 10 employees during peak times.

Residents should note that while permit approval has been granted, no opening date or confirmed address has been announced.

The community is encouraged to watch for further updates as official documents or QDOBA listings confirm the exact location.

Quote Of The Day

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

Boston’s nightlife is getting a boost this summer as select bars and restaurants can now serve alcohol until 3 a.m.

The change, enabled by a temporary state law, coincides with an action-packed season featuring the FIFA World Cup, Fourth of July festivities, Boston 250 celebrations, and Sail Boston. Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Licensing Board approved applications for extended hours through July, but only qualifying establishments with proper licensing can stay open later.

This opportunity is seen as a vital economic lift for local businesses, with over 190 venues citywide—spanning Downtown, East Boston, Fenway, and more—now able to host guests later. Several Eastie spots near Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop offer North Shore residents convenient late-night options.

Patrons should check directly with venues as approvals are temporary. The city is set to test an expanded late-night scene as Boston welcomes waves of visitors this season.

For years, a bright blue, graffiti-covered train car stood forgotten along the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway in East Boston.

Now, thanks to local entrepreneurs Troy Retzer and Liz Kelley, it has transformed into The Blue Caboose—an ice cream and coffee shop inside a restored 1940s caboose.

The journey from idea to reality took five years, with Retzer first pitching the project to the city in 2021.

He and Kelley, who also owns the nearby Travel Mug Cafe, overcame permitting challenges and major renovations to bring the caboose back to life.

When doors finally opened June 3, locals eagerly lined up, buying 350 cones on opening day alone.

The shop serves unique ice cream flavors and cold brew, quickly becoming a community favorite.

A grand opening with Mayor Michelle Wu is planned once greenway improvements are finished.

Boston’s iconic Union Oyster House will celebrate its 200th anniversary this August, cementing its legacy as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America.

Founded in 1826 beside the Freedom Trail, the Union Oyster House remains a beloved staple, serving classic New England fare like oysters, clam chowder, and lobster in a preserved historic setting.

Through generations, it has welcomed presidents, royalty, and celebrities—including Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Queen Elizabeth II—drawing locals and tourists alike.

Owner Joe Milano, after more than 50 years at the helm, credits loyal guests and staff for sustaining this unique landmark.

The restaurant has repeatedly earned accolades as North America’s Best Landmark Restaurant, highlighting its ongoing influence.

Festivities are planned to honor two centuries of tradition and community, ensuring Union Oyster House continues to shape Boston’s dining culture for years to come.

Other Events of Interest

Kayem Park Final Public Meeting

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Kayem Park, 248 Chestnut St., Chelsea, MA 02150. Admission: Free / no admission listed.

Residents are invited to review the final project design, tentative timeline, and budget for the Kayem Park rehabilitation, including new playground equipment, seating, landscaping, and other park upgrades. Read the city announcement.

Pickleball Drop-in

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Time: 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Williams Building, Chelsea. Admission: $5 per day.

Chelsea Recreation’s adult pickleball program is a casual drop-in option for all skill levels, with games, social play, and no long-term commitment. View Chelsea Recreation adult programs.

Tuesday Nights with Chelsea Recreation: Field Day

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Time: 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Voke Park, 546 Washington Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150. Admission: Free.

Chelsea Recreation kicks off its Tuesday Nights series with Field Day, featuring games, inflatables, and family activities in the park ahead of Independence Day. View Chelsea Recreation youth programs.

Bari and Gigi are a sweet bonded pair of young female black cats looking for a patient, loving home together.

Bari is playful, friendly, and protective of Gigi, while Gigi is a little more shy but continues to come out of her shell.

Both enjoy pets, brushing, wand toys, treats, and spending time curled up together.

They are spayed, vaccinated, litter box trained, and ready for the right adopter to give them the chance they deserve.

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