The Orange Leaf on Downtown Concord is closing after a 10-year run

By RAY DUCKLER

Monitor columnist

Published: 01-11-2023 7:02 PM

Downtown will lose a tasty treat spot early next month, but plans are advancing on a transformational project in the city by the same landlord.

Concord’s Orange Leaf, which has sold to-die-for frozen yogurt with to-die-for toppings for the past 10 years, is closing, owner Kristina Hathaway announced recently.

Her 10-year franchisee agreement expires at the end of next month and she chose not to renew it.

“That was our expectation, 10 years, and we had a good run,” she said. “I thought about (renewing) and we could have, but we didn’t want to be locked into another agreement.”

Hathaway lives near the Seacoast and said she’s looking forward to spending time with her children before they graduate from St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

Meanwhile, with the Orange Leaf leaving Main Street soon, the building’s owner, Mark Ciborowksi, is pushing forward with a revamp of the nearby historic Phenix Music Hall.

Plans to bring the Phenix Theater back to life began to take shape four years ago. The aim is to inject the city with a new downtown complex that would be a site to behold. Ciborowski says he’s got a development team of engineers and architects drawing up plans.

“Things are going pretty well,” said Ciborowski, assessing the business climate downtown. “The economy is doing pretty well and people are enjoying downtown. It’s strong and healthy, and a great mix of stores.”

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Nearby on Main Street, Outside the Orange Leaf, is a sign that thanks the community for the memories.

“We appreciate all our customers for their business and support over these 10 years, as well as our employees, our landlord, and the City of Concord,” the sign says. “Orange Leaf has been a place for the community to gather and enjoy a treat in downtown Concord, and we’ve enjoyed being part of the community, as well.”

Hathaway is urging anyone with a gift card to come in and get a treat.

“We’ve heard from people and they are sad to see us go,” Hathaway said. “We knew that was going to be the case and we’re just really thankful.”

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