Purchase Street Renaissance: Bun Buds Reopens, New Cheese Market and Vintage Shop Debut at Fall River’s Thanksmass Event

FALL RIVER ─ This Saturday will see the continuing retail renaissance of sorts on Purchase Street with the assistance of the Purchase Street Incubator Program spearheaded by developer Joseph Holdiman, and the inauguration of the Thanksmass Event in the burgeoning downtown neighborhood.

Three businesses will launch simultaneously on Saturday with a fan-favorite reopening, a vintage clothing shop, and a European-style cheese and charcuterie market.

“The incubator program is about providing support to businesses when they need it the most to create more vibrant, diverse, and exciting communities in the South Coast,” said Holdiman.

That support comes in the form of front-loaded rental rebates tapering as the participating businesses hit profitability milestones, business coaching, bookkeeping clinics, and marketing guidance, to name a few services provided in the program.

Bun Buds is back!

Just a little over a month ago, former Bun Buds owner, Jake Weiss, decided to sell the eatery that features elevated Asian-fusion inspired dumplings and gourmet hot dogs located in its shop at 10 Purchase Street in the Buffington Building.

It wasn’t long before owner-restaurateur Iverson Jean Philippe decided to purchase and reopen Bun Buds and maintain its menu.

“Bun Buds is a stepping stone for me — a brand built around great food, creativity, and connection,” Jean Philippe says. “I’m thrilled to join the Fall River community, contribute to its growth, and share memorable dining experiences,” said in a statement.

Weiss will stay on as an advisor in the transition.

Jean Philippe will open the restaurant in a soft open during Saturday’s Thanksmass Event from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

European treats featured at the new Brock & Co.

Saturday is the grand opening of Fine Foods Market Brock & Co., owned by local entrepreneur Christopher Kostka and located in the space where the former Thyme Blossom was located in the Buffington Building.

The shop will showcase European cheeses, cured meats, preserves, and specialty pantry items in ready-to-serve retail sizes. The concept was developed through the Purchase Street Incubator Program, according to Holdiman.

On opening day, the shop will feature an opening inventory that includes French Époisses, Dutch aged Gouda, Sicilian onion jam, and salumi from Rhode Island’s Daniele, Inc.

Kostka plans to get licensing to sell fine wines, feature cheese and wine pairing events, charcuterie workshops, and meet the maker tastings.

Hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Vintage clothing store

Next door to the Buffington Building in a former bank building and most recently the site of the now closed Viva Store, Liz Reynolds, designer and founder of First Lady Inc., is opening her new location with opening day soon.

Reynolds started the non-profit in 2020, with the goal of creating opportunities in underserved communities.

Check out the relocated Café Balboa

The owners of Café Balboa didn’t have to go very far after moving into an adjoining light-filled space in the Buffington Building, renaming the Thyme Blossom Café.

“Seeing Bun Buds return and two fresh concepts launch on the same weekend validates the collaborative magic the Incubator cultivates,” said owner Tabitha Coelho, who is a participant in the Purchase Street Incubator Program. “When one shop succeeds, the entire block buzzes.”