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Articles by Sam Pausman
Cabo Verde's in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Buy their jersey now Original
Updated June 15, 2026, 7:49 p.m. ET Cabo Verde is playing in its first World Cup game today! And with at least two more games in this historic run, it is time to celebrate the team and the country with your own gear. You can get shirts and customized game balls from the World Soccer Shop. No U.S. city has more Cape Verdeans than Brockton. According to 2020 Census estimates, nearly 20,000 Cape Verdeans live in the city.
Brockton's first-ever Jamaican Day Parade will have food, music, vibes
June 5, 2026, 4:50 a.m. ET Yellow and green might take over downtown Brockton this August. Plans are currently underway for Brockton's first-ever Jamaican independence parade. The parade would take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, a date that marks 64 years since Jamaica gained its independence after over 300 years of British colonial rule. While the event would commemorate the island nation's independence, organizer Alliyah Williams said she believes it can also be a celebration of all Jamaican culture.
Massive fabric flowers take over Fuller Craft Museum until November Original
These flowers have power. The Fuller Craft Museum's newest exhibition is a large-scale geranium and lotus flower installation by Daina Shobrys. The installation, with its giant, fabric flowers, will run through Sunday, Nov. 1. The outdoor exhibit sits right in the courtyard of the museum, leaving the flowers completely exposed to the natural elements. But if you ask Shobrys, that's the whole point. "It's just part of it," she said. "That's what real flowers do.
This 'hidden gem' is Brockton's favorite lunch spot, per our readers
May 29, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET It's been around since the year Peter O'Toole blew out the match in "Lawrence of Arabia." It's five years older than Sgt. Pepper's. It is, at least for Brockton, a cultural staple. It is Italian Kitchen. The poll to determine the best lunch in a city ripe with casual lunch spots was unsurprisingly one of the tightest races in recent memory.
New Papa John's pizza shop opens in Brockton Original
There's a new pizza shop in town, though you've probably heard of this one. In a city where bar pizza reigns king, Papa John's opened its doors, adding a traditional chain option to the mix. The national chain's new location is located at 662 Belmont St. in Brockton. The space has sat empty since 2017, when 7-Eleven closed its doors after nearly 20 years in business.
Crocetti's raises funds for YMCA in most recent give-back effort Original
Crocetti's of East Bridgewater has done it again. Some days it's $0.39 eggs. Other days, it's reasonable prices for opulent items, such as $6 lobster tails. But today (rather, over the last two months), Crocetti's has raised $7,500 for the Old Colony YMCA. In February and March, Crocetti donated $2 to the YMCA from every "Mama's Meal" the butcher shop sold.
It's a fact. He's the world's best sandwich maker.
He looks like a line cook, and he works like an artist. He's a kid from Brockton, and he's one of the best sandwich chefs in the world. His restaurant is a takeout cafe in East Bridgewater, and he finished on the podium at the World Food Championships this April. He is globally renowned, and you'll strain to find an item on his menu for over $20.
It's a fact. He's the world's best sandwich maker. Original
He looks like a line cook, and he works like an artist. He's a kid from Brockton, and he's one of the best sandwich chefs in the world. His restaurant is a takeout cafe in East Bridgewater, and he finished on the podium at the World Food Championships this April. He is globally renowned, and you'll strain to find an item on his menu for over $20.
Greek food lovers are in for a treat this weekend in Brockton
May 15, 2026, 4:47 a.m. ET You won't need to consult Athena to know this is a good idea. Brockton's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is once again throwing its springtime Greek Food Festival, and the menu is something to behold. The three-day festival itself is a celebration of all things Greek food. It's held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, and attendees can order as much or as little food as they like.
This Brockton man's donut order is famous at Market Basket Original
May 13, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET He's probably the donut king of Brockton. Every Tuesday, without fail, Rick Sanzi purchases two donuts at the Brockton Market Basket. He calls it "Donut Tuesdays," and his little tradition has continued for over five years. He walks the Westgate Mall in the morning with Pal Sanzi, his wife, and then heads over to Market Basket to do the week's shopping.
What's your favorite lunch restaurant near Brockton? Take our poll
May 13, 2026, 4:30 a.m. ET The Brockton area isn't exactly lacking in casual lunch spots. From the old-school Italian sandwich parlors to the new-school Haitian takeout spots, the Brockton-area food scene is tailor-made for those top-notch casual lunch-hour meals.
From Italy to Brockton, a Rocky Marciano documentary — and love story
From Italy to Brockton, a Rocky Marciano documentary — and love story May 11, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET For Antonio Mennilli, the Rocky Marciano story is a personal one.
Boston Legacy brings Cape Verdean singers and DJs to Gillette Stadium Original
May 6, 2026, 11:44 a.m. ET FOXBORO — Ambrizeth Lima dances softly outside of Gillette Stadium. That royal blue Cape Verdean flag around her neck, a Tubarões Azuis kit on her back. Earrings to match the flag, her husband by her side. And she just stands there. Dancing. Nearby, the Brockton-based dance group, Effortless Steppas, dances to the beats of Bryan "DJ Fresco" Ribeiro. The youth dance group moves quicker than Lima and her husband. They're louder too, a little more boisterous.
See excitement at Cape Verdean Heritage Night at Gillette Original
Sam Pausman May 6, 2026, 11:44 a.m. ET Fans pose in Gillette Stadium during halftime of the Boston Legacy match on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during Cape Verdean Heritage Night. Sam Pausman/The Enterprise Bryan "DJ Fresco" Ribeiro performs outside Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during Boston Legacy FC's Cape Verdean Heritage Night.
Brockton's Downey school closed. Where to pick up your kids
May 1, 2026, 10:18 a.m. ET Keep the kids home! Downey Elementary School is closed today, Friday, May 1, due to an ongoing water main issue. Parents whose children have not yet left for school are advised to keep their kids home for the day. Students who have already been picked up by Brockton Public Schools transportation will be diverted to East Middle School, where they will remain for an early release day.
Boston Legacy hosting Cape Verdean Heritage night. What to expect
Cape Verdean celebrations are taking over Gillette Stadium. The Boston Legacy will be hosting a Cape Verdean Heritage Night during its matchup with the North Carolina Courage on Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. The festivities for the night will start during FanFest — a pre-match celebration that the Legacy hosts ahead of their home matches. DJ Fresco, a Cape Verdean DJ, will be performing at FanFest, as well as Effortless Steppas, a Cape Verdean dance group based in Brockton.
Boston Legacy hosting Cape Verdean Heritage night. What to expect
Cape Verdean celebrations are taking over Gillette Stadium. The Boston Legacy will be hosting a Cape Verdean Heritage Night during its matchup with the North Carolina Courage on Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. The festivities for the night will start during FanFest — a pre-match celebration that the Legacy hosts ahead of their home matches. DJ Fresco, a Cape Verdean DJ, will be performing at FanFest, as well as Effortless Steppas, a Cape Verdean dance group based in Brockton.
Brockton mystery solved. Why are 3 restaurants named for Tommy Doyle?
Tommy Doyle's name is all over the Brockton area. There's The Original Tommy Doyle's Pub & Grill on Oak Street, there's Tommy Doyle's at Sidelines up on East Ashland, and there's Doyle's Pub and Grill over in Easton. The three pubs are all obviously linked by their name and founder, the titular Tommy Doyle, but from a bird's eye view, the situation can appear confounding.
New Vietnamese restaurant moving into old Brockton Beer Co. location
April 13, 2026, 5:07 a.m. ET There's a new restaurant coming to Brockton's Main Street. Happii Bellii, a casual Vietnamese spot, has officially hung its branding on the storefront of 121 Main St. Previously, the space served as the taproom for the Brockton Beer Company until the brick-and-mortar brewery closed last summer.
Here are 3 food-related fundraisers happening in the Brockton-area
Looking to eat some good food while helping out some good causes? We've got you covered. This week, we've gone ahead and highlighted three food-related fundraisers and events around town. Whether you opt to show up for the music or the pancakes or the pizza, the events are all opportunities to aid in the development and fundraising of causes close to the heart. All the events take place over the next couple of weeks in the Brockton area, so there's plenty of time to plan ahead.
Here are 3 food-related fundraisers happening in the Brockton-area
Looking to eat some good food while helping out some good causes? We've got you covered. This week, we've gone ahead and highlighted three food-related fundraisers and events around town. Whether you opt to show up for the music or the pancakes or the pizza, the events are all opportunities to aid in the development and fundraising of causes close to the heart. All the events take place over the next couple of weeks in the Brockton area, so there's plenty of time to plan ahead.
Spotted Hound Barkery brings baked goods to a canine clientele Original
April 8, 2026, 5:06 a.m. ET Small businesses like this are often founded when two things converge: one, there's a problem, and two, someone aware of the problem wants to be the solution. Well, in this case, the problem was pup-centric: Melissa Jones' dog had a lot of allergies. Like so many allergies. So, Jones created a solution, and thus, Spotted Hound Barkery (notice that R) was born.
Spotted Hound Barkery brings baked goods to a canine clientele
Small businesses like this are often founded when two things converge: one, there's a problem, and two, someone aware of the problem wants to be the solution. Well, in this case, the problem was pup-centric: Melissa Jones' dog had a lot of allergies. Like so many allergies. So, Jones created a solution, and thus, Spotted Hound Barkery (notice that R) was born.
Brockton area's best coffee shop has homemade pastries, heart of gold
You won’t find a coffee shop with a bigger heart than The Boundless Bean. Founded three years ago by wife-husband duo Elena and Tommy Hogan, the Boundless Bean not only provides onsite work opportunities for those with differing abilities, but it serves — at least according to our readers — the best cup of coffee in the greater Brockton area.
Bridgewater Triangle Pub blends local legend with comfort foods
April 6, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET A new pub themed after the paranormal Bridgewater Triangle has opened in Bridgewater. The menu features classic New England pub fare, such as steak tips and truffle fries. The pub is located in a 100-year-old building rumored to have once been a morgue. Owner Jake Barbati plans to host live music and other entertainment at the new establishment. Don't let the name scare you.
Bridgewater Triangle Pub blends local legend with comfort foods
April 6, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET A new pub themed after the paranormal Bridgewater Triangle has opened in Bridgewater. The menu features classic New England pub fare, such as steak tips and truffle fries. The pub is located in a 100-year-old building rumored to have once been a morgue. Owner Jake Barbati plans to host live music and other entertainment at the new establishment. Don't let the name scare you.
Brack's? Tommy Doyle's? Vote now to decide best burger near Brockton Original
April 6, 2026, 4:31 a.m. ET The burger is far too overlooked. Over-commodified by the fast-food industry and vilified by the health-food cadre, the burger is often written off as an unappreciated, taken-for-granted staple of American menus. But the burger is singular. Is there a better cheap and quick meal than a thin, crispy patty, bookended by two soft buns? You don't really need anything else if you're doing this part correctly.
Beloved Brockton Haitian restaurant is moving. Where, when and why
March 31, 2026, 4:31 p.m. ET Jeano's Restaurant — which Enterprise readers just named Brockton's best Haitian restaurant — will have a new home in 2027. Dieulifaite Jean — or Jeano, as everybody knows him — opened up Jeano's in Brockton in 1986. The restaurant began as a four-seater, mostly takeout shop on Arthur Street before moving to a slightly larger location on Main Street, about a block away from the current spot.
Here's who won Brockton's best Haitian food. Why it's so authentic
March 31, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET It's called djondjon in Haitian Creole. The black mushroom is grown in L'Artibonite, on a family-owned farm in Gonaïves, a city known for its food and for its prominence in the revolution. It’s a scarcity stateside, but even if you’re somehow able to obtain it, the quality is often lacking. Unless, of course, you order your diri djondjon at Jeano’s Restaurant.
Stoughton's Geek Boutique is one-stop shop for gaming and comic lovers
Stoughton's Geek Boutique is one-stop shop for gaming and comic lovers Sam Pausman March 27, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Point to a video game store with a bigger heart. I dare you. Geek Boutique opened up its newest location on Friday, Mar. 13 at 1334 Park St., Suite 11c in RK Plaza in Stoughton. If it feels familiar for a gaming store to be in that location, it's because it is: Geek Boutique is taking the location over from a now-closed GameStop.
Stoughton's Geek Boutique is one-stop shop for gaming and comic lovers
Point to a video game store with a bigger heart. I dare you. Geek Boutique opened up its newest location on Friday, Mar. 13 at 1334 Park St., Suite 11c in RK Plaza in Stoughton. If it feels familiar for a gaming store to be in that location, it's because it is: Geek Boutique is taking the location over from a now-closed GameStop. And even before that, the suite was home to EB Games many years ago. Geek Boutique is a one-stop shop for the video gaming community. They do it all.
Brazil, France soccer clash in friendly. Live updates from Gillette
4:10 pm ET 4': France corner kick Jason Snow 0-0: A France corner kick is defended well by Brazil in front and it turns into a push the other way for Brazil's Luiz Henrique. 4:03 pm ET Where to watch Brazil vs France soccer Chris McDaniel Brazil and France was scheduled to air on ESPN2, but that'll have a delayed start due to UConn vs Michigan State college hockey game still going on. Until the conclusion of the hockey game, Brazil vs France is airing on ESPNU and on the ESPN app.
Here are four spots to get Easter brunch in the Brockton-area
March 22, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET With Easter just weeks away, it's high time to start securing those coveted brunch reservations. Whether you're a fiend for eggs Benedict or you're only there for the mimosas, Easter brunch is a time to bring the whole family together (or at least bring the adults together while the kids search for baskets and eggs and chocolate bunnies and whatnot).
Food truck festival coming to Brockton on Saturday. What time? Where?
Food truck mayhem is descending on Brockton this weekend. On Saturday, March 21, the Brockton Rox will be hosting a food truck festival at Campanelli Stadium. Starting at noon, food trucks and other vendors will line the field traditionally occupied by the Frontier League baseball team. It is a ticketed event, though passes are just $5. You can purchase them at brocktonrox.com. As of Wednesday, Mar.
'Form of love.' What makes Brockton's Moyzilla food truck so special?
You'll flounder trying to find a food truck quite like Moyzilla.— It's not just because the food is singular in both taste and craft (it is). It's not because the truck is the posterity of a Massachusetts family that's nothing short of culinary royalty (there's also that). It's not that its owner's uncurbed passion for the whole enterprise bubbles up in every sector of the business (it does).
Which Brockton area coffee shop do you swear by? Take our poll
March 16, 2026, 4:31 a.m. ET Considering just weeks ago, Brockton was buried under 31 inches of snow, and as recently as a few days ago, it felt like spring, it's hard to tell whether we're officially in iced coffee season or not. No matter if you're ordering those brews hot or cold or somewhere in between, coffee consumers tend to be quite opinionated. Not only do you all have your favorite orders, but you know which barista at your favorite coffee shop makes it the way you like it.
There's a giant new play place at Westgate Mall. See inside Toy Box
March 13, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET Your kids will be excited about this one. Brockton's newest play place, Toy Box Playzone, is something out of a child's dream. Located on the east end of the Westgate Mall, Toy Box offers arcade games, rooms for birthday parties and a 5,000-square-foot "soft-play" unit — essentially a two-story maze in which kids can crawl and frolic. It is, according to general manager Mike Blath, designed to accommodate "anybody of walking age to a 100-year-old grandfather."
Middle school honor students voted on Brockton's best pizza. Who won?
Is there a more opinionated group of pizza critics than a hungry group of middle schoolers? Probably not. So, when Brockton's South Middle School held its second annual Brockton Pizza Championships on Friday, March 7, praise, criticism and all pizza-related theories hurtled across the South Middle School cafeteria. The pizza championships were a reward for the school's honor roll students, and each student was given a ballot before conducting their blind taste test of the array of donated pizzas.
Bubbakoo's Burritos eyes Brockton for first MA location. Where? When?
March 9, 2026, 4:30 a.m. ET Brockton might (might!) be getting a brand-new burrito joint. Emphasis on might. Bubbakoo's Burritos has officially enquired about permitting information to build out the burrito chain's first-ever location in Massachusetts, according to Isaiah Thelwell, the city's planning and economic development administrator. If everything goes as planned, the store would be located at 735 Belmont St. in Brockton.
Leal's Kitchen in current state to be demolished. What lies ahead?
For 10 years, Leal's Kitchen has operated its Brazilian and Cape Verdean takeout shop out of a little blue building on the south end of Brockton's Main Street. If everything goes according to plan, this year will be its last.
Boundless Bean to open second shop inside East Bridgewater YMCA. When? Original
The Boundless Bean knows no bounds. The Bridgewater-based coffee shop is set to shortly expand operations to a second location. The new spot will open at the Old Colony YMCA's East Bridgewater branch "in early spring," according to a joint press release put out by the YMCA and the Boundless Bean. The Boundless Bean is unique in its mission.
East Bridgewater paramedic stars in Super Bowl ads. How'd that happen?
You might’ve seen Manny Famolare during the Super Bowl. Nope, he wasn’t on the field. He wasn’t in the stands either. But he was on your television. Though he wasn’t in the commentary booth with NBC’s Chris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico, he was in something of a different commentary gantry. Famolare, a 49-year-old East Bridgewater man, appeared in two commercials with Super Bowl LX spots on Sunday, Feb. 8.
It's Brockton's best Brazilian restaurant for a reason. Here's who won
March 2, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET It’s small. There are just two rubber mats on the floor, and there really isn’t room for any more. A lavender door swings inward on a slant. Best not stand in its way if you’re waiting in line. Yellow color-block walls surround you on all four sides, three perpendicular plus a single off-kilter window-packed wall that leans toward the street. It’s not a structural fault, rather a peek into the space’s past life as an ice cream stand.
Love lalo? Crave griot? Who has the best Haitian food near Brockton? Original
All trends point to takeout. Coming out of the pandemic, the takeout order has seemingly replaced the sit-down experience as the norm for restaurant patronage.
National Guard called to Brockton to assist in snow removal
The National Guard was deployed to Brockton to assist with snow removal after a historic snowfall. Thirty-six Guard members are clearing sidewalks and fire hydrants using specialized equipment. A city-wide winter parking ban remains in effect to help crews clear the streets more efficiently. The National Guard arrived in Brockton shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26. "They're bringing some snow removal equipment and personnel," said Steve Hooke, the city's Emergency Management Director.
See the best photos our readers sent in after the blizzard
Sam Pausman Feb. 26, 2026, 11:06 a.m. ET Shannon Murphy's pup named Moose leaps through the snow in Hanson. Provided By Shannon Murphy Krys Patukonis built an igloo with all the snow in West Bridgewater. Provided By Krys Patukonis Sophia Goodwin, 6, of Bridgewater, shows off the igloo she built from the freshly fallen snow. Provided By Gloria Goodwin Justin (left) and Carolina Clark shovel snow after the storm in Raynham.
Round 2 Kickboxing opens in Abington. Meet the mother-son duo in charge Original
"Get back up off the mat and give it more fight in round number two." That's Barbara Arena's mantra, her mindset, her thinking behind Round 2 Kickboxing — Abington's newest kickboxing studio. Round 2 Kickboxing opened its doors for its first day of classes on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. It's a true-to-form kickboxing gym, run by mother-son duo Barbara and Jake Arena. With a slate of eight instructors and 29 classes offered a week, Round 2 has landed its punch on the Abington scene with a resounding thud.
Crocetti's in East Bridgewater named best meat market. Why so special?
For 108 years, Crocetti's Oakdale Packing Co has been a staple of Boston-area butchery. Founded in 1917 by the current owner's great-grandfather, that initial sausage-specializing shop moved to East Bridgewater in 1977. Now co-operated by Carlo Crocetti and Chris Menta, the Crocetti's brand has become sacrosanct to its East Bridgewater community.
Enterprise poll will decide Brockton-area's best Brazilian restaurant
Feb. 10, 2026, 4:46 a.m. ET Welcome to Brazil, Brockton style. Sit down at a steakhouse, or pick from a potpourri of counter-service carry-out options. Perhaps you'll have the grilled picanha. Or maybe a savory pastel or two for the road. Sometimes the only route to unfeigned satiation is through a bowl of feijão tropero, and other times an açai bowl is all that will suffice. Whatever it is — whatever gets you through the door — it doesn't really matter.
Need Valentine's plans? 6 South Shore spots to check out. (And a show)
Valentine's Day is nearly upon us. And as restaurant reservations fill up, we've gone ahead and compiled some of your best bets for the Saturday-night holiday of love. One spot completely revamped its interior to match the love-themed celebration. There are Italian spots galore, a Vietnamese place whose chef was just named a James Beard Award semi-finalist, and even a few options if a traditional sit-down dinner isn't what you have in mind.
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