My favorite small business in Wakefield is probably Lubie's Jewelry...love the selection and Nanci Ruehrwein is very accomodating.

The Avon Beauty Store also has handmade clothes for American Girl Dolls - SO cute. I'm headed there today so I can fill my girls stockings.

My favorite is the Avon Store. The owner, Diana is very nice and extreemly helpful. It was great to be able to walk in and shop without waiting for the catalog! Love the store... a great find!

I too love Avon Beauty Store but also Gone to the Dogs, J'Adore, StyleCraft Supply (I like to paint rooms) and of course working for a Family Run Business in town is excellent!

The T Stop in Greenwood, good custom gear for local teams and organizations.

It's a tie between Fred's Franks and Butterfly Yarn.

Fred's changed hands to a man named Carl - the food is delicious, quick, and affordable. The Schnurble is amazing, pork loin sandwiches (with apple sauce) are one of the sometimes-specials, and sausage with onions and peppers is now on the menu. Carl is warm, friendly, and calls a surprising number of customers by name. He's taken the hot-dog cart by the lake and propelled it into a food with friends experience I look forward to every week.

Butterfly Yarn has so much more than you would believe such a small space can hold. The yarn selection is quite varied and extensive, there are books, notions, classes, places to sit while you work and chat, and even a friendly happy dog to welcome you many days. While I haven't been there enough yet to have befriended the staff, they always make me feel welcome, comfortable, and appreciated. Even if you're only considering learning to knit or crochet I highly recommend a visit!

I got some great deals at Alano today too. 30% off winter items!

Great comments everyone. There is a lot of focus in this thread on actual businesses and what they sell/how...can anyone comment on maybe food places or a place Wakefield has that doesn't necessarily focus on the business aspect of things?

Slice Pizza and More is one of the best newer food places in town. Pizza is on par with Santarpios without the drive or wait. Also Zu Zus downtown is delicious and transformed the front into a great outdoor Newbury Street style cafe.

I just had a great business lunch at Molise - they have a buffet for $8.95 that is great. For dinner I love Portobello in Greenwood and Tootsie's coffee corner is the best place for a sweet treat with the cupcake of the day, gelato, slush and more!

Love, love, love ZuZu's Cafe & Catering on Main Street. The food is delicious and great for a takeout or eating on the outdoor patio. The owners are incredibly nice, hard-working people. This is my family's favorite restaurant in Wakefield!