by Sheila Kelley, development coordinator
After 43 years bringing joy to her beauty salon clients at ManeStreet Beautique, owner Linda Martinez hung up her scissors and curling irons only to grab on to pie pans, bread dough and peach tea.
Linda has entered a new phase of her life – owning and operating a quaint and colorful bistro, Gathered ‘Round Bistro & Bakery, located on Walnut Street in downtown Peabody.
Linda began her career at a salon in Minneapolis, Kansas where she started as a clean-up girl, then attended beauty college and was hired right out of beauty school.
“When my cousin bought the building for me in 2011 to design a salon, he urged me to think ahead to what I might like to do after I’m done with the salon,” Linda said. “So I told him the only other thing I know how to do is cook and bake.”
His response was, “set it up for that too.” Looking ahead to different options, Linda placed the electricity outlets and water fixtures to be able to utilize at the salon and later at a food establishment.
In 2022, she decided it was time to make the change. She retired in 2025 and started her new adventure.
“I didn’t know what I was going to call it,” she said, smiling. “I didn’t know what I was going to serve. I just wanted it to be a food place.”
She chose a bistro because it’s unique. She didn’t want a café, restaurant or bar. When she chose the name, she was honoring her mom with the name of Gathered ‘Round which came from a poem her sister wrote after their mother passed away.
“We have strong, cherished memories of gathering around mom’s table,” she stated. “I serve what you got in your mom or grandma’s kitchen – homemade, home goodness and lots of laughter.”
The bistro doesn’t have a set menu nor do they serve alcohol. Some items are a constant choice like the grilled breakfast sandwich and French toast meal. She always has deli sandwiches, made on homemade bread, and deli wraps available.
The bright and airy atmosphere of the bistro is uplifting as well as welcoming. There are set hours of service but she will be open for certain community evening events like the Sunday cruises and holiday events. There is seating for 17 inside plus two bistro tables outside.
Hours of operation are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the Gathered ‘Round website to see evening meal specials and desserts of all kinds.
At some point Linda plans to offer a reservation-only meal on a Saturday evening. It would be a themed meal with music, appetizer, entree, dessert and decorations.
“These special meals could be Mexican, Italian, Cajun, even Belizean from recipes I’ve gathered from older women on my trips to Belize,” Linda said.
Linda can be reached on the Gathered ‘Round webpage or at 785-488-6856.
WHAT IS SMALL BUSINESS UNITED?
Small Business United is a group of small businesses who have joined together to make a huge impact! Often we see small businesses who would love to get involved and help the community, but don’t have the resources to make a large gift. By becoming Small Business United members, these businesses contribute to improve lives and strengthen our community. To become a SBU member, click here and select “Small Business United” on the donation page.