By Jerry Filmore
WORCESTER, Mass. A new brunch spot has opened on Main Street near Clark University, bringing together Salvadoran dishes, American diner favorites, and a familiar Main South restaurant space.
Zaida Melendez, owner of Belén Casa de Pan at 932 Main St., has expanded next door with the opening of Belén’s Clark Brunch at 934 Main St., the former home of Annie’s Clark Brunch. Belén Casa de Pan will remain open. Clark University announced the opening of the new diner in April, and public listings and local reports confirm the restaurant is located near the university in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood.
Belén’s Clark Brunch opened Saturday, May 2, after a brief delay from its original April 30 opening date. The diner is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the press release and Clark University’s announcement.
The menu combines traditional brunch items with Salvadoran dishes, including pupusas and tamales, alongside American diner meals. Melendez said her family helped taste different Salvadoran and American food combinations as she developed the menu.
“I want to do this because I love diner food,” Melendez said in the press release. “My favorite dish is chicken and waffles, and I always try a diner’s omelet.”
Melendez was born in El Salvador and raised by her grandparents until she was 8 years old. After moving to the United States, her first home was located down the street from Clark University. That connection helped make the new restaurant space meaningful.
When Clark approached Melendez about reopening the diner, she said she was unsure at first. Joseph Corazzini, then vice president of government community and affairs at Clark, encouraged her to consider it.
“I never thought I would open a brunch spot. But he said, ‘Why not?’ With the school’s help and encouragement, I got brave,” Melendez said.
Diners also have a personal meaning for Melendez. She said she and her husband used to meet at diners in the morning when their work schedules were different.
“I used to work nights, and my husband works days. I’d get out of work, he’d get the kids on the bus, and we would meet at a diner in the mornings about once a week,” she said.
That feeling shaped the renovation of the former Annie’s Clark Brunch space. Melendez said she wanted the diner to feel warm and welcoming. Her husband reupholstered the booths, the walls were repainted, and the new design takes inspiration from her grandparents’ turquoise home with a red horizontal stripe. A photo of Melendez’s grandfather and great aunt hangs inside the restaurant.
“I want it to feel homey. I want someone to walk in here and feel the cultures,” Melendez said. “I don’t want anyone to walk in and think it’s all Salvadoran, because it’s not. We’re also Americans.”
The new diner will also honor Annie Jenkins, the former owner and cook behind Annie’s Clark Brunch. Melendez plans to display Annie’s Clark Brunch memorabilia in the front corner of the restaurant.
Customers will still be able to order the “Annie’s Special,” which includes two eggs, bacon or sausage, home fries, and toast. Unlike Annie’s, which was known for being cash only, Belén’s Clark Brunch will accept card payments.
Family is also part of the menu. “Becky’s Special,” named after one of Melendez’s daughters, includes three chocolate and peanut butter chip pancakes topped with strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream. “José’s Big Breakfast,” named after her husband, includes a 6-ounce steak, two eggs, home fries or casamiento, chimol, and a choice of toast or tortillas.
“It really is a family business,” Melendez said. Her daughters help bake, run social media, and assist with kitchen equipment, while her high school-aged sons help with maintenance.
Melendez opened Belén Casa de Pan in March 2023, according to Clark University, and has since built a customer base that includes Clark students, staff, local officials, neighborhood residents, and visitors to Main South.
“I have so many friends now,” she said. “I get to talk to Clark students and staff. I get to meet city councilors and state representatives. There’s such a wide spectrum of customers here in Main South.”
For Melendez, the new diner is not just an expansion. It is a continuation of the community she has built one door over.
🔎 W.U.W. Verification Box
What we verified:
Belén’s Clark Brunch has opened at 934 Main St. near Clark University. The restaurant is owned by Zaida Melendez, who also owns Belén Casa de Pan at 932 Main St. Belén Casa de Pan will remain open. The diner serves Salvadoran dishes and American brunch items and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sources used:
Press release provided to What’s Up Worcester, Clark University announcement, and local public reports.
What is not yet known:
What’s Up Worcester has not independently reviewed the full printed menu, pricing, or long-term schedule changes beyond the hours provided in the press release and Clark University announcement.
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