News Nearby: Eddie's Restaurant and Mexican Grill Opens in Wakefield

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians.

WAKEFIELD—When Guatemalen Edgar "Eddie" Hernandez moved to Massachusetts 13 years ago, he had one goal in mind. Opening his own restaurant.

Although it didn't happen overnight - or even over several years, Hernandez has finally accomplished his dream of opening his own Mexican/American restaurant in Wakefield. Located at 25 Broadway St., Hernandez's new restaurant, , is a family-friendly spot that features both Mexican and American breakfast and lunch food.

STONEHAM—After spending years working at restaurants and retail stores in Massachusetts, Leonard "Lenny" Collins recently took the plunge by taking over ownership of Arielle's Cafe & Pizzeria.

Collins, 56, of Methuen, purchased the 8 Central St. establishment on Feb. 1, signing a five-year lease. It's the first time Collins has owned his own business, but his family and a couple of employees are helping him out any way they can.

READING—Sweet Shoppe Candles, owned and operated by Reading resident Leslie Gennari, will supply candles for the "Official Oscars Celebrity Swag Bags."

Gennari’s candles, looking and smelling like delectable confectionary delights, will be included in the 2012 GBK Productions Annual Gift Lounge, an invitation-only event honoring 2012 Academy Awards nominees and presenters the opportunity to enjoy an elite environment with diverse services, hors d’oerves and, of course, mountains of swag, with an eye towards soliciting charitable donations for a number of GBK’s selected charities, including HOPE International and The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation.

MEDFORD—Three Medford city councilors spoke out Tuesday against a proposed $8 million parking garage on Governors Avenue and a $2 million grant the state is offering to help fund it.

"In my opinion, the mayor is using this to put heat on the council," Councilor Michael Marks said of the grant. . The four-level garage would provide Medford Square with about 200 new parking spaces.