At nearly any time, Weston High students can be spotted filtering in and out of the familiar complex in Waltham between Routes 120 and 117 called Main Street Marketplace. This complex includes three food outlets – Five Guys, Chipotle, and Panera – giving it its moniker commonly known at WHS as “Five/Chip/Pan.”
The cluster of restaurants has become more than just a place to grab a bite; the plaza has become a popular gathering spot, bringing people together to form friendships, make plans, and observe the everyday culture of Weston students in a setting outside WHS.
Many students report that their connection to Five/Chip/Pan began early in their high school careers as going there for food is often linked to sports or social gatherings due to its accessibility.
“For me, it was around ninth grade when I joined the sports teams at Weston and we would go get food after a practice or game,” said sophomore Josie Dresden. “We’d go to Five/Chip/Pan because it’s very convenient and within close proximity to the school and to where we all live for the most part.”
Other students have been integrating Five/Chip/Pan into their routine due to family members’ cravings.
“I started coming to this food complex when my brother first started eating out at places like Chipotle, and I wanted to try it out as well. So I went with him and thought it was really good,” junior Matthew Fitzgibbon said. “Soon enough I started going to the other places too, and found that the plaza was a good place to go when I couldn’t decide what I wanted to eat.”
Students describe the appeal of Five/Chip/Pan as beyond the food itself, highlighting its convenience and social atmosphere as key reasons it stands out from other dining spots.
“It’s fun to go to with your friends, and [it’s] a good meeting spot,” said freshman Ella Schleimer. “For people who might not be able to choose just one place to eat, they can get something from all three in a relatively short amount of time.”
Faculty members also point to practical factors that help to explain the plaza’s increased popularity among students and teachers, especially its accessibility during busy school days.
“What makes this spot so appealing is its proximity to the school,” said high school building substitute Jackson Goldman. “It’s just a ten minute drive, you can be in and out, and for the food options there, you can order online so you don’t have to spend too much time ordering and paying in person.”
Individual preferences play a role in where students may choose to eat within the plaza, often shaped by their activities and priorities.
“Chipotle would be my go-to restaurant in Five/Chip/Pan because I think it’s the healthiest option and it’s just honestly really good,” junior Christos Rogaris said. “[The food options are] right in front of you, so you know exactly what you’re getting and how much or little of it.”
The flexibility the complex offers is amongst its many enticing qualities, providing solutions when sports teams can’t agree on where to eat or if their chosen restaurant is too busy.
“You have variety, so if you’re ever not in the mood for Chipotle but everyone else you’re with wants Chipotle, you can easily get Panera or Five Guys,” said freshman Talia Parkesian. “There’s also times when Chipotle will be really crowded and there might not be seating options, so you will end up sitting and eating your food in Five Guys or Panera depending on who gets food from there.”
Beyond just the food and convenience, it’s the experience and versatility that keeps Weston residents coming back.
“Everybody knows where it is,” Goldman said. “You really don’t have to think too hard about what you’re going to try at a new place. It’s very low effort from a mental and physical standpoint and it’s not limited to just kids: adults can enjoy a filling and easy meal from there too.”
Five/Chip/Pan has become integrated into students’ lifestyle, serving as a meeting spot for school events and team traditions.
“I would say it’s definitely become part of our school’s culture because there’s almost always a fundraiser happening at one of the Five/Chip/Pan restaurants,” sophomore Max Wong said. “It’s also where nearly every Weston sports team goes after practices or games, whether it’s for team bonding purposes or just to grab food together.”
Seemingly the most unique quality of Five/Chip/Pan is its nearly universal familiarity and appeal.
“Just the fact that it has a nickname is pretty cool, it shows how well-known and appreciated it is among both students and adults,” said senior Luca Andrea. “Sometimes people don’t even get food; they just go to hang out with their friends, having good conversations and making memories.”
