A long-empty corner near Somerville’s Gilman Square is finally showing signs of life, as new Brazilian café KERO+ Homemade Bites moves toward opening at 374A Medford Street. Owners Daniane Felicio and Júnior Garcia plan to pour Brazilian coffee alongside coxinhas, pães de queijo and sandwiches while construction wraps up inside the former Bocelli’s space. For now, they say they are on track to open soon.
As first reported by What Now Boston, Felicio framed the project as more than a place to grab a snack, saying, "KERO+ was created to bring more than just Brazilian flavors to the community - it's about sharing the feeling of home." The report also identifies Garcia as her partner in the venture and notes that the team is taking over the Bocelli’s address while they complete the build-out.
Zoning approval and neighborhood meeting
City records show the Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals signed off on a special permit for a bakery and café at 374A Medford Street in June 2025, under case number ZP25-000040. The decision, issued June 24, 2025, lists Kero + Homemade Bites Brazilian Café LLC as the applicant and cites a March 26, 2025 neighborhood meeting held to discuss the proposal. Full details are available in the City of Somerville zoning decision.
Local permitting hurdles remain part of the picture
That stretch of Medford Street has lured a wave of new cafés in recent years, but the boom has come with a familiar Somerville subplot: red tape. Local coverage has highlighted how some small operators in Gilman Square have run into rough waters with licensing and inspections. GBH News quoted a neighborhood council member calling the permitting process "heavy, heavy," and noted earlier attempts by ventures including Kero + to secure approval in the area. All of which suggests Felicio and Garcia still have to clear inspections and nail down final permits before they can unlock the doors.
Menu, timeline and what's next
The planned lineup leans into Brazilian comfort food: coxinhas, cheese bread and sandwiches, paired with espresso and filter coffee, according to what the owners told What Now Boston. Renovations continue at 374A Medford Street and the team has not announced a firm opening date yet, but they say they are moving toward opening once final checks and permits are in place. We will update as the project moves ahead.
