By the new year Harvard Square will be home to Boiling Crab, a seafood chain with 20 locations nationwide – but Hot Chix could be serving hot and spicy fried chicken as soon as this month in Inman Square.

In exploring how going to a mall can mean shopping for an experience instead of a product, CambridgeSide’s “multi-dimensional, immersive experience” Go Pixel Yourself has become a go-to for musicians looking for creative ways to shoot videos, and a performance space.

A captain of private equity appears to have bought into Harvard Square, the scene of his college years, while Somerville has approved three projects around Union Square.

Fees for small businesses reduced during the coronavirus crisis will continue through 2021, and officials plan additional fee waivers and to further streamline permitting processes.