The Independent Celebrates 25 Years

Published April 2026

The Independent, affectionately known by neighbors as The Indo, has been proudly whipping up fresh food and drinks in Union since June 28, 2001. Jess Willis shares a little bit of history behind The Indo and her path from bartender to Owner and Operator.

Tell us a little bit about The Indo!

The Independent is a neighborhood restaurant and pub that’s been part of Union Square for 25 years. We focus on warm and friendly hospitality, ingredient-driven food, and great drinks—all central to the experience, whether you’re stopping in for lunch or staying for the evening. It’s a place built on consistency, hospitality, and a team that’s been here for the long haul.

What inspired you to start a business? How did this feeling grow once you actually started your business?

I didn’t start out intending to own a restaurant. I started behind the bar. I was hired at The Independent about a year after it opened, became GM shortly after that, and grew alongside the business as it expanded. Over time, it shifted from learning the work to taking responsibility for it and making sure we kept building a place that felt like part of the neighborhood.

What aspect of your business makes you most proud to be a business leader in our community?

I’m proud of the longevity of our team and the sense of continuity that comes with it. In an industry known for turnover, we have people who have been here for years—even decades—including in the kitchen, behind the bar, and on our management team. That consistency shows up in the experience and creates a place that feels genuinely rooted in the neighborhood.

How do you #LoveUnionSquare?

I live in Somerville, so Union Square has always been part of my day-to-day. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years. When my kids were younger, we loved playgroups at the Growing Center, long days at Walnut Street Playground, and quiet stops at Ricky’s, which feels like a little sanctuary in the middle of everything. There are many people and places that shaped the neighborhood for me that are no longer here but hold a lot of great memories. 

Now my kids are in high school and college and working in the restaurants themselves, which feels like a full circle moment. I really love what the Square is now too—new businesses, creative energy, and a neighborhood that keeps evolving while still feeling like itself.

If you were to plan the perfect outing in Union Square, where would you go and what would you do?

Start with a walk through the neighborhood and pop into a few spots along the way—my husband would definitely want to stop into Hub Comics. I’d plan to end up at Barra, which I absolutely love, and take the time to sit and enjoy a Naked Damiana (their take on a Naked & Famous). Then we would walk up to the Prospect Hill Monument for the view (and the workout!) and head home from there.

Do you have any “behind the scenes” info that a customer might not know?

The woodwork in the pub has a great history. It’s hand-carved Victorian oak that originally lined the boardroom of the Schrafft’s Candy Company in Charlestown, just up the road. It eventually made its way up to a restaurant on Cape Ann before finding its way back here, which feels pretty fitting. It’s one of those details that carries a sense of place and history, and now people get to sit with it every day.

Is there anything else you think a Square customer would like to know?

This year marks our 25th anniversary and it feels like a great moment to look forward as much as back. We’ve been lucky to be part of people’s routines for a long time, and we’re focused on continuing to be that kind of place—reliable, welcoming, and always evolving alongside the neighborhood. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s a good time to come back in.

The Independent’s kitchen is open until midnight every night! Stop by Monday through Friday from noon ‘til 1am and Saturday & Sunday 11am ‘til 1am.

Follow The Indo on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on specials, promos, and upcoming events.