Central Public House owner/chef Dennis Wilson, joined by his family and members of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of his downtown restaurant.

The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce last month hosted a ribbon cutting in conjunction with its latest effort to bring greater awareness to businesses in town and drive visibility. Albeit two months and two weeks after it opened its door to the public, Central Public House welcomed members of the chamber Dec. 5 with delectable finger foods and appetizers in its modern, open bar area — a colorful, vibrant ambiance that matched the energy of the occasion.

Scott Richardson, president of the board, was happy to reinforce the chamber’s mission with such a fun event.

“We are trying to help businesses by doing the networking that’s needed, recognizing key people who do a lot for the town, and enhancing the business community and the Hopkinton life that we all know and love,” he said.

Owner/chef Dennis Wilson, a transplant from Boston, already is embracing the small-town life.

Said Wilson: “The town has been great. They’ve helped me with everything I needed — permits, licenses, paperwork, everything.”

Central Public House hopes to become a household name in town. Not only did it donate gift cards to the Hopkinton Police for a fundraiser, but it also was a sponsor for December’s Holiday Stroll and the high school football team. A family man with two children, Wilson hopes to add a local soccer team to his growing list of beneficiaries.

The whole point of events like this, Richardson said, is to help businesses in town thrive and provide support, planning or introductions where needed.

Bryan Brown, board member and event planner, described the chamber as a conduit.

“One of our big things is we are trying to reach out to current businesses to see how we can make their business experience in Hopkinton better. It can never hurt to have more exposure. We’re just constantly trying to find ways to help.”

The ribbon cutting was the official initiation of the Central Public House to the town of Hopkinton. It’s an establishment that all attendees were sure will become a staple of downtown.