Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | March 16, 2020 | Worcester Business Journal 9 Bill Nemeroff Director of operations, B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge Co-owner, B.T.'s Fried Chicken and BBQ in Worcester Years of experience: 34 Years working in Mass.: 25 A family tradition: Nemeroff's grandmother came to the U.S. from France after World War II. Meals were always very important to her. BFFs: While Nemeroff and Brian Treitman will co-manage both B.T.'s locations, Nemeroff primarily will work in Worcester. "We are going to retire together, hope- fully sooner than later. But we're in this for the long haul," Treitman said. Lynn Cheney Chief local officer and owner Maker to Main Market, Worcester Years in the business: 9 Helping hand: The amount of insight Bill Nemeroff has provided to her venture has been instrumental to her success, she said. Looking toward expansion: "I want to be able to assist farmers as much as possible. It's truly incredible to be able to open additional market and stores, to find new ways to help them. I will do whatever it takes to make this work." enough to need Bill yet," said Treitman. "e timing just wasn't right. I was busy still chasing the dragon, as they say," Nemeroff said. Fast forward almost a decade, Nemer- off had boomeranged from Sturbridge to Worcester and back, and his friendship with Treitman had grown. Nemeroff agreed to help run B.T.'s Smokehouse under the agreement they would do something challenging in the near future, like open a new restaurant. "Bill and I have similar philosophies," said Treitman. "We have similar cooking styles, and we cook for the same reasons, as a way to make people happy." is led Nemeroff and Treitman to form a new business partnership, with plans to open B.T.'s Fried Chicken and BBQ at the corner of Park Avenue and Chandler Street in Worcester. e Worcester restaurant, slated to open in April, will be complementary to the Sturbridge location, offering every-day fried chicken, which is only available once per month in Sturbridge. Back when these plans were still in their infancy was when Nemeroff told Treitman his professional life was flour- ishing but he wanted someone in his life. at was when Treitman reached out to Cheney about going to a show from comedian Jay Larson. "It's a small industry," said Cheney. "[Bill and I] worked together a few times, so I knew who he was." Fresh produce on Main Street At the time of the comedy show, Cheney was running the one-woman operation Lettuce be Local. "I got where I am today through a lot of passion, hard work, and a ton of crazy," said Cheney. Cheney's new store, which had its so opening Feb. 7 but will have a grand opening on March 17, still is a wholesale operation, but it has enabled her robust network of 150+ farmers and producers to reach the consumer directly. Shopping locally sourced produce, at the consumer level, is limited to specific seasons, said Heidi Cooper, a longtime friend of Cheney's and one of two Maker to Main employees. e store gives consumers an option to shop local, fresh produce, whenever they want. "It's incredible. People have been coming into the store and clapping, and they're not even my family members," said Cheney. Despite her busy schedule, Cheney's superpower is the art of being present and thoughtful no matter how full her schedule, Cooper said. "She is without a doubt the best boss I've ever had," said Cooper. "As hectic as her life is, there is never a day that goes by that she doesn't make me feel appreci- ated. Her spirit of gratitude is amazing." Even as Cheney and Nemeroff are busy managing their growing careers, both have made time for each other, exhibiting strong empathy and support towards the other's venture. "Bill is a big part of her success," said Cooper. "He is a wonderful partner; I can tell by the way that they communicate that he is a sounding board for her." Nemeroff makes her take time to de- compress and practice self-care, Cooper said, and he lets her take off her boss hat. "He's brilliant," Cheney said. "e support and insight he has provided has been incredible." As for Cheney's impact on B.T.'s Fried Chicken and BBQ and Nemeroff 's career, he said he greatly respects Cheney's busi- ness sense and attention to detail. "She's a go-getter," Nemeroff said. "And who doesn't appreciate an independent woman?" W Making Community Connections for Opportunities to See. Believe. Achieve. Chip in for a Great Cause! Register Now at sevenhills.org/nbgolf Contact Bill Stock to get involved: bstock@sevenhills.org or 508.983.1305 Over 1,600 families who have loved ones with disabilities are thriving due to the vibrant Community Connections program at Seven Hills. You can keep the opportunities alive by supporting the New Beginnings Charity Golf Tournament that raises 100% of proceeds for our local families. Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Dinner, Prizes, Raffles Highfields Golf & Country Club Grafton, MA More than 1,600 Reasons to

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