Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1326247
wbjournal.com | January 11, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 23 967 GRAFTON ST 301 GROVE ST WORCESTER 967 301 WORCESTER A local bank, proudly supporting local businesses. Member FDIC For more information, contact: Michael Crawford Senior Vice President, Worcester Rockland Trust 508.769.2944 Michael.Crawford@RocklandTrust.com RocklandTrust.com/Worcester Personal | Commercial | Small Business | Investments Now with two branch locations in Worcester. 301 GROVE ST 967 GRAFTON ST WORCESTER F O O D , D R I N K & M A R I J U A N A B E S T O F B U S I N E S S BEST MARIJUANA COMPANY Cultivate Leicester, Framingham & Uxbridge, www.cultivatemass.com Top executive: Founder & CEO Sam Barber Founded: 2018 Employees: 130 Cultivate strives to ensure customers feel like they're part of a family, by offering comprehensive customer service and premium homegrown products. The dispensary donates 10% of its profits every month to an organization serving those in need. In the reopening following its shutdown during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, Cultivate went beyond the state's guidelines to place extra emphasis on safety. Notable runners-up: Good Chemistry, Verilife n BEST LOCAL BREWERY Wormtown Brewery* Worcester & Foxborough, www.wormtownbrewry.com Top executive: Managing Partner David Fields Founded: 2010 Employees: 50+ For more than 10 years, Wormtown has kept a passion for making the best beer at the heart of everything it does. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the brewery started expanding its taproom to allow for more people to come into its space, along with its contactless drive- thru. Notable runners-up: Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co., Tree House Brewing Co. Wachusett Brewing Co., Redemption Rock Brewing Co. n BEST CATERER FOR A CORPORATE EVENT Peppers Artful Events* Northborough, www.PeppersArtfulEvents.com Top executive: Co-Owners Susan and John Lawrence Founded: 1987 Employees: 150-200 Much of 2020 at Peppers was spent working with clients to change event dates, find new venues, and overhaul their entire event logistics, including changing the way food was served. As the coronavirus pandemic entered the fall, Peppers began offering food at the Farmer and Fork Cafe at Tower Hill, launched online, and introduced Prepared by Peppers weekend takeout. Notable runners-up: Struck Catering, Creedon & Co., Inc. n BEST RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS LUNCH The Sole Proprietor* Worcester, www.thesole.com Top executives: Owners Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, President Caitlyn Carolan, and General Manager Eric Andreoli Founded: 1979 Employees: 98 For 41 years, The Sole has not only offered the freshest seafood prepared in a variety of ways, but consistently provided above- and-beyond hospitality with every meal. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Sole switched to MERV 13 air filtration, personal protective equipment for staff, extensive safety training, outdoor dining, curbside pick-up, and a new online fresh fish market and takeout system. Notable runners-up: VIA Italian Table, Sonoma Restaurant at Beechwood Hotel, 110 Grill n