Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | October 25, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 23 Dining out shouldn't be too expensive F L AS H P O L L How much are you willing to spend on a typical sit-down meal out at a restaurant? Price points at restaurants vary widely, based on a variety of factors, including what kind of cuisine is served, sourcing costs, and location. In Central Mass., the cost of dining out varies widely, even within sub-regions, although is generally more affordable than Greater Boston prices. When polled online, the majority of WBJ readers said they prefer restaurant bills on the more modest side, averaging $16-$30 per person. Less than $15 per person 4% "$31 - $45, including drinks" "I chose $16-30 only because I never really go out, but do mostly take out, which runs within these prices. When I do go out I usually drop between $80-100." - Christopher Evans "The pricing strata should note whether or not alcohol is included, as that significantly affects the total cost." COMMENTS $16-$30 per person 52% $31-$45 per person 32% $45+ per person 12% the state. In general, Clark said, there's been an increase in interest in suburban locations across Massachusetts. Worcester's authenticity As for Worcester, itself, the city provides something nearby markets like Boston just can't: ease of access. Travel, traffic, and parking are all easier to manage while still providing a sense of being out and about in the city, Clark said. is, in conjunction with expanding entertainment options, such as the Polar Park baseball stadium and e Hanover eatre, are drawing new visitors to a region they may have skipped over in the past. But when it comes to what kind of restaurants diners in Central Massachusetts are looking for, Clark said the key was to look toward larger industry trends. In Worcester, as with just about everywhere else, those in the restaurant industry are seeing an uptick in fast-casual dining, a pandemic- induced thirst for outdoor seating, and, similarly, an inclination toward to-go options. Caitlyn Carolan, president of Worcester Restaurant Group that runs e Sole Proprietor, 111 Chop House, and Via Italian Table in Worcester, said while it's true lower overhead makes running a restaurant in Worcester a slightly less expensive venture, the city itself provides many of the same dining options found in larger markets. And just like restaurants in bigger cities, WRG relies on a combination of locals, visitors, and repeat customers who come back time aer time, especially around the academic calendar, which reliably brings college families to the city in the fall and spring. "ere's all kinds of things that bring people to this area and you want to have dining that matches," Carolan said. If Worcester restaurants stick out in any particular way, Murray from the chamber of commerce said many of the well-known establishments – WRG's three eateries included – are homegrown. e word, he said, was authentic. "We're not a big chain place," Murray said. In that way, folks who go out to eat in Worcester can oen expect to have an experience that, while reflective of larger industry trends, is only available in the city, itself – and at a range of price points. W F A C T B O O K Member FDIC A great city deserves a great relationship. Stop by our new Worcester branch located at 633 Park Ave. 1. Limited to one bonus maximum amount of $300.00 per common ownership or customer. Businesses which currently own or have had a Rockland Trust Business Checking account within the 90 days prior to the account open date are not eligible. Rockland Trust employees are also not eligible. To be eligible for the $300 bonus you must open a new Free Business Checking or a new Complete Business Checking account with an initial account opening deposit of $1,000 of new money to Rockland Trust between October 4, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Initial account opening deposits funded by loans from Rockland Trust do not qualify. The bonus will be paid directly to your account by March 31, 2022. Account must be open and have a positive balance at the time the bonus is credited. Bonus payment will be reported to the IRS for the tax year in which it is paid. For new accounts funded by new money to Rockland Trust. Offer may be discontinued at any time without prior notice. Business checking account must be opened at our 633 Park Ave branch located in Worcester. 2. Limit one promotional personal checking account per household. Individuals who currently own or have had a Rockland Trust checking account within the 90 days prior to the account open date are not eligible. Rockland Trust employees are also not eligible. To be eligible for the $250 bonus you must open a new checking account between October 4, 2021 and December 31, 2021 and use your new Rockland Trust Debit Card to make at least 20 purchases of $10 or more within 60 days of your account opening date. ATM transactions do not qualify. The bonus will be paid directly to your account by March 31, 2022. Account must be open and have a positive balance at the time the bonus is credited. Bonus payment will be reported to the IRS for the tax year in which it is paid. Checking account must be opened at our 633 Park Ave branch located in Worcester. Offer not valid for Renew Checking accounts. Offer may be discontinued at any time without prior notice. Take advantage of one of our GRAND OPENING OFFERS Earn $300 1 when you open a new Free Business Checking or Complete Business Checking account by December 31, 2021 Earn $250 2 when you open a new checking accountby December 31, 2021 To learn more, visit one of our branches or give us a call at 774.243.1098. BRANCH HOURS Mon - Thu Fri Sat 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 8:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. 8:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. VIDEO TELLER HOURS Mon - Fri Sat Sun 7:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Extended banking hours with Live Teller Services!

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