Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1489420
22 Worcester Business Journal | January 9, 2023 | wbjournal.com B E S T O F B U S I N E S S F O O D , D R I N K & M A R I J U A N A The Ruck March Challenge "Best Non-Profit Fundraiser 2022" The Ruck March challenges athletes to hike 100 miles through the woods, fields and roads with a 40lb "ruck sack" packed with everything they would need to survive over the four day event. Thanks to Rick Porter for organizing this incredible event, to all the athletes that participated and everyone who donated and volunteered. A special thanks to the Milk Room Brewery, Stone Cow Brewery and Oakholm Brewery for their hospitality and support. This effort raised $150,000 for Why Me & Sherry's House to support kids with cancer and their families. For that, plus your friendship, love and dedication, we are forever thankful! This ad paid for by Friends of Why Me. For more information watch the documentary at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psgWWeB4Uxk BEST RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS LUNCH The Sole Proprietor* Worcester thesole.com Top executives: Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, founders; Caitlyn Carolan, president and owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Keith Carolan, chief operating officer and owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Eric Andreoli, general manager of The Sole Proprietor Founded: 1979 Employees: 98 For more than four decades, freshness and hospitality have been the hallmarks that have made The Sole Proprietor a Worcester institution. Emerging from the COVID pandemic, the Sole worked tirelessly to provide a safe, welcoming dining environment for patrons and staff. Notable runners-up: VIA Italian Table, 110 Grill n BEST CATERER FOR A CORPORATE EVENT Peppers Artful Events, LLC. Northborough PeppersArtfulEvents.com Top executive: General Manager Nick Long Founded: 1987 Employees: 30 Peppers Artful Events takes clients from planning to execution of events, for corporations and individuals alike. In 2022, staffing challenges impacted the team but did not prevent the company from delivering creative and unique experiences. In November, owners Susan and John Lawrence sold the business to Gourmet Caterers of Boston. Notable runners-up: Struck Catering, Simply Delicious Catering n BEST LOCAL BREWERY Wormtown Brewery* Worcester wormtownbrewery.com Founded: 2010 Now offering both beers and seltzers, Wormtown offers three year-round beers in its Don't Worry, Be Hoppy, and Mass Whole flavors, and Underground Series with beers like Diner Car, and collaborations with companies like Table Talk Pies. Its new taproom on Continued from previous page