Worcester Business Journal

26 Worcester Business Journal | January 9, 2023 | wbjournal.com B E S T O F B U S I N E S S W A Y S T O R E L A X BY LAURA FINALDI Special to WBJ e Mercantile has quickly become a go-to bar S hortly after its grand opening in April, The Mercantile became a popular spot for after- work drinks and food, said Max Rosen, operations leader for its owner, Boston-based Broadway Hospitality Group The restaurant's roofdeck was a great spot to grab a drink in the warm summer months, Rosen said. There was a steady stream of Worcester Red Sox fans before and after the games over the summer, and business has only grown since then: The Mercantile had at least one event booked every day in the month of December, leading up to the holidays. "It's been really well-received since the get-go," Rosen said. The Mercantile has become a mainstay for events like baby and bridal showers and work parties for small and large groups, Rosen said. The restaurant has a solid base of local customers who come in regularly. Another hit has been its community events, ticketed gatherings where guests can eat a three- to four-course meal with spirit, cocktail, or beer pairings. One was a tequila dinner, and the end of January will feature a Lunar New Year dinner. In late December, The Mercantile added a charity cocktail to its menu called The Heart of the Commonwealth, to raise money for the Greg Hill Foundation of Woburn, which was founded by Central Massachusetts native Greg Hill, host of WEEI Sports. For every cocktail sold, $1 goes toward the foundation's mission of responding to the immediate needs of local families impacted by tragedy. Kelleher & Sadowsky principals William Kelleher, IV (left) and James Umphrey BEST AFTER-WORK BAR The Mercantile Restaurant Worcester themercantileworcester.com Top executive: Max Rosen, area operations leader Founded: 2022 Employees: 115 Notable runners-up: Armsby Abbey, VIA Italian Table, Free Play Bar Arcade BEST HOTEL FOR BUSINESS CLIENTS Beechwood Hotel* Worcester beechwoodhotel.com Top executive: Sayed Saleh, asset manager and managing director Founded: 1989 Employees: 100 In 2022, the Beechwood performed a multi-million-dollar renovation, as part of its continuing efforts to provide world- class service. It is the only AAA Four Diamond boutique property in Central Massachusetts and has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best hotels in Massachusetts and one of the best hotels in the U.S. Notable runner-up: AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester n BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE Green Hill Municipal G.C.* Worcester greenhillgc.com Top executive: Matthew Moison, director of golf Founded: 1929 As a public golf course, Green Hill aims to offer affordable golf in Central Massachusetts, with memberships with unlimited golf for $1,450 and up, and one- time green fees as low as $17. The course includes a driving range and a restaurant. Notable runners-up: Wachusett Country Club, Cyprian Keyes Golf Club n BEST PRIVATE GOLF COURSE Worcester Country Club* Worcester worcestercc.org Top executive: Troy Sprister, general manager and chief operating officer Founded: 1900 The Worcester Country Club is probably best known for hosting the Ryder Cup in W Worcester Country Club

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