Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1513950
16 Worcester Business Journal | January 8, 2024 | wbjournal.com W BY ISABEL TEHAN WBJ Staff Writer W hen Boston-based Gourmet Caterers purchased Peppers Artful Events in 2022, the company gained the positive reputation the Northbor- Aer ownership change, Peppers Artful Events maintains excellence ough husband-and-wife duo Susan and John Lawrence cultivated throughout their 35 years of running Peppers. Gourmet Caterers' intention was to keep that reputation in place and con- tinue providing exceptional catering in the Central Massachusetts area with- out rocking the boat. e first year of ownership has been just that, said Owen Wiggins, director of business develop- ment for Gourmet Caterers. "It has been wonderful to join the Worcester community in this way, and continue the great work Peppers is known for," said Wiggins. Gourmet Caterers and the former Peppers owners were in touch for months before the sale was finalized. e Lawrences tapped Gourmet Cater- ers directly to pursue the acquisition, trusting the Boston company to keep their good work going. For six months, the two companies were in business together, ensuring a seamless transition. ose collaborations have meant the switch over has been virtually undetect- able, which for Peppers, is a good thing. "Peppers has this great reputation, BEST CATERER Peppers Artful Events* Northborough peppersartfulevents.com Top executive: Owner Owen Wiggins Founded: 1987 Employees: 50 Notable runners-up: Struck Catering, Elms Café & Catering Peppers Artful Events' catering offerings include specialized cocktails. and our intention is to keep that going," said Wiggins. Part of the growth plan for Gourmet Caterers is acquiring companies with positive reputations, and to keep them up. Peppers is operating as the same firm in Northborough aer the change in ownership. "Our focus is on what makes Peppers successful, and doing more of it," said Wiggins. Peppers Artful Events is the exclusive caterer at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston and is known for sustainable, local food. e caterer has been on the cutting edge of new sustainability practices, including cutting out styrofoam, using solar energy, and conserving water use. e company has a hydroponic farm at Tower Hill and grows lettuce used in salads served at the same location. e company has a freight farm in a shipping container, where additional produce is grown. Guest experience is at the forefront for a catering business, and Peppers takes that seriously. Peppers has always been known for a team atmosphere and effort coming through at all levels, as well as delicious foods and beverages. Aer the ownership transition, that fact remains. "We are experts in treating people well," said Wiggins. B E S T O F B U S I N E S S F O O D BEST LOCALLY OWNED PLACE TO MEET FOR COFFEE Bean Counter Bakery Cafe* Worcester www.beancounterbakery.com Top executive: Alice Lombardi, founder and owner Founded: 2001 Employees: 45 The Bean Counter Bakery Cafe's core values center around desserts handmade from scratch every day, using the best ingredients, the love of creating new products, and having exciting celebration offerings. Lombardi seeks to cultivate a fun and dynamic workplace for employees. Notable runners-up: Fuel America on Grove Street in Worcester, BirchTree Bread Co., Sturbridge Coffee House n BEST CANDY SHOP Bri's Sweet Treats Leicester, Oxford, and Worcester www.shopbrissweettreats.com Top executive: Briana Azier, CEO and head treat maker Founded: 2021 Employees: 6 Bri's Sweet Treats opened its first retail location in 2023, on Jan. 8 inside the Worcester Public Market. The company is looking to expand its brand further in 2024. Bri's offers a variety of handcrafted desserts and sweet snacks, but it is best known for its giant peanut butter cups. Part of the business model includes donating to community causes with each product sold. n BEST RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS DINNER One Eleven Chop House* Worcester www.111chophouse.com Top executives: Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, founders; Caitlyn Carolan, Briana Azier, CEO and head treat maker Handmade cupcakes from Bean Counter