Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1513950
wbjournal.com | January 8, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 17 BUILDING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY FOR ALL Thank you for giving us a Best of Business award. The support of our community, members, and associates made it possible. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. F O O D B E S T O F B U S I N E S S president and co-owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Keith Carolan, chief operating officer and co-owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Aaron Francisco, general manager of One Eleven Chop House Founded: 1999 Employees: 77 In 2023, the steakhouse completed an extensive refresh of its interior, including new furniture and flooring, along with a new bar area. The bar added more than 100 whiskeys and brown spirits to its shelves, and the restaurant highlighted this with a special whiskey dinner featuring WhistlePig Boss Hog X Straight Rye. One Eleven again received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for its wine list, as it has annually since 2001. Notable runners-up: The Sole Proprietor, Sonoma Restaurant n BEST AFTER-WORK BAR The Mercantile* Worcester www.themercantileworcester.com Top executive: General Manager Maxwell Rosen Founded: 2022 Employees: 110 This two-story restaurant specializing in new American tavern cuisine is equipped with two bars, including a full-service second-floor patio with views of downtown Worcester. The restaurant has a private dining space and offers igloos in cold- weather months. Notable runners-up: Sonoma Restaurant, Vincent's, VIA Italian Table n BEST RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS LUNCH The Sole Proprietor* Worcester www.thesole.com Top executives: Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, founders; Caitlyn Carolan, president and co-owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Keith Carolan, chief operating officer and co-owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Eric Andreoli, general manager of The Sole Proprietor Founded: 1979 Employees: 98 In 2023, when most of the restaurant industry was flat or down, The Sole was able to grow. The seafood restaurant did this by controlling costs as best as possible while fighting a rise in food and energy costs. After more than 40 years, The Sole can rely on loyalty of the children and grandchildren of its original customers. Notable runners-up: VIA Italian Table, Sonoma Restaurant, 110 Grill, Arturo's Ristorante, Sturbridge Porterhouse n