Worcester Business Journal

14 Worcester Business Journal | May 13, 2024 | wbjournal.com BY MICA KANNER-MASCOLO WBJ Staff Writer P at Casey got his start in the family business early. At 12 years old, he'd come by Casey's Diner aer school to break hot dogs off their strings, worked his way up to cook by age 14, and eventually made his way to owner, a position he holds today. From starting out as a four-seat horse drawn carriage eatery in 1914 to being featured on Phantom Gourmet and accumulating 60% of its revenue from takeout and delivery apps like Door- Dash, Casey's Diner has seen more than a few changes in its day. As a fourth generation owner of the family's Natick eatery, Casey played the long game, earning his stripes and tak- ing orders from his father, both literally and metaphorically, before he was able to start making the changes he knew S M A L L B U S I N E S S & FA M I LY B U S I N E S S PHOTO | MATT WRIGHT Family affairs e trials and triumphs of running a family-owned business were needed to sustain the business' longevity. From interpersonal communication and succession plans to community engagement and marketing, Central Massachusetts family-owned businesses have experienced the unique benefits and challenges that can only come from working with loved ones. Community cornerstone For Casey's Diner, being family-run has served the business well when it comes to integrating with the commu- nity. So much so, that before Pat Casey had even started on the diner's payroll, customers were already well acquainted with him. "It's like I've lived my whole life on a stage in front of everybody," said Casey. "So the good thing is people know you, and the bad thing is people know you." Demographics of the diner's clientele have expanded from where they were when Casey was growing up. Rising property values and employees working from home post-COVID mean the din- er is seeing more white-collar patrons than it had in years prior, when a large portion of the restaurant's customers worked at neighboring manufacturers and auto garages. Yet, Casey said, there is still a strong percentage of diners who have been with Casey's Diner for PHOTO | COURTESY OF BARROWS HARDWARE Brian Barrows refers to himself as being born into the family business. He started working at Barrows Hardware at around 15 years old and has worked there in some capacity ever since, knowing one day he would take over as owner. Irving Barrows, founder of Barrows Hardware, in the shop's original location on Main Street in Worcester.

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