wbjournal.com | October 28, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 29
35th Anniversary
WBJ
Bar on Grove Street. Niche also operates
restaurants in Wellesley and Marlborough.
Hold onto your forks!
What's cooking?
Niche plans to open "Viviene" in
2025 in the glass tower at 446 Main St.,
Worcester. e restaurant will feature a
shared plate concept with a concentration
on coastal Mediterranean fare. Niche also
holds a 12-year lease on the property that
housed District Wood-Fired Kitchen on
Harding Street. According to Covino, an
entirely new concept will go into the space
sometime next year. "New name, new
brand," said Covino, who was tightlipped
on further details. "I think diners will be
surprised."
Niche opened its first restaurant, Block
Five Bistro on Green Street in the city's
Canal District in 2005. It permanently
closed two restaurants in Leominster, the
Fix Burger Bar (2024) and Bocado Tapas
Bar (2023).
Covino said with more people moving
into the area dining expectations are on
the rise, and Niche wants to be on the
forefront. "We have the people to make it
happen and we're excited," he said. "I live
in Worcester and I love this community."
Covino said profit margins are a major
challenge in the restaurant industry
because of the higher costs of running a
restaurant. "You can't get away from it," he
said. Some restaurants may adjust, making
smaller, shorter and simpler menus.
Who's cooking?
When it comes to local award-winning
Mezcal and Bocado have become go-to spots in Worcester's ever-evolving restaurant scene.
COURTESY NICHE HOSPITALITY GROUP
Mike Covino, president, Niche Hospitality Group
COURTESY NICHE HOSPITALITY GROUP
"New name, new
brand. I think
diners will be
excited. ... We have
the people to make
it happen and
we're excited. I
live in Worcester
and I love this
community."
– Mike Covino, president,
on Niche Hospitality's
Worcester expansion plans
for the coming year
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