Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1542456
wbjournal.com | January 12, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 15 370 Main Street, Suite 1000, Worcester, MA 01608 405 Cochituate Road, Suite 305, Framingham, MA 01701 508.753.8807 2026 Best of Business Awards Best Financial Planning & Investment Services Firm Bartholomew & Company is honored to be named Best Financial Planning & Investment Services Firm by Worcester Business Journal readers. For more than three decades, weʼve helped individuals, families, businesses, and institutions achieve financial confidence through personalized planning, disciplined investment management, and a commitment to service excellence. Thank you to our clients and community—and congratulations to all of this yearʼs Best of Business Award winners. 2026 Best of Business winner in the category of Financial Planning/Investment Services Firm in Central Massachusetts, created by Worcester Business Journal. This award is based on public voting and is not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or reflect the performance of the advisor. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser F O O D & D R I N K B E S T O F B U S I N E S S BEST LOCALLY OWNED PLACE TO MEET FOR COFFEE Winner: Sturbridge Coffee House*, in Sturbridge Sturbridge Coffee House provides handcrafted beverages and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The business supports local events and incor- porates trends and concepts from domestic and international travel into menu development. Website: www.sturbridgecoffeehouse.com Top executive: Pia Dowd, owner Founded: 2007 Employees: 35 Notable runners-up: Fuel America - Grove Street in Worcester, Bean Counter Bakery Cafe in Worcester, Brilla Coffee in Holden, Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting in Marlborough BEST AFTER-WORK BAR Winner: The Mercantile Rooftop Restaurant & Bar*, in Worcester The Mercantile offers New American tavern cuisine, artisan brick-oven piz- zas, and two full-service bars serving craft cocktails, local beer, and season- al beverages. The two-floor restaurant features 50-seat bars on each level, a private event room, and a rooftop patio with downtown Worcester views. Located near the DCU Center and Polar Park, The Mercantile is operated by Broadway Hospitality Group. Website: www.themercantileworcester. com Top executive: Stephen DeSousa, CEO Founded: 2004 Employees: 2,536 company-wide; 2,220 in Massachusetts Notable runners-up: One Eleven Chop House in Worcester, Armsby Abbey in Worcester BEST RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS LUNCH Winner: VIA Italian Table, in Worcester VIA Italian Table offers is world-class hospitality, operating under the belief business meals should feel effortless, welcoming, and impeccably cared for. VIA features scratch-made Italian food, artisan pastas, wood-grilled spe- cialties, and a curated wine list, always crafted with freshness and quality at the forefront. Website: www.viaitaliantable.com Top executives: Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, founders; Caitlyn Carolan, president & owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Keith Carolan, chief operating officer & owner of Worcester Restaurant Group; Jon Odgren, general manager of VIA Italian Table Founded: 2007 Employees: 91 Notable runners-up: The Sole Proprietor in Worcester, Sturbridge Porterhouse, 110 Grill in Worcester W W W The Mercantile