Worcester Business Journal

24 Worcester Business Journal | June 8, 2026 | wbjournal.com P OW E R 1 0 0 H O S P I TA L I T Y & T O U R I S M Brad Arcoite General manager Table 3 Restaurant Group, in Sturbridge, MA Age: 57 Employees: 130 Restaurants: Four, plus a wedding venue Arcoite has helped make Sturbridge a dining destination in a region known as a highway inter- sections and tourism destination. Arcoite manages a multi-million-dollar hospitality group with four restaurants and one wedding venue in Sturbridge. Table 3 Restaurant Group's collection of establish - ments includes Italian restaurant Avellino, barn lo eatery e Duck, casual dining mainstay Cedar Street Grille, the lighter Cedar Street Cafe, and e Barn at Wright Farm wedding and event venue. His efforts now include attracting more bus tours and travelers to Central Mass. South, bringing additional custom - ers to local businesses throughout the area. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I am not afraid to do any job. Some days you can find me cooking on the line, seating guests, or fixing a leaky sink. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Treat people fair. How do you unwind? I like to go on my boat with my family and check out new spots around the state for the best food and service. Caitlyn Carolan President Worcester Restaurant Group, in Worcester Age: 46 Employees: 239 Carolan oversees the day-to-day operations of one of Worcester's most prominent restaurant companies, whose portfolio includes e Sole Proprietor, One Eleven Chop House, and VIA Italian Table. Since 2025, Worcester Restaurant Group has upgraded its guest management systems, expanded off-premise dining options, and completed renovations to VIA's outdoor patios. Her focus remains on delivering high-quality dining experiences in a city where the restaurant scene continues to evolve. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? Having worked in our restaurants since I was 13, I naturally approach decisions through the lens of the guest experience and the details that keep people coming back. What is one habit powerful leaders should prac- tice every day? Stay present and engaged. Strong lead- ers stay connected to their teams, customers, and the day-to-day details that shape culture and experience. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Worcester is home. We opened our first restaurant here more than four decades ago and have grown alongside the city ever since. What is your favorite book on leadership? "Hug Your Customers" by Jack Mitchell Michael Covino President Niche Hospitality Group, in Worcester Age: 56 Employees: 360 Central Mass. employees: 340 Annual revenue: $20 million Covino continues to shape Central Massachu- setts' dining scene through a growing collection of restaurants and hospitality concepts. Since 2025, Niche Hospitality expanded Bocado, relocated Mez- cal, launched Green Island Oyster Bar, and opened Vivienne Coastal Mediterranean and VUE Cocktail Lounge. e latter project suffered a devastating setback when a fire forced its closure shortly aer opening, but Covino successfully reopened the con- cept and restored one of Worcester's most anticipat- ed restaurants. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? Perseverance. Success in the restaurant business requires adapting to economic changes, shiing consumer tastes, and thin margins without wavering from your standards and values. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Humility. It takes a village to succeed, and leaders should acknowledge mistakes and thank the people who contribute every day. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? is is my community. is is where I live and where I raised my family. PHOTO | COURTESY OF DCU CENTER Amy Peterson General manager of DCU Center, in Worcester Legends Global, in New York City Age: 45 Legends Global employees: 100,000+ worldwide across a network of 450+ venues Central Mass. employees: 912 between full-time and part-time Peterson took over one of Worcester's most visible leadership roles when she became general manager of the DCU Center in February. Since the start of last year, the DCU Center has completed $4.6 million in venue upgrades, including a new sound system and digital signage, with another $2.1-million rigging project planned. Her focus is attracting high-quality events, conventions, and entertainment acts that drive spending throughout Worcester's economy. - B.K. What is one habit powerful leaders should prac- tice every day? Leadership is a behavior, not a title. Powerful leaders should practice deliberate listening, ask thoughtful questions, and remain approachable, adaptable, and resourceful. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? As a Worcester native, I care deeply about the community and believe in its future. We are resilient, creative, quirky, and undergoing incredible growth. What is your favorite book on leadership? "What to Do When It's Your Turn (and It's Always Your Turn)" by Seth Godin How do you unwind? Group fitness, live events, concerts, and travel. "Power is abstract and complex, but for me, the nature of power is the ability to motivate, inspire, and collaborate." - Amy Peterson, DCU Center

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