www.wbjournal.com January 18, 2016 • Worcester Business Journal 23
>> B E S T F O O D
BEST NORTH COUNTY AFTER WORK BAR
Rye & Thyme
14 Monument Square, Leominster
www.ryeandthyme.com
Top Executive: Mike Covino, president
Signature Business Product: Full-service
dining and hospitality.
Rye & Thyme has all the charm of an old
tavern and features a stellar raw bar as
well as a wood-fired grill, its signature.
Pizzas, steaks, chops, seafood and burgers
shine. That, paired with an unbelievable
beverage program featuring a heavy focus
on American-made spirits, wine and craft
beer, make it a true American tavern.
BEST PLACE TO MEET FOR COFFEE
Starbucks
11 E. Central St., Worcester
www.starbucks.com
Top Executive: CEO Howard Schultz
With more than 50 locations in Central
Massachusetts, Starbucks – with its high-
end coffee and free WiFi – is a favorite
among business professionals for morning
meetings and afternoon pick-me-ups.
Notable Runner-up: InHouse Coffee,
inhousecoffeeusa.com
BEST CATERER FOR A CORPORATE EVENT
Struck Catering
130 Hamilton St., Worcester
StruckCatering.com
Top Executive: Barbara Cotter
The mother-son team of Barbara Cotter
and Derek Grillo contribute a blend of
considerable talents to Struck Catering.
Together with their professional staff,
Barbara and Derek ensure clients and their
eager guests relish every Struck Catering
event with freshly prepared, hand-crafted
choices, artful presentations and discreet
service.
Notable Runner-up: Pepper's Fine
Catering, pepperscatering.com
BEST METROWEST AFTER WORK BAR
Tavern in the Square
(repeat winner)
318 Main St., Northborough
www.taverninthesquare.com
Top Executive: Stephen Desousa
Signature Business Product: Scratch-
made food and craft beers
Tavern has created a welcoming
atmosphere, where guests can unwind in
the bar after work or enjoy dinner in the
dining room. The bar features 50 draft
beers that complement well with the
scratch menu.
BEST BLACKSTONE VALLEY AFTER WORK BAR
Kyoto Bar & Grill
185 Church St., Whitinsville
kyotobarandgrill.com
Top Executive: Thien Phan, owner
Signature Business Product: Asian food
and spirits
With a menu featuring sushi and other
traditional Asian dishes and a bar
featuring a variety of mixed drinks and
imported beers, Kyoto offers an escape
that can be a quick stop after work for
small appetizers and a few rounds of
drinks.
BEST RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS LUNCH
The Sole Proprietor
118 Highland St. Worcester
www.TheSole.com
Top Executives: Robb & Madeleine Ahlquist
Signature Business Product: Freshest native New England seafood
How does The Sole Proprietor, an independent family-owned business, fend off
chains and continue to be recognized as one of the best seafood restaurants in America?
By serving the freshest, highest-quality seafood and making its patrons feel not only
welcomed, but appreciated.
Notable Runner-up: VIA Italian Table, viaitaliantable.com
