Worcester Business Journal

28 Worcester Business Journal • May 23, 2016 www.wbjournal.com Join the WBJ's LinkedIn discussion group by scanning the code to the left on your smartphone. To scan the code, you need the NeoReader. Visit get.neoreader.com to download it onto your phone. Want to participate in the conversation? F L A S H P O L L T A L K B A C K NEW RESTAURANTS Restaurants are popping up all over Worcester, but the companies and entreprenuers operating them are from outside the region and represent competition to the locally owned dining options in the city. "Restaurants are another big area of potential for Worcester. We have some excellent restaurants here, and it is an easier drive, easier and less expensive to park, less expensive to dine, and less hassle for MetroWest folks who habitually go into Boston to dine. Maybe it's time we promote Worcester more as a good dining alternative." WBJ commenter Mark Vincent of Worcester (Vincent writes the monthly WineWisdom column for the MetroWest Daily News). HIGH TECH IMPORTANCE The Mass Technology Leadership Council annual State of the Technology Economy report released in May found the Massachusetts high-tech sector is directly or indirectly responsible for 35 percent of all jobs in the state, 46 percent of the state's total payroll and 31 percent of the state's gross state product. "Lot of eggs in one basket!" Twitter user Kimberlee Spillers Do you think these restaurants are positive for Worcester? New restaurants good for Worcester F rom the British Beer Company on Shrewsbury Street to deadhorse hill in downtown, a slew of new restaurants have cropped up in Worcester in the past six months. However, many of these restaurants are being operated by companies or entrepreneurs from outside of the city represent competition to Worcester's locally based restaurants. When asked, the majority of WBJ readers said this outside investment is good for a strong economy. COMMENTS: M edusa Brewing Company in May received a gold medal from the World Beer Cup for the one-year-old brewery's Duchovni Pilsener. Co-Founder and General Manager Keith Sullivan said while he was happy for his brewery, he was equally excited because the award could bring attention to the greater brewing scene in Central Massachusetts. When polled, Central Massachusetts business leaders overwhelmingly said these types of awards were nothing but positive for the region and the companies receiving them. Industry awards good for business, community Are there significant tangible benefits for companies receiving awards? COMMENTS: Yes. They can bring attention to the business it wouldn't otherwise receive. 50% Yes. If it is from an authoritative organization it solidifies the company within its industry. 33% 4% Yes. Outside developers are a great sign for a growing city. 67% No. These restaurants will push out old favorites. 5% "People who live outside the city come and spend money in the city, and this is great for future development. I am thrilled that all of the positive development is taking place in Worcester. It is great to see Shrewsbury Street thriving – if only Main Street could be the same happening. "Receiving awards can be great to help a business receive recognition, especially when they are meaningful and based on criteria that demonstrates the business as a standout among the competition. However, I will agree to some degree that there are so many awards these days that people sometimes look at them suspiciously and don't give them much weight, especially 'Readers Choice.'" Yes. These restaurants will force innovation from existing eateries. 25% No. Awards only draw attention from those who are already in the know. 12% 4% No. Worcester already has a diverse base of restaurants. "Individually owned/operated restaurants that are well-run are a plus for Worcester, whether the owner/developer is from Greater Worcester or from outside of Central Mass." "Competition is always good, and outsiders willing to invest in Worcester should be looked at as progress. The weaker establishments can use the challenge to improve or move aside. The public benefits." No. There are so many awards these days that they have lost their meaning. "It really all depends on the source. If the source is worth talking about, then so is the award." "Each response might be accurate depending on the particular situation. This particular award caught my eye, and I plan to visit the brewery as a result of seeing the award in the press, and I am not in the know."

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