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wbjournal.com | January 23, 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 11 The duo also own the Dive Bar in the Canal District and the Crust Artisan Bake Shop on Main Street. The competition hasn't hurt existing operators like Worcester Restaurant Group, said Robb Ahlquist, since it attracts more attention. "Our conversation has been, 'Let's get together and get the word out, because Worcester is a happening place," Robb Ahlquist said. It helps the city's restaurateurs have regular meet- ings at Discover Central Massachusetts, he said. The Mercantile space After about a year of considering the Mercantile Center, the Ahlquists decided not to move the Sole. Moving the Sole downtown would be an enor- mous investment, and the area around Highland Street – with its proximity to the colleges and new residential developments – had grown. "We got hurt in this location when the courthouse moved downtown to Main Street. That hurt, but by the same token, now the [Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences] is moving down to this end, the biotech park continues to operate, the hotels are opening over near the biotech park, and the schools keep investing," said Robb Ahlquist. The Ahlquists may be out for now, but Niche might be in. Covino is talking with the Mercantile Center developers about a new Niche restaurant. Although he was tight-lipped on the concept, he expects a potential deal in the next three months. "My outlook on the future is, look for more retail and more restaurants," Covino said. "That's what's going to round out Worcester as a destination." If a Niche restaurant happens, it will open next year, Covino said. W MANUFACTURING SUMMIT& Worcester Business Journal's Excellence Awards MANUFACTURING S U M M I T & Worcester Business Journal's EXCELLENCE AWARDS MANUFACTURING S U M M I T & WORCESTER BUSINESS JOURNAL'S EXCELLENCE AWARDS WE WILL BE RECOGNIZING MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: This spring the Worcester Business Journal will be recognizing some of the area's top manufacturing firms with our second annual Central Mass "Manufacturing Excellence Awards". Winners will be profiled in the special section on Manufacturing in our April 3 issue of the Worcester Business Journal, and we'll hold a special awards ceremony along with a keynote address and panel discussion on manufacturing in April. NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 24, 2017 n GENERAL EXCELLENCE – C ompanies that are the best of the best. • Under 25 employees • 25 -99 employees • Over 100 employees n EMERGING MANUFACTURER n PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN n WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTIVITY n SUSTAINABILITY/GREEN PRACTICES For questions, contact Brad Kane at bkane@wbjournal.com Visit www.wbjournal.com/manufacturing for full details and nomination form. Supporting Sponsors to date: Clinton Savings Bank | Marsh & McLennan | Northeast Efficiency Supply Worcester Business Journal WBJ n COLLABORATION IN MANUFACTURING Laura Finaldi Manufacturing & higher education reporter • Burger at Armsby Abbey – It's topped with cheddar, caramelized onions and Dijon aioli, but the burger, made with grass-fed beef chuck, heart, and bone marrow, is rich and flavorful enough on its own. • Bloody Mary at the Hangover Pub (only on weekends)– Choose your poison (infused vodka, tequila, mezcal), your rim (Old Bay, bacon sea salt), your toppings (pickled veggies, bacon, an oyster). I get it with mezcal. Brad Kane Editor • Barstool specials at British Beer Co. – Because I am cheap and like bar food, BBC is my usual lunch spot, offering a rotating list of three daily spe- cials for half price during lunch hours. • Salmon crepes at Livia's Dish – A savory crepe seems like a bad idea, but this twist on Mediterranean food with yogurt sauce and chipotle aioli is the best mouthful of food I've had in Worcester. Emily Micucci Healthcare reporter • Salmon burger at Flying Rhino Cafe & Watering Hole - My penchant for this savory burger started when I chose it as a healthier alternative to ground beef, but I'm not sure this qualifies as diet food. • Autumn salad at Mezcal - I miss the days when Mezcal was located just downstairs from our offices on Shrewsbury Street. This salad is delectable, and the perfect quick lunch. A Worcester sampling As journalists who have made their way through the various restaurants of the city, here are a couple of recommendations from the WBJ editorial staff for the Worcester food and drink scene.