22 Worcester Business Journal | Fact Book 2017 | wbjournal.com
C e n t r a l M a s s . S o u t h
R E G I O N S
The crossroads
of New England
Central Mass. South combines tourism and high-
tech industry in a supportive community
BY LIVIA GERSHON
Special to the Worcester Business Journal
I
t would be hard to find a nicer
place for a meal and cocktail than
308 Lakeside in East Brookfield.
But general manager and co-owner
Tom Fahey said the restaurant's season-
al American dishes and gorgeous view
of Lake Lashaway aren't the only rea-
sons for its success.
During the week, Fahey said, local
businesses like FLEXcon bring office
employees by for meetings. On the
weekends, there's often a wedding
rehearsal dinner or wedding shower.
The place isn't big enough for most
weddings, but other venues in the area
often recommend it to their brides and
grooms for other parts of the festivities.
That kind of mutual support extends to
the local government.
"The town has been absolutely fantas-
tic with us," Fahey said. "All along
they've supported everything we do."
308 Lakeside, which opened in 2014,
returns the favor by holding a golf tour-
nament to help fund the town's annual
fireworks display, and supporting other
local causes.
Location, location, location
Tight-knit business relationships are
central to the success of companies in
Nichols College in Dudley is the largest university in Central Mass. South, featuring a more
suburban and rural campus than the urban universities in Greater Worcester.
The Old Sturbridge Village tourist
attraction features performers acting
out a colonial lifestyle.
