2008 40 Under Forty: Michael Covino

Michael Covino

Age: 38

Title: Partner/Operator

Company: Niche Hospitality

Company location: Worcester

Residence: Worcester

Career highlights:

Currently I am a partner and the operator of Block Five Bistro Bar, Bocado Tapas Wine Bar and Mezcal Tequila Cantina. In 2004, I formed Bistro Bar Inc. and put my team of partners together. In 2005, we opened Block 5 on Green Street with much success leading to a 2006 opening of Bocado on Winter Street. In 2007, we were able to acquire space on Shrewsbury Street to bring the flavors of the Southwest and Mexico to our city. Recently I formed Niche Hospitality Group and each of our restaurants will be recognized as a Niche restaurant. In addition Niche Hospitality offers full-service restaurant consulting.

Community involvement:

The restaurants are very involved in the community. We have made a commitment to use our resources to help fight against cancer and hunger. Block 5 provides meals every Monday to Worcester’s Hope Lodge to those staying in the home while they receive cancer treatment. We just completed our 2nd annual B5K road race to raise more than $18,000 for pancreatic cancer research. I am also the co-chair of Share our Strengths Taste of the Nation.

Biggest professional success:

My biggest success professionally has been the ability to create growth for so many people in such a short time. My partners trust me and are right beside me on the front lines pushing forward to grow.

Dream job:

At this point I would like to take the restaurant consulting business to the next level. I like to create things and I love design as it relates to both form and function, which is critical with restaurant design. I would love to have restaurant designs and concepts all over the world some day.

Businessperson you admire most:

Danny Meyer is the businessperson I most admire. He is an innovator and risk taker which are two qualities I respect. He is at the top of the game in the restaurant industry and has created an empire of different concepts that all focus on warm hospitality.

Favorite movie:

“Goodfellas.”

If you were stuck on a desert island, what book would you want to have with you?

“Setting the Table,” Danny Meyer. It has become a reference that I go back to. I discover a new pearl almost every time.