Best Caterer for a Corporate Event
Peppers Artful Events*
Northborough, PeppersArtfulEvents.com
Top executives: Susan Lawrence, founder; and John Lawrence, partner
Founded: 1987
Employees: 25 full time, 125 part time
Read more: Peppers plans for precision
Notable runner-up: Struck Catering
Best Restaurant for Business Lunch
The Sole Proprietor*
Worcester, www.thesole.com
Top executives: Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, owners; Eric Andreoli, general manager
Founded: 1979
Employees: 98
Freshness and hospitality have made The Sole Proprietor a Worcester institution. Beginning with the freshest fish inspires its chefs to create memorable dishes. Customers are served by two wait staff, not one, and they are impressed by how staff remember their names.
Notable runners-up: VIA, 110 Grill
Best Restaurant for Business Dinner
One Eleven Chop House*
Worcester, www.111chophouse.com
Top executives: Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, owners; Aaron Francisco, general manager
Founded: 1999
Employees: 77
Its fifth year in a row winning this award, One Eleven thrives on being one of a kind in a market full of chain steakhouses, with the independence enabling the restaurant to cater to customers’ individual needs. The steaks are hand selected and certified prime-grade, and the wine list has received Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” annually since 2001.
Notable runners-up: VIA, deadhorse hill, Armsby Abbey, Sonoma
Best Coffee Service
Good As Gold Coffee*
Worcester, Goodasgold.com
Top executive: President Patrice Goldman
Founded: 1969
Employees: 14
After nearly 50 years in business, Good as Gold stays true to its founding mission of providing delicious, high-quality coffee at a great value. The company built and launched a new coffee roasterie, part of its efforts to always strive to be better.
Best Exercise Facility/Fitness Center
Worcester Fitness
Worcester, www.worcesterfitness.com
Top executive: Tim MacDonald, owner and president
Founded: 1978
Employees: 75
In its 40th year, Worcester Fitness focuses on meeting each individual’s needs with one-on-one training and team-oriented guidance. The facility offers a friendly and clean environment where all its members feel safe.
Notable runner-up: Fitness Asylum
Best Public Golf Course
Green Hill Municipal Golf Course*
Worcester, www.greenhillgc.com
Top executive: Matthew Moison P.G.A.
Founded: 1929
Employees: 20
Green Hill is one of the longest continual recreation items offered by the City of Worcester. The course is committed to great conditions, equity of access and affordability. The various experiences are designed for all ages and ability levels.
Notable runner-up: Cyprian Keyes Golf Club
Best Private Golf Course
Worcester Country Club*
Worcester, www.worcestercc.org
Top executive: Bill Shaw, general manager and chief operating officer
Founded: 1900
Employees: 125 in season
Built on the foundation of a dedicated friendly staff, the historic golf course focuses on family and community, boasting it has the finest pool complex in the area, along with an assortment of social activities and great food.
Click below to see the other 2018 Best of Business winners:
- Best Bank – UniBank*
- Best Architectural Firm – Lamoureux Pagano & Associates
- Best Credit Union – DCU – Digital Federal Credit Union*
- Best Business Insurance Agency – Sullivan Insurance Group*
- Best Law Firm – Mirick O’Connell*
- Best Accounting Firm – Bollus Lynch, LLP Certified Public Accountants & Consultants*
- Best Advertising Agency – Davis Advertising
- Best College for Business Education – Nichols College*
- Best Financial Planning/Investment Services – Provo Wealth Management Group*
- Best Employee Benefits Consultant – Sullivan Benefits*
- Best Luxury Automobile Dealership – Wagner Auto Group*
- Best Limousine Services – Knight’s Airport Limousine Service*
- Best Health Insurance Provider – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts*
- Best Young Professionals Network – YPWA (Young Professional Women’s Association) of Worcester
- Best Commercial Real Estate Brokerage – NAI Glickman, Kovago & Jacobs
- Best Commercial Landscaper – Cheaper than the Kid Next Door Landscaping
- Best Electrical Contractor – Coghlin Electrical Contractors Inc.*
- Best Plumber/HVAC Contractor – JJ Bafaro Inc.*
- Best Waste Removal – E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc.*
- Best Office Cleaning – Eagle Cleaning Corp.*
- Best Staffing Agency – The Davis Companies*
- Best Locally Owned Place to Meet for Coffee – BirchTree Bread Co.*
- Best Local Brewery – Wormtown Brewery
- Best Worcester After-Work Bar – Armsby Abbey*
- Best Metrowest After-Work Bar – Tavern in the Square*
- Best North County After-Work Bar – Rye & Thyme American Tavern*
- Best Blackstone Valley After-Work Bar – Hunter’s Grill & Tap
- Best Central Mass. South After-Work Bar – The Cedar Street Grille*
- Best Golf Club for Corporate Outing – Cyprian Keyes Golf Club*
- Best Venue for a Business Meeting – Beechwood Hotel*
- Best Venue for a Corporate Event – Mechanics Hall*
- Best Event Production Company – Revelation Productions
- Best Nonprofit Fundraiser Event – March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
- Best Hotel for Business Clients – Beechwood Hotel*
- Best Venue for an Employee Outing – EcoTarium*
- Best Awards & Promotional Products – Engraveables*
- Best Sign Company – Sunshine Sign Company
- Best Commercial Printer – Curry Printing*
- Best IT Services – Cinch IT
- Best Internet Service Provider – Charter Spectrum*
- Best Web Design Firm – Applied Interactive
- Best Video Production – Pagano Media*
* Denotes repeat winner
