It could be argued that Worcester lacked one main foodie attraction: an Instagram-worthy restaurant with a cult-like following specializing in a single, signature dish.
The Muse is inspired to remain a part of Worcester’s downtown revival
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Coming to Federal Square during the much-ballyhooed “downtown renaissance,” The Muse owners John Rinaldo and Matt Kingman set forth to be a part of the bigger picture. Cultivating a brand based on the anticipated vibes of new visitors and returning friends with hip cocktails and craft beer, The Muse has added something flagrantly unique to the urban lifestyle trend.
Joe’s Albums helps lead resurgence of vinyl and retail on Main Street
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“Between size and proximity, I wanted to get more ‘central’ and larger. I had looked in the Canal District … then looked down here and saw all of the development going on and thought that was very intriguing. We’re still a few more years away from what’s going to happen, but I think Worcester is truly coming back this time.” Art Simas reports on the place where vinyl records and retail are making a comeback.
Meat and greet: Fairway Beef’s Sigel, customers share unbreakable bond
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If one visits the establishment and concludes, “They certainly don’t make ‘em like that anymore,” that’s the best compliment anyone can offer, according to George Sigel, one of the four sons of Manny Sigel, who opened the store in 1946. Now 82, George is the front man. With the straw hat and big smile, you can’t miss him if you tried.
Recalde’s Sidewalk Café is an unexpected slice of home
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With salsa music playing in the background, the sounds of the Spanish language lingering in the air and the open-arms welcome from their employees, Recalde’s Sidewalk Café, open since February, is all about the Spanish culture. It’s an effort embracing and elevating the feeling of eating at abuela’s house.
The daughter also rises: 50 years of family at Foley & Son Fish and Chips
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“Basically everything is the same as it was in 1967. The fryolators, counter and back room are still in the same location. Of course, we’ve had some upgrades over the years but the layout is exactly the same as the original,” Patti Foley said. “I’m very fortunate and blessed that we keep going. I have a lot of regular customers. So without them, I’d never be here.”
She’s always been a hustler: The Soofi family story
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Imrana Soofi and her two sons, Ali and Shahbaz, are many things. They are Bengali-Americans, with Imrana immigrating here to the United States in 1981 as a young girl. They are Muslims. They are entrepreneurs, hustlers, inspiring hard-workers and, perhaps most of all, givers.
Songs in the key of healing: Worcester Center for Expressive Therapies offers hope
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Older patients who had suffered a stroke had lost the ability to speak, but would still be able to sing. Patients who have been unable to walk have found their stride with the assistance of the center’s music therapy. These stories aren’t as improbable as they seem. “Music activates both sides of the brain,” said Kayla Daly, owner/director. “Music can re-create new neural connections in the brain.”
Nothing usual about The Chameleon opening on Shrewsbury Street
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Following the travails of Kevin Perry and The Usual, a pair of former employees think they’re the men for the job — and for all seasons — to breathe new life into the once booming Restaurant Row address.
Cutting to the chase: Ronnie Caldwell, barber to the Patriots, plans to open shop in Worcester
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It all started with a little hot tub eavesdropping.
For Live Action Escapes, unlocking success is no longer a mystery
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“Coming from a background of redesigning homes, co-owner Michael Paquin had a clear vision of what this business could become. When he opened Live Action Escapes at 1 Exchange St. in the heart of downtown with daughter Amanda last year, he knew this was a perfect fit for him as a creative artist.” Find out about the family business’ expansion plans and more from Giselle Rivera-Flores.