The Power 50: Robb & Madeline Ahlquist

ROBB & MADELEINE AHLQUIST

Co-owners

Worcester Restaurant Group, Worcester

Residence: Shrewsbury

College: Syracuse University

For nearly four decades, the Ahlquists have been at the forefront of Worcester’s restaurant scene, elevating the city’s dining options through a focus on offering food typically only found in larger cities like Boston, New York or Chicago. First came The Sole Proprietor on Highland Street nearly 39 years ago, followed 20 years later by One Eleven Chop House and 27 years later by VIA Italian Table, both on Shrewsbury Street. The focus on excellence has carried over to service, as the Ahlquists understand the importance of the limited time business lunch customers have available. The husband and wife give out a scholarship to a Grafton High School graduate every year, and serve on boards like Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville and Community Harvest Project in Grafton.

What advice would you give up-and-comers? Go work for a successful organization, learning everything you can about what made them successful. After enough experience, go build your own company.

Biking & cooking: Robb is an avid cyclist, while Madeleine loves to cook.

Read about the WBJ’s 2018 Power Players:

Retail

Harry Kokkinis, Table Talk Pies

Steve Rotman, Rotman’s Furniture & Vystar

Ernie Herrman, TJX Cos.

Michael Dundas, Sira Naturals

Ralph Crowley Jr., Polar Corp.

Christopher Baldwin, BJ’s Wholesale Club

Amy Lynn Chase, Crompton Collective & Haberdash

Food & Culture

Robb & Madeline Ahlquist, Worcester Restaurant Group