Government & PoliticsSmall Business

Worcester names 24 businesses to new legacy program

The entrance of a corner retail shop with signage and an awning above the door
While its location in the city has changed over the years, C.C. Lowell has operated in Worcester since 1852. PHOTO ERIC CASEY
By Eric Casey

The City of Worcester has named 24 businesses to its Legacy Business Program, a designation meant to honor longstanding and influential small businesses.

The recognition will see businesses included in promotional materials and featured on a page on the City’s website. Worcester selected the 24 honorees from a total of 62 eligible businesses nominated by the public, according to a Thursday announcement. 

In order to be eligible, businesses are required to have fewer than 250 employees, be physically located in Worcester, be a for-profit, locally-owned firm which is not part of a franchise or chain, and to demonstrate community and cultural significance.

The 24 businesses are:

  • Sneakerama, 12 Lake Ave.
  • Addie Lee’s Soul Food, 596 Main St.
  • Maria’s Kitchen, 826 Main St.
  • Jo Ann Warren Studio, 997 Millbury St.
  • Moynagh’s Tavern Inc., 25 Exchange St.
  • Boulevard Diner, 155 Shrewsbury St.
  • Ralphs Chadwick Square Diner, 148 Grove St.
  • Kenmore Diner, 250 Franklin St.
  • Central Shoe Repair, 37 Mechanic St.
  • Da-Lat Restaurant, 425 Park Ave.
  • True Value Hardware, 113 Hamilton St.
  • Bonardi’s Formalwear, 179 Highland St.
  • Parkway Diner, 148 Shrewsbury St.
  • Carlitos Barbershop, 925 Main St.
  • That’s Entertainment, 244 Park Ave.
  • Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace, 408 Pleasant St.
  • George’s Coney Island, 158 Southbridge St.
  • CC Lowell, 455 Pleasant St.
  • Jerrys Tastee Freeze, 2 Inverness Ave.
  • Enchanted Fireside, 728 West Boylston St.
  • Dodge Park Rest Home, 101 Randolph Road
  • Lou Roc’s Diner, 1074 West Boylston St.
  • Miss Worcester Diner, 300 Southbridge St.
  • Marvin’s Corner Lunch, 131 Lamartine St.

ADVERTISEMENT

Winners were scored in partnership with the Museum of Worcester, Preservation Worcester, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

The businesses selected have been in operation for an average of 70 years, according to the City. 

Five of the selected restaurants operate from Worcester Lunch Car Co.-produced diners. Worcester Lunch Car Co. manufactured diners from 1906 to 1961, with many still in operation across the North East, according to GBH.

Honorees will be highlighted at an award ceremony to be held later this year. 

Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the real estate and banking & finance industries. 

Learn more about:
Government & PoliticsSmall BusinessWorcester
– Digital Partners -