Michael Covino
Then & Now: President of Niche Hospitality Group, Worcester
Since 2008, Covino’s restaurant group has expanded and flourished in some of the most high-profile locations in the city. He moved Mezcal Tequila Cantina from a small location on Shrewsbury Street to downtown Worcester and filled the old Mezcal space with the Fix Burger Bar, only to move that successful venture to a new, larger location on Grove Street. What was three restaurants in 2018 has expanded to eight, with nine on the way in the form of another Fix location to open this fall in Marlborough. Although Block 5 has, one of this first original three restaurants, has closed, Covino continues to roll out new concepts and restaurants. That growth has included a partnership with the Worcester Railers Hockey Club and owner Cliff Rucker, spawning two new Niche concepts: Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta inside the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center and the Railers Tavern directly next to the DCU Center. The growth of his business allowed him to open fitness and physical therapy center Peak Fitness Performance Training on Plantation Street in 2015. – Profile written by Zachary Comeau
What did 40 Under Forty mean to you? It bolstered a strong sense of responsibility to continue to live up to a high standard to do good things for other people.
What advice do you have for this year’s winners? Be a role model or a mentor.
The 40 Under Forty alumni Class of 2008
