Hospitality

Finard Properties’ purchase of the failing Greendale Mall in Worcester for a bargain price in December signals the death of another covered shopping center in Massachusetts.

The $132-million public commitment for the Worcester Red Sox ballpark was to be a catalyst for a $125-million mixed-use development planned to rise next to the stadium. But existing tax breaks and public financing for the development may now be joined by further tax relief requested by Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus.

Pruller Restaurant, the family-style Brazilian eatery, was among three Massachusetts restaurants to make the list. Located on Lincoln Street in Marlborough, the diner ranked No. 76.

Son Vo, owner of the Pho Sure restaurant in Shrewsbury, plans to launch Reign Cafe in the vacant 1,200-square-foot space on the Foster Street side of the DCU Center.

Polar Beverages has become a major player in the ballooning seltzer market as an underdog: a Worcester manufacturer family owned since its start in the 1880s. While Polar has ridden the wave of seltzer's soaring popularity, it's now facing a harder battle than ever against the carbonated beverage industry's giants.

The first obelisk-like sign appeared in Worcester's Federal Square as the Hanover Theatre was bringing new visitors to the neighborhood. Now, the concept is expanding to other neighborhoods.

The first Central Massachusetts location of the California-based burger chain BurgerIM will open at a new retail plaza on Worcester's Gold Star Boulevard.

Robert Cox wants the chamber and the community to capitalize on the planned downtown development projects.

Two Worcester restaurants, a newcomer and a relative longtimer, have closed: C'Mondz Restaurant on Shrewsbury Street and Wild Willy's Burgers on West Boylston Street.

As long as Central Massachusetts' economic growth continues, food and drink businesses will follow.