Small Business

While the state’s overall business confidence fell to a 10-month low in December, Central Massachusetts businesses appear to be more optimistic than the rest of the state, despite a month of COVID-related uncertainty.

Whiskey Rocks Bar & Rodeo, a western-style restaurant in Dudley, opened Dec. 29 after six months of renovations and preparations, according to a Facebook post.

Boulevard Diner in Worcester announced on Saturday it will cease its 24-hour operation after being open 24/7 for the better part of 70 years, diner staffer Danielle Beshai confirmed Monday morning.

To help you navigate the ins and outs of the region's business community, WBJ has compiled a list for its Economic Forecast edition of 22 people who will have an outsized role in shaping those trends.

Bisousweet Confections, a Shirley-based wholesale bakery supplying baked goods to retailers nationwide, is expanding into a new facility in Leominster.

Central Massachusetts’ business confidence was 56.3 in November, a little below the state average, according to Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ Business Confidence Index, which featured a regional reading for Central Massachusetts for the first time.

The Strand in Clinton announced Thursday the historic theater will close permanently at the end of December.

Businesses were at the heart of the discussion at Tuesday night’s Worcester City Council meeting as councillors made a final decision on property tax rates for 2022.

The City of Worcester announced the launch of a yearlong celebration of the Worcester Tercentennial, the city’s 300th anniversary, which includes a marketing strategy, partnership with tourism agency Discover Central Massachusetts, and programming with local businesses.

The Worcester Flea Market on Quinsigamond Avenue has been ordered to close by the Worcester Department of Inspectional Services, according to a notice from the city posted on the market’s door and dated Nov. 24.