Category: Food News

Food News revolves around the happenings within the national Hospitality Industry and how it relates to the local restaurant scene. Here in the Commonwealth, the dining scene is vibrant and is influenced by—and sometimes influences—the national spotlight.

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British Beer Company Sights Shrewsbury Street in Worcester

British Beer Company coming to Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

 

Bangers and Mash from British Beer Company

The recent and sudden closing of the Urban left a more than few heads spinning on the Shrewsbury restaurant scene. The change is good news for one firm, for securing a coveted spot on the Worcester restaurant scene has been on the British Beer Company principal Gary Simon’s radar for some time.

WorcesterScene spoke with Lisa Fosdick, BBC’s Director of Public Relations: “We’re delighted we’ve landed on Shrewsbury Street – we’re in great company with the other great restaurants here. This building is beautiful inside and out, and we’ll be able to offer outdoor seating and the parking is ideal, too.”

The British Beer Company, a privately held chain of 13 pub-style restaurants, started some 17 years ago: founders Harry Gnonk and Gary Simon loved British beers and since could not find them stateside, they launched their first traditional, British-style pub.

Little did the BBC founders know, said Fosdick, how spot on their craft-ale-focused venues would become.

British Beer Company BarWith so many restaurants struggling to manage the wave of change and growth in the craft beer industry, we asked Fosdick what keeps the BBC concept fresh. “Everyone says it, but we live it – we are totally dedicated to our customers. Each of our BBC location is loaded with local personality. We serve local craft beers and distilled spirits, we source food locally and we are always working hard to keep our food delicious and affordable for families, too. That’s been our key to maintaining a loyal patrons.”

Workers will begin to transform the new Shrewsbury Street venue this fall. Once again, BBC has secured Andy Thornton Interiors, the UK’s largest provider of architectural salvage, to outfit the space with authentic pub features and fixtures.

And as for the food? Expect pub-food favorites with a twist. Executive Chef James Gibney and his team have created a menu that mixes traditional British fare such as bangers and mash with artisan pizzas mouthwatering burgers and more, all paired with select British ales and crowd-favorite local craft beers. “It’s this eclectic mix that gives each of the BBC 13 locations their uniquely down-home, neighborhood hangout appeal.”

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Worcester’s Best Hotdog? Join the Hotdog Safari to Find out!

Hotdog Safari Worcester

Hotdog Safari Worcester

The Worcester Hotdog Safari is something that started when Tom Mahoney and his friends were kids. At the end of each summer, Tom, along with his friends and their dads would pile into a few beat up pick up trucks and head out to sample Worcesters’ many hot dog trucks, carts and shacks. Armed with handmade scorecards and a lot of big appetites, they would decide which hot dog place was their favorite. This end of summer ritual was a great way to have fun with friends, both new and old, and a great way for kids and their dads to spend some special time together.

Time has passed, some of these old friends have moved, some are married and some are still the kids they were back then. But they all keep in touch in one way or another and a few years ago, the idea was hatched to bring back the Worcester hot Dog Safari!

Today while many of the elements of the original safari are still there, a few things are a little different. Some of the faces have changed, the sheer numbers have grown and what once was a way to spend time goofing with friends and family has evolved into a city wide event that raises money for a very important organization, the Worcester County Food Bank.

The Worcester Country Food Bank provides food for thousands of families throughout central Massachusetts. Each year we sell Worcester Hot Dog Safari merchandise (hats, shirts, and stickers) and ask participants to donate $5.00 to enter with all entry costs donated directly to the Worcester Country Food Bank.

The spirit of the safari is always to become bigger and better each year. They want to bring in new people from all over to share in their tradition so one day it may become their tradition as well. They want to celebrate Worcesters’ history and businesses, new and old, and they want to give back to the community….And most of all they want to have fun!

This year the Worcester Hot Dog Safari will take place August 15th starting at Noon at the Dogfather at 84 Holden Street. Once you get your card, you are off to check each restaurant off of your list and end at Coney Island Hot Dog. All proceeds from the sale of merchandise and donations goes directly to the Worcester County Food Bank.