The City of Worcester, in partnership with the SMG-managed DCU Center and SAVOR…Catering by SMG, announced today that a brand new multi-purpose restaurant is under construction and set to open this September.
From a collection of seven bids, the City of Worcester has selected APC Development Group for the $594,648 build out of a food and beverage space in downtown Worcester on the corner of Commercial and Foster Streets. Located within the DCU Center, SMG, the private management firm contracted by the City of Worcester to oversee the facility, is charged with identifying a candidate to operate the space.
“This new restaurant continues the city’s commitment to making improvements at the DCU Center, and providing amenities that will continue to build the 18-hour-a-day downtown that we have been working towards,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “I can’t wait to see what one of Worcester’s bright culinary minds can do with this amazing new space.”
As part of an incubator concept, SMG and its Food and Beverage subsidiary SAVOR…Catering by SMG is accepting applications from entrepreneurial candidates interested in operating the space in an owner/operator-like capacity. The concept is to provide a supportive environment for a budding food professional to hone their skills with the goal of graduating individuals after several years to open their own restaurant in the City of Worcester. The candidate operating the space at the DCU Center will have control of all aspects of the business while receiving management consultation, at no cost, in the areas of human resources, government relations, finance, marketing and operations. “Though the individual selected will need to demonstrate significant experience in food and menu preparation, we will be providing them regular on-going assistance in the other aspects of the restaurant business to ensure long term success,” said Sandy Dunn, general manager of the DCU Center.
With an anticipated opening in mid-September, the eatery is a welcome addition to the growing population of downtown students, residents and the business community. The space will not only service the public but cater to the patrons on the Arena concourse during events. SAVOR…Catering by SMG is a global company with over 145 locations. “Often the most accomplished chefs are unable to take the next step to owning their own establishment,” said Albert Fera, director of food and beverage for SAVOR. “Whether due to a lack of capital, a lack of training in business disciplines like finance and marketing or risk aversion, extremely talented food professionals may be able to transition to ownership if they have the right guidance for a period of time while they are still able to work.”
Interested candidates can find out more information at dcucenter.com/employment.php
The DCU Center is owned by the City of Worcester and managed by SMG. Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 240 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 140 accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.smgworld.com.