Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, founders of The Sole Proprietor, One Eleven Chop House and VIA, began their careers in the food service industry while they were both still students at Syracuse University. Robb was working for the university’s food services to help pay for his schooling when the university decided to seek greater student involvement in its operation. Robb was named the first Student Coordinator of the food service program, which had 400 employees, serving 20,000 meals a day in seven dining halls.

After graduation, Robb took a position as a manager at a company that owned two steakhouses and was opening a third. Madeleine became a teacher.

Based on the training he received at the steakhouses, he decided to open his own restaurant. Robb spent a year looking for an ideal location for a restaurant, while Madeleine continued teaching. They wanted to locate in Massachusetts and decided that the Worcester market was underserved. After spending a year looking for an ideal location, they purchased the former Shannon’s II at 118 Highland St and opened The Sole Proprietor in 1979. The Sole Proprietor has grown every year for more than 25 years and now serves 350,000 meals a year and has 85 full-time equivalent employees.

They opened One Eleven Chop House in 1999. One Eleven Chop House quickly became one of the most popular restaurants in central Massachusetts. Sales at One Eleven Chop House exceeded third-year projections in 11 months.

VIA, their third restaurant, opened in 2007.

Wayne has 25 years of experience at The Sole Proprietor, having joined the restaurant in 1982.

Wayne’s Philosophy:
"I want The Sole Proprietor to be 'Your Place.' Your place for superior food and service. Your place to bring family, friends and business associates. Your place for a great dining experience, now and for years to come."

Aaron has 16 years of experience with the Worcester Restaurant Group, having joined The Sole Proprietor in 1991.

Aaron’s Philosophy:
"One of my favorite things to do is to throw parties. I look at an evening at the Chop House as a large party. I feel that all of the people that are coming through are passing though a party at my house. I want them all to be comfortable, happy and impressed. I'm just a really insecure guy!"

Aaron's Business Perspective:
"It has always been our goal to provide our customer with the highest quality product at a reasonable price point. That product consists of environment design, human service, food and beverage. We all do as much as we can to maintain and develop that product as things change and move in the industry. If we can continue to provide a high-level product to our customer, the business will stay healthy."

Brian has six years with the Worcester Restaurant Group, having joined 111 Chop House in 2001.

Brian’s Philosophy:
"We worry about all the little things so that our customers can have a dining experience that is comfortable and relaxed. No detail is too small. "

Brian’s Business Perspective:
"We believe we can deliver tremendous value by combining the quality of our food and wine with the highest level of service."