These days, Roger Bachour, a seasoned Worcester business owner, has reason to celebrate. He opened Whiskey Lounge, 225 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, mid-January, previously owner/operator of the original Whiskey Lounge on Main Street in Worcester. Bachour, with his wife Joanna Bachour, will host a grand opening celebration of Whiskey Lounge this month.
Bachour said the March 20 celebration for family and friends is an invite only party, but doors will open to the public at 9 p.m. Whiskey Lounge has been described as a premium venue, beautifully designed for guests to relax and enjoy drinks, music and food. There’s definitely a sophisticated ambiance. The complex, bold flavors of whiskey also complement the aromatic, sweet or fruity flavors of hookah at Whiskey Lounge. Cigars and whiskey are considered a classic pairing in the lounge setting.
The dish: Bachour opened the Main Street Whiskey Lounge in 2016, closing the business in 2025 as a result of the “building being converted into apartments.” Bachour said he hadn’t planned on leaving downtown. “I liked the location and I had great clientele,” he said, adding that it took a year before he discovered the “space on Shrewsbury Street, vacated by All Systems Go, esports venue. “We renovated from floor to ceiling,” said Bachour, who rehired about “75 percent” of his Main Street staff, in addition to new waitstaff and bartenders. First time guests say the lounge is like a hidden gem. They appreciate that the owner offers a warm, personalized greeting and at the end of the evening, a “goodnight and thank you at the door.” Bachour refers to himself as “owner, GM, you name it.”…