Eat Drink RI to preview year-round Providence market concept

EAT DRINK RI is going to preview plans Saturday for a permanent Central Market that founder David Dadekian would like to build on the site of the former Shooters nightclub at India Point in Providence. / COURTESY EAT DRINK RI
EAT DRINK RI is going to preview plans Saturday for a permanent Central Market that founder David Dadekian would like to build on the site of the former Shooters nightclub at India Point in Providence. / COURTESY EAT DRINK RI

PROVIDENCE – Hoping to generate support and excitement for a local food and drink-related venue on the Providence waterfront, Eat Drink RI will preview its Central Market concept on Aug. 6.

The site is on state-owned land adjacent to the Providence ferry terminal, which offers seasonal trips between the capital and Newport.

The Eat Drink RI Central Market, as envisioned by creator David Dadekian, will feature local farm goods, producers and food artisans, in a year-round facility to be constructed at the site, at 25 India St.

The participants will include food manufacturers such as The Backyard Food Company, El Rancho Grande, The Granny Squibb Company, Moonrose Farm, Narragansett Creamery, New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Stock Culinary Goods and Yacht Club Soda.

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Dadekian was the sole respondent a year ago to a state request for proposals for redevelopment of the 1.7-acre property. The site is often called the former Shooters location, as it was the site of a former nightclub by that name. The property has been vacant since 2000.

Dadekian said he is continuing to negotiate a lease for the property from the state. He also is continuing to seek private financing for the endeavor.

And he has been speaking to the R.I. Commerce Corp. about incentives to help build the Central Market, but as yet has not formally applied.

“We’re still discussing what will work best for us,” he said.

A $300,000 grant obtained by Dadekian through the Rhode Island Foundation in 2014 has provided funds for site preparation, and to secure conceptual drawings from an architect.

Those drawings will be posted publicly at the preview for the first time. Eat Drink RI has retained Union Studio as architect.

The preview will be from 2-6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6.

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