Just in time for the holidays, a handful of new restaurants are about to open their doors around the state. They are new locations of existing places as well as brand-new, stand-alone eateries.
Most of the action is centered in Providence, where no fewer than three spots are at various points in the process of getting their doors open. Fat Belly’s, a casual, Irish pub-style concept is under construction at the former 3 Steeple Street, which is actually located on Canal Street. Owner and certified executive chef Scott Parker studied overseas during his college years. During his free time, Parker would “daydream” about owning an Irish pub, even going so far as to create schedules for his staff. Although Parker’s culinary training and experience has been strictly fine dining, his favorite pastime was relaxing and eating at pubs.
Fast forward to 2005 and Parker, then an instructor at Johnson & Wales University, met some like-minded colleagues who became investors in the concept. Then he had the opportunity to fulfill his dream. A former pizzeria was available in the Potowomut neighborhood in Warwick that was a perfect size for an Irish pub.
It became the first Fat Belly’s. Other locations followed, first in nearby East Greenwich, then in Wakefield in the shadow of the Mews Tavern. No opening date has been announced for the Providence Fat Belly’s.
The Federal Reserve in downtown Providence closed its doors earlier this year. Proprietor Bob Burke is focusing on his landmark Pot au Feu and his pet project, the Independence Trail walking tour of downtown Providence. The Federal Reserve will reopen as The Dorrance, run by a former Reserve manager, Regina Curran Lester.
The new owners of the Union Trust Building – its original name- plan to continue the Federal Reserve tradition as a function facility, and plans are also in the works to serve lunch and tapas-style dining. According to media sources, former Gracie’s executive chef Joe Hafner is consulting on the menu and Kyla Coburn is redesigning the space.
Jacky’s Galaxie is building a new restaurant on the bottom floor of the Waterplace luxury condominiums. The popular Asian dining megaplex chain known for its sushi is undergoing the licensing process that always adds time to an opening schedule, so the exact opening date is not known. In addition to the wide-ranging menu, Jacky’s Galaxie at Waterplace will also feature live entertainment.
The proprietors are from Ohio and Indiana, where they have been successful restaurateurs with a similar approach. This is their first venture into Rhode Island and it is also the first Mexican restaurant at this location, which at various times also was a Maine seafood spot (Weathervane) and a Brazilian steakhouse (Gauchos Do Brazil, now on Jefferson Boulevard).
So is this the sign we have been waiting for that happier days are here at last? Perhaps. According to one restaurateur, it is definitely an opportune time for investors to get into the market as he has. Dan Gonya is with Table 3, a restaurant management firm in Massachusetts. The company has just acquired two restaurants in the Worcester area, the most recent being The Whistling Swan in Sturbridge, a landmark for the better part of the last half-century.
“Prices are as favorable as they are going to get,” he said. “For the right venue, this is an excellent time to move.” Table 3 took over the venerable eatery on Route 20 about three months ago. A makeover of the kitchen and some decorative touches were the company’s first tasks, then a menu makeover.
The emphasis is on casual, fine dining such as steaks grilled in cast-iron skillets and served with side dishes rather than steakhouse-style a la carte. According to Gonya, The Whistling Swan customers are flocking back.
Two axioms in the restaurant world have always rung true with me. “The best place to open a restaurant is next door to a successful restaurant,” and “The more you know about food, the more it should make you happy.”
Those of us who dine out often should be happy this year because there are more choices than ever and more coming to our state. •
Bruce Newbury’s “Dining Out” food and wine talk radio show is heard Saturdays and Sundays on WPRV-AM 790 and stations throughout New England. He can be reached by e-mail at bruce@brucenewbury.com.
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