Bond between struggling restaurants, patrons endures

Bruce Newbury

03/05/2021

Stoneacre — STONEACRE BRASSERIE owner David Crowell says his efforts to give back to the community during the pandemic have been returned several times over by loyal patrons of the Newport restaurant. /PBN PHOTO ANNE EWING

Blackie’s restaurant in Smithfield posted a farewell message last July that it was closing its doors for good due to COVID-19. On March 1, the owners showed photos of a remodeled kitchen on its website and social media with hints of a reopening. Nearly 1,000 followers posted emotional “welcome back” messages. No definite opening date…