Food & Agriculture

Stepping Up: Providence residents launch donation-based grocery delivery service

Food & Agriculture 09/11/2020

PROVIDENCE – Starting a nonprofit was not on Evan McManamy’s pre-pandemic to-do list. Between his work as a licensed massage therapist with his own practice...

SWEET ROLE: Guy Hanuka, foreground, owner of Buns Bakery, in production mode at the Hope & Main commercial kitchen in Warren, makes babka. In the background are Morgan Moats and John Wilda. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Baker rises up in a time of crisis

Food & Agriculture 09/11/2020

Launching a business in a pandemic may seem like a leap of faith. But for Guy Hanuka, it was an affirmation of how he...

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: PB Bistro & Bar had been setting up tables on the sidewalk on Main Street in East Greenwich, but on Labor Day weekend the restaurant and others were allowed to move the tables to the closed street. / COURTESY PB BISTRO & BAR

Restaurants are weathering the worst

Food & Agriculture 09/11/2020

This summer was like no other. Across the country, sections of cities and towns were transformed into terraces and piazzas where restaurant tables migrated...

UNEXPECTED: Rick Simone, executive director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, says restaurants at DePasquale Square in Providence were caught by surprise by the activist group PROVX’s protest on Aug. 24. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Racial-justice protests put businesses in tough spot

Food & Agriculture 09/04/2020

Tensions are mounting between activists with the Black Lives Matter movement and the small-business community. At issue is whether the disruption caused by demonstrations, and...

To Savor: The home edition of a tasting

Food & Agriculture 09/04/2020

Here we are well into the pandemic that has caused upheaval for many, and we are longing for activities that bring us back to...

OPENING ACTION: Jodi Ricci, third from the left, and her husband, Michael Mota, fourth from the left, cut the ribbon at the opening of Lola’s Lounge and Cantina in Smithfield. Joining them, from left, are Scott Connory, vice president of sales; Joe Ricci, co-owner; Smithfield Town Manager Randy Rossi; and Town Councilman Sean Kilduff. / COURTESY LOLA’S LOUNGE AND CANTINA

Dining Out: Restaurateurs make fresh start in Smithfield

Food & Agriculture 08/28/2020

Restaurateur Michael Mota had to pivot. He created Skyline at Waterplace in Providence. The restaurant and event venue located in the center of the city...

Stepping Up: Bank of America, Boys & Girls Clubs team up...

Food & Agriculture 08/21/2020

LINCOLN - When the state issued stay-at-home orders, Bank of America quickly emptied out its offices, including its local call center. That meant the sprawling...

PASSED DOWN: Schantel Maxine Neal uses whole ingredients in her Maxine Baked desserts, just as her grandmother used to do when Neal was growing up. / PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Just like grandma used to make

Food & Agriculture 08/21/2020

Schantel Maxine Neal grew up with a grandmother who baked using whole ingredients, and who created meals and desserts from scratch. Her new business, Maxine...