Spotlight

SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE: Analise Rossi, manager and bartender at The Boombox in Providence, says there’s often a group of regulars at the karaoke lounge always applauding and cheering on the performers.  PBN PHOTO/MICAHEL SALERNO

Karaoke bar stands out in crowded Providence nightlife scene

Spotlight 11/07/2025

While numerous bars in Providence offer karaoke nights, the city hosts just one karaoke lounge. But even looking beyond the capital city, The Boombox offers...

THE MATCHMAKERS: RestauRent Inc. founder and CEO Nicholas Cianfaglione, second from left, is surrounded by, from left, co-founder Ann-Marie Harrington, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Will Tondo and co-founder and Head of Product Kacie Galligan outside 225 Dyer St. in Providence, where the startup is located. The company says it simplifies the process of booking private event spaces in restaurants, bars, breweries and similar venues. PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

RestauRent: A place where parties click

Spotlight 10/24/2025

A Rhode Island startup is aiming to solve one of hospitality’s overlooked problems: how to easily book a private event space. Providence-based RestauRent Inc. is...

SURF’S UP: Owner and instructor Bobby Drought developed the business plan for what would become Rhody Surf, which teaches surf lessons and offers equipment rentals, as part of an MBA program capstone project before launching it as a fully realized business in 2011.  PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

Riding the waves with Rhody Surf

Spotlight 10/10/2025

Despite Rhode Island’s status as the Ocean State, Bobby Drought recognizes that people generally don’t associate its coastline with one of the most widely...

ROBOTIC SHIP: Paul Lwin is co-founder and CEO of Havoc AI, a software-first defense startup that he launched with Joe Turner in 2024 to build artificial intelligence-powered uncrewed surface maritime vessels. PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Providence startup building AI-powered robot fleet for U.S. Navy

Spotlight 09/26/2025

Paul Lwin was flying a 40-year-old EA-6B Prowler over the mountains of Afghanistan as a U.S. Navy pilot when he realized the U.S. defense...

OPEN FOR BIDS: Vallots Auctioneers founder Michael Dym with some of the art to be auctioned at his auction house in Providence. Dym started the business in New York City in 2003 but moved it to Providence in 2021.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Dym finds value in working with art

Spotlight 09/12/2025

Michael Dym has always been drawn to all kinds of art, but not just making it. Before he could even walk, Dym would flip through...

GETTING A GLOW UP: Maia Chrupcala, center, owner of dog day care and grooming business The Wiggle Room in Middletown, is pictured with, from left, groomers Ness Sierra, Lauryn Gregory and Brooke Higgins. The dogs are Alfie, left, and Cora. PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

Middletown business provides Wiggle Room for dogs

Spotlight 08/29/2025

Founded by animal enthusiast and Newport native Maia Chrupcala, The Wiggle Room emerged from a lifelong love for animals. After dedicating years to social services,...

SAILING SUCCESSION: Sanderson “Sandy” Carney, left, founder of yacht brokerage Sanderson Yachting in Newport, recently brought in Erin Pavane as a business partner to help her grow and run the business while Carney considers stepping down from full-time work. PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Sanderson Yachting helps others set sail

Spotlight 08/15/2025

When Sanderson “Sandy” Carney is out on the water, she’s at peace – even if she’s constantly tinkering with different pieces of the boat. “What...

LEVELING UP: Matt Bosgraaf, who began working at The Kayak Centre in North Kingstown nearly 25 years ago as a high school student providing basic waterside assistance and customer service tasks, was recently named a co-owner of the business, which features instruction, rentals and sales, alongside founder Jeff Shapiro. PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Expanding services, scope helps Kayak Centre cruise for nearly 30 years

Spotlight 08/01/2025

As The Kayak Centre approaches its 30th anniversary in business this fall, Matt Bosgraaf has been there for most of its history. Bosgraaf, now 42,...

LEAVING HIS MARK: Providence Painted Signs owner Shawn Gilheeny works in his Marvin Street studio. His signature work can be seen throughout the capital city and beyond.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Painting Providence: Where advertising meets art

Spotlight 07/18/2025

Shawn Giheeney’s eye-catching handiwork can be spotted all over Providence. His company, Providence Painted Signs, has left a bold mark across the cityscape with striking...