More than 500 businesses have been launched from nonprofit food business incubator Hope & Main, with locations in Warren and Providence, over the past 10 years.
Founder and CEO Lisa Raiola is as enthusiastic about the newest creations making their debuts on the local and regional food scene as she was about the first class of flavors to come out a decade ago. Many are now household names in the Ocean State, such as Sacred Cow Granola, Backyard Food Co., Beth Bakes, Avonaise, and dozens of others that can be found on local supermarket shelves.
“We believe success in entrepreneurship is found in the journey,” Raiola said. “It takes incredibly hard work to bring ideas to life and we are delighted to have a front-row seat.”
Some of the newest success stories have begun to fill out restaurant row, such as Tizzy K’s Ice Cream, located near the pedestrian bridge in Providence. The cereal-flavor ice cream shop has opened a second location in Warren not far from Hope & Main. Raiola said the spot has “had lines out the door” since it opened in mid-August.
Several other food makers are located at Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Food Hub on Sims Avenue in Providence. And there are plans in the works to open a second commercial kitchen operation in downtown Providence beginning in spring 2025.
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TWILIGHT CELEBRATION: Hope & Main founder and CEO Lisa Raiola, right, and attendees listen to Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, left, speak at the food incubator’s 2023 Twilight Party. This year’s event celebrating the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary will be held on Oct. 5 from 5-9 p.m. at Hope & Main in Warren.
COURTESY ERIN X. SMITHERS PHOTOGRAPHY[/caption]
Hope & Main opened its doors on Oct. 3, 2014, at the schoolhouse on the corner of Hope and Main streets in Warren. To celebrate a decade of food business successes, Hope & Main will host a 10th anniversary “Twilight Party” on Oct. 5 from 5-9 p.m. Business owners, chefs and founders, along with many other foodies and friends, will be in attendance. Proceeds from the event will go toward Hope & Main’s new kitchen facility at 945 Westminster St. in the West End of Providence.
“Join us as we celebrate a decade of culinary dreams to honor creativity, resilience and contributions to the local food economy by hundreds of food and beverage entrepreneurs with a party under the stars,” Raiola said.
Guests will indulge in creative, handcrafted delicacies prepared by many talented member businesses. This year’s event promises fresh surprises, special guests and activities popping up throughout the night.
Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will directly support member businesses, while also fueling fundraising efforts for the upcoming West End Kitchens at 929-945 Westminster St. These state-of-the-art kitchens will feature six shared-use spaces, embodying Hope & Main’s inclusive incubation model. Plans are for phase one of the Hope & Main West End Kitchens to launch in spring 2025.
That’s not all. On Oct. 17, the 4th Annual Sam Adams Brewing the American Dream Pitch Contest will be held at Hope & Main in Warren, in which six entrepreneurs will present their business and vision for growth to a panel of judges. The winner will take home $10,000 to help them get to the next level. Friends and fans are invited to come cheer on their favorite Hope & Main businesses.
It’s like Warren’s very own “Shark Tank” for food and beverage entrepreneurs, Raiola said.
There are two remaining Hope & Main Makers Markets on Wednesday evenings at the original Warren location in the schoolyard. It has been a popular summer gathering place to indulge in cocktails or mocktails, savor delectable bites crafted by local makers, enjoy live music, and shop and mingle while the little ones enjoy a host of children’s activities. The markets are held rain or shine.
It all adds up to an exciting fall at Hope & Main and a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and culinary delights in its second decade.
“Dining Out With Bruce Newbury,” syndicated weekly on radio, is heard in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and Indiana. Contact Bruce at bruce@brucenewbury.com.
