Don’t talk to Richard Larrivee about the demise of Rhode Island Mall. He’s not buying it. Larrivee owns five Auntie Anne’s pretzel franchises in Massachusetts and another at Rhode Island Mall. Within a couple of weeks, he expects to sign a five-year extension for his Rhode Island pretzel shop, which opened in 1993. Larrivee also plans to remodel the facility, which features hand-rolled soft pretzels.
Larrivee’s commitment to Rhode Island Mall is telling. His venture into the pretzel business has been a successful one.
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Larrivee has won six Blue Ribbon Awards from Auntie Anne’s, an achievement awarded to just 10 percent of all franchisees. He is the president of the company’s Northeast Region. Auntie Anne’s has 600 stores in 42 states and five countries.
And Larrivee has heard all about Providence Place, parts of which are expected to open at the end of this summer. He is also well aware of the improvements that have been made about a mile down the road, at Warwick Mall.
But he remains confident that Rhode Island Mall will not only survive, but flourish. Larrivee is extending his lease, he said, because Rhode Island Mall is about to improve itself – dramatically.
The mall’s managing partners, Zamias Services, Inc., of Pennsylvania, plan to invest millions of dollars into the facility. There is talk of a “big-box” retailer and movie theaters. The long-vacant anchor, Filene’s, is expected to be filled by “a major department store,” according to Allen Smith, the mall’s general manager.
Details of the future makeup of Rhode Island Mall should begin to emerge in the coming weeks. This Wednesday evening (June 2), Zamias officials are scheduled to appear before the Warwick Planning Board, where they will begin the process of securing city approvals to rebuild and renovate the shopping center.
Smith responds to questions about the mall’s future politely. As much as he would like to, said Smith, he can’t release details.
“I’m waiting for the day that I can make an announcement about this center,” said Smith.
Smith talks about the strength of the mall’s remaining anchor, Sears. He talks about working class Rhode Islanders – and about carving out a niche.
“If we position this property correctly, it is going to be as successful as it ever was,” said Smith.
Smith said Zamias has everyone thinking positive.
“This is what they specialize in – coming into a property that needs a change,” he said. “The fact that they are involved and that they have done this before gives me a good feeling.”
So Smith promises to call, the minute something is signed.
