Rick Simone - Page 2 of 4 - Providence Business News

Federal Hill Al Fresco dining downsized

Hospitality & Tourism 02/23/2023

PROVIDENCE – The Federal Hill Commerce Association last week approved a reduction to Al Fresco on the Hill outdoor dining for the upcoming season, limiting the...

GOING UP: Michelle Murphy, owner of Roots Hair Salon LLC in Cranston, works on Talias Oakane of Cranston. Murphy says she may have to raise the rent she charges her stylists, who recently raised their prices due to the increased cost of products, because her monthly payment to rent the building space for the salon recently increased. PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

More businesses struggle with their rent payments

Economy 12/09/2022

When Michelle Murphy renewed her lease recently for a 5,000-square-foot beauty salon she rents in Cranston, there was some bad news that came with...

Hospitality industry tries to counter labor shortage

Focus 06/24/2022

Michael Costantino struggled to fill two full-time cook positions in May for his restaurant Costantino’s Venda Bar & Ristorante on Providence’s Federal Hill. He...

Al Fresco on the Hill returns for 3rd summer with new...

Economic Activity 04/08/2022

PROVIDENCE – Federal Hill has gotten a makeover, just in time to welcome diners back to the third season of its popular street dining...

Rick Simone founded EGN LLC, a consulting firm for marketing, public relations and event production, in 2012. He’s served as executive director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association since 2015. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Are you more comfortable dining out, shopping or attending events now...

Coronavirus 02/18/2022

Crowds have swelled in the capital city since Rhode Island’s statewide mask mandate for businesses expired Feb. 11. But is it a coincidence or due...

RICK SIMONE, founder of the Ocean State Coalition and executive director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, said some restaurants saw a 45% increase in reservations after the state on Feb. 9 announced that it would lift its statewide mask mandate on Feb. 11. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

With mask mandate lifted, business advocates say consumer confidence has returned

Coronavirus 02/15/2022

PROVIDENCE – It did not take too long for small businesses to see consumer confidence return after Rhode Island’s statewide mask mandate for businesses...

NO FINES OR CITATIONS were issued under Rhode Island's mandate requiring proof of vaccination or indoor masking that was first announced by Gov. Daniel J. McKee on Dec. 15. / AP FILE PHOTO/DAVID J. PHILLIP

No citations issued under McKee masking, proof-of-vax mandate

Coronavirus 02/08/2022

PROVIDENCE – While an executive order signed by Gov. Daniel J. McKee in December empowered a task force to issue $500 fines against violators...

R.I.’s ban on happy hours questioned

Coronavirus 01/21/2022

After nearly three decades devoid of after-work drink specials, a push to legalize happy hour in Rhode Island is brewing again. Rep. Karen Alzate, D-Pawtucket,...

Is R.I. vaccine ‘smart card’ needed?

Coronavirus 12/10/2021

Whether it’s called a vaccine passport or a vaccine smart card, the 401Health cellphone app, a COVID-19 vaccination verification tool, needs to remain optional,...