Diner’s Update

The official ribbon cutting at the West End Kitchens in Providence.

OPENINGS AND UPDATES

Hope & Main has officially launched the West End Kitchens in Providence. The expansion allows food entrepreneurs and small food and drink businesses better access to commercial kitchens to launch, scale and compete in the marketplace. The new kitchens at 945 Westminster St. have already kicked off thirty-five food and beverage businesses since opening its doors on June 26. Stop by the West End Makers Markets, held every Friday throughout October from 4–7 p.m. at 945 Westminster St., where you can learn about the new businesses and sample their goods for sale.

FeedRI and Ocean State Food Pantry, a ministry of Legacy Church, have partnered to open a new affordable community market at 211 Buttonwoods Ave. in Warwick. The market offers groceries and household essentials at significantly reduced or no cost for individuals and families facing food insecurity, with a shopping environment designed to preserve dignity and choice. The Warwick market is modeled in part after FeedRI’s Hope Market in Rumford and builds on the organization’s broader work across Rhode Island, including food rescue, school-based pantries and other efforts to make nutritious food more accessible.

The latest Nitro Bar is now open at 134 Ives St. in Providence, where Glou used to be.

Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its newest location at 1200 Fall River Ave. in Seekonk, Massachusetts.

La Fe Taqueria opened in the former Blue Cottage space on Hope Street in Providence. The business is partially owned by the the owner of Lotus Pepper.

The Peach Cobbler Factory has also opened at 102 Dean St. on Providence’s Federal Hill, bringing the viral desserts to Providence from the Southern-inspired chain. “Think warm fruit cobblers served with ice cream, creamy banana pudding, loaded cinnamon rolls, giant cookies, brownies, churro stix, thick milkshakes and their signature Pudd-N-Shakes.”

A Portuguese-inspired coffeehouse has opened in Barrington. Maggie Mulvena, founder of Feast & Fettle meal delivery service and author of The Feast & Fettle Cookbook, has created Aldeia Coffeehouse as a space to celebrate Portuguese heritage through coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, European pantry items and ceramics. It’s open Wed.-Mon. from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Tuesdays).

Kingfish in Warren is open. Walk-ins only. They are offering $2 shucks on Mondays. The seafood-focused restaurant is open Thursday through Monday, starting at 4 p.m.

Newport Harbor Island Resort on Goat Island has revamped its 1639 dining concept, and hired a new director of food and beverage, John Barth. Barth is now handling 1639, room service, banquets and catering, and the resort’s four other dining concepts: Torpedo Bar & Lounge, The Firepits, The Bakery and The Pineapple Club. 1639 offers a refined coastal dining experience that celebrates the flavors of New England with an innovative twist, including house-made pastas and locally sourced seafood and meats.

TRANSITIONS

Ten Prime Seafood restaurant is closing later this fall in the former Bravo and Res space in Providence. But that’s not the end of Chow Fun Food Group in the building. The restaurant will become a new concept later this fall, transforming into CUT 123. Read more.

Not Just Snacks on Hope Street in Providence experienced a fire yesterday. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the roof and no one was injured. The business is open as usual.

Debbie’s in downtown Providence has closed, but the space will become Ello’s Cafe, a new business operated by Cindy Lopez and the team at Viva Mexico.

Newport Restaurant Group is developing a new restaurant concept for the former Applebee’s space at Garden City Center in Cranston. The restaurant at 24 Midway Rd. will be the group’s nineteenth location and its second at Garden City, where Avvio has operated since 2016. The concept is still in development, and NRG says the restaurant will create dozens of jobs within its 100 percent employee-owned company.

Maven’s Delicatessen will launch wholesale operations in late October after expanding into the space next door to its Pawtucket location. A new baking facility will produce its breads, bagels and cookies, allowing the business to grow. Read more.

The former Quito’s Restaurant at 411 Thames St. in Bristol now has new owners and will be called Q’s Waterfront by O.M.G., a locally operated restaurant concept led by hospitality professionals Frank Martucci, Adam “Opie” Oppenheimer and Anthony Guaetta. Together, the partners plan to create a modern New England waterfront dining experience featuring a seafood-forward menu, quality ingredients and a broad selection of non-seafood offerings, complemented by a creative beverage program.

The Boat House in Tiverton is closed for renovations, and will reopen in the spring of 2027. When it reopens, guests can look forward to a refreshed dining room and bar and outdoor expansion. The revitalized space will feature a brand-new outdoor bar on the North Patio with panoramic views of Mount Hope Bay, as well as additional seating and a new awning on the South Patio.

The former Newport Creamery in Barrington has been purchased by the Blount family and will reopen as Barrington Creamery. According to an Instagram post from the town of Barrington, the restaurant will reopen in 2027. “Barrington Creamery is a community restaurant opening in 2027 at 296 County Road — built for, and with, the people of Barrington and the East Bay. On the menu: the classic creamery favorites you grew up with, a few newer and lighter options for the way people eat today, and select highlights pulled from the Blount menu. It’s a mix that’s meant to feel familiar the first time you walk in. This is a neighborhood place first — for families, regulars, kids after school, and everyone in between. The Blount family will be managing the establishment, but it is dedicated to local families; and Creamery diehards!”

DeQuattro Restaurant Group is adding another restaurant to its roster, this time, down in South Kingstown. They already own Pane e Vino on Federal Hill in Providence, two Massimo locations, one on Federal Hill and another at Legacy Place in Dedham, Mass., the Crow’s Nest in Warwick and Bar ‘Lino in Johnston. They recently purchased the Chophouse Grille location at 191 Old Tower Hill Rd., and will call this new restaurant Acqua Pazza, according to Gail Ciampa at the Providence Journal.

Speaking of Italian, Pat’s Italian in Cumberland may have closed, but Pat’s Italian is coming to Providence’s Federal Hill in the space that was formerly occupied by Blackstone’s on the Hill. In the meantime, you can still visit Pat’s locations in Coventry, Warwick and Johnston.

CLOSINGS

Clementine, the cocktail bar owned by David Cicilline, has closed. A message posted on Instagram from the Clementine team stated: “After four great years, Clementine has closed its doors. We would like to take this time to thank every one of you who walked through our doors, made our home your home, your stop before dinner at one of our neighbors, or your nightcap after a show at Trinity Rep. We couldn’t have asked for better company these 4 years. Keep your eyes on 200 Washington Street over the following weeks to see what amazing things will happen next at this truly special little spot, and thank you again.”

Sin Bakery will be closing permanently on October 31, which they call “the perfect day for a bakery called Sin!” “Thank you for everything you’ve given us. It’s meant so much to be a part of your lives and celebrations for the last twenty years,” wrote owner Jennifer Luxmoore.

Debbie’s sandwich shop in downtown Providence has closed. Owner Ed Davis wrote on Instagram: “Why are we closing? Well that’s about a million different reasons but the big one is it just wasn’t busy enough.”

Becky’s BBQ in Middletown is closing at the end of the month but will continue catering, it announced on social media posts. “We will still be offering catering for your parties, events, gatherings, and special occasions. We’re excited to continue serving you in a new way! For now, you can reach out to us through Big Mike’s Smokehouse, by phone at ☎️ 401-841-9909.”

Le Central bistro in Bristol closed on Sept. 3., according to the Providence Journal. Chef Jesse James owned the restaurant for more than twenty years.

The Grind, the coffee shop at Crook Point Brewing in Providence, closed on Sept. 26.

The Puerto Rican cafe Little Sister announced it is closing at the end of the year after eight years in business on Hope Street in Providence. They will continue brunch, but service is now first-come, first-served. Owner Milena Pagan posted on the the Little Sister Instagram account, announcing the decision: “I want to set the narrative straight from the jump: This decision is purely lifestyle driven,” Pagán wrote. “My Papi is getting very old, he’s 78. I haven’t spent significant time with him in the 20 years I’ve been studying and working in America. That’s a long time to be away from your family. I need more of my time back so I can visit Puerto Rico more often, build our family farm … and pursue other opportunities that are coming up in our lives. We are so grateful for the experience — the beautiful memories we’ll treasure, and the unsavory moments that ultimately made us stronger.”

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

10/16, 10/23, 10/30

Attend the Hope & Main West End Makers Markets on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. through October 30 at the Providence location on 945 Westminster Street.

10/16-10/17

Castle Hill Inn in Newport is welcoming back Michelin-starred chef Nick Curtin of Copenhagen’s acclaimed Alouette, to once again join forces with Aurelia at Castle Hill and chef Quentin Diez for a special multi-course tasting experience on Oct 16 and 17. Earlier this year, Aurelia at Castle Hill also received the coveted 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award. Originally from Providence, chef Nick Curtin is returning to his home state for this special two-night celebration. Copenhagen’s Alouette highlights artisans and local growers and he’s bringing this same thoughtful approach to Aurelia at Castle Hill. Guests will enjoy a curated prix-fixe menu that celebrates Rhode Island’s local bounty – from peak-season produce to the region’s renowned seafood and artisanal purveyors. Reservations will be available via Open Table beginning September 16. The prix fixe menu will be available for $185 per person, with beverage pairings and wines available at an additional cost.

10/16-10/18

Track 15 will host a three-day Harvest Fest Fri., Oct. 16 through Sun., Oct. 18, with food, drinks, live music, family activities and seasonal events throughout the weekend. Highlights include live music Friday night, pumpkin painting, kids’ crafts, an artisan market, tarot readings and a Moniker Brewery tap takeover featuring a traditional Bierstacheln or “hot pokies” session. A family-friendly Halloween movie will also be shown indoors. Saturday will feature dozens of artisan vendors, pumpkin painting, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Creepy Crawlies from 1-3 p.m., a kids and family costume contest at 4 p.m. and a full WaterFire lighting beginning at 6 p.m. The festivities continue Sunday with the artisan market, pumpkin painting contest voting and giveaways, plus the Patriots game on TVs throughout the food hall and plaza followed by Halloween movies.

10/17

Fearless Fish Market‘s Oystermania is taking place Oct. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. at 721 Hope St. in Providence. Fearless Fish will have oysters from three growers: East Beach Blondes, Fox Island, North Star. Food will be provided by Little Friend, ice cream by Big Feeling, music by Playing Dead, beer with Moniker Brewery, a kid zone and more!

10/17

Narragansett Brewery in Providence is hosting Neighbor Day on Sat., Oct. 17 from 1–6 p.m. Co-hosted with Providence Flea, Neighbor Day is a celebration of the community and will feature local vendors, live music, a beer garden, games, taproom food specials and local organizations. They will also have free pet portraits from 2–4:30 p.m., with suggested donations benefiting the Providence Animal Rescue League.

10/17

Run through the Vines at Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton. Local runners will gather at Sakonnet Vineyard for the annual Rhode Races Wine Run. The scenic three-mile trail run takes participants through vineyard paths and rolling terrain, finishing with a celebration of wine, food and live music. Runners will receive a souvenir wine glass and enjoy post-race festivities including a barbecue and drinks among the vines. Bib pick-up begins at 11 a.m., with the race starting promptly at 1 p.m., followed by a post-race BBQ at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the BBQ and wine only are also available. For more information and to register, visit rhoderaces.com/events/wine-run.

10/18

Get ready to embrace your love for garlic and apples at the Tiverton Farmers Market’s annual Garlic & Apple Roast on Sun., Oct.18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tiverton Middle School at 10 Quintal Dr. in Tiverton. Stop by the market for a day filled with flavor, fun and community spirit while browsing fifty fantastic local and regional vendors. La Gatta Salata Food Truck will be serving up delicious Italian sandwiches, sides, focaccia and sauces. Explore fresh, locally sourced offerings from Little Rhody Pasta, featuring pasta & ravioli infused with vibrant garlic flavors. Enjoy Mediterranean delights from Salty Wine Bar and mouthwatering dishes from Tolia Anatolian Eats including hummus, Muhammara, olives, whipped feta and more.

10/21

Mother Pizzeria is bringing back its Pizza Oven Guest Chef Takeover Series this fall, with the first one kicking off on Wed., Oct. 21 from 5-9 p.m. The first one in the series will be with the restaurant, Dolores, from Providence. The Dolores team will feature one snack and one pizza, alongside Mother’s regular menu. Reservations are now open.

10/24

10/24

Munroe Dairy will host its first Trunk-or-Treat on Sat., Oct. 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sacred Cow Market and Cafe at 187 N Brow St. in East Providence. Families and local businesses are invited to decorate their vehicles and distribute candy to trick-or-treaters, play carnival games, take pictures with The Count from Sesame Street and more. Guests are welcome to visit the Sacred Cow to shop for their favorite Munroe Dairy items, including apple cider, coffee milk, iced coffees, cakes, cookies and seasonal treats.

10/24

The Summer’s End PVD Block Party at Track 15 was postponed due to bad weather at the end of September, but the good news is it’s now set for Sat., Oct. 24 from 5–11 p.m. Track 15 and RI Night Market will transform the property into a large outdoor market and entertainment space featuring fifty-plus Rhode Island and New England artisans, makers and creative businesses, along with food and drinks from Track 15 and live music and entertainment throughout the evening. The event will also coincide with WaterFire, making it a particularly busy night in downtown Providence.

10/30

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection in Newport is hosting its annual Halloween event, the Ghosts of the Atlantic: Drowned Pirates Ball, on Fri., Oct. 30, 2026 from 7-11 p.m. The event tells the tale of the seafaring legend of mansioneer Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt and Newport’s storied harbor. Inside the historic mansion, candlelit halls will come alive with ghostly sailors, restless captains and haunted Gilded Age socialites, blending Newport’s rich history with a playful nautical twist. Guests can expect nautical cocktails, decadent passed hors d’oeuvres, stationed food and live entertainment throughout the evening. Costumes are encouraged, whether guests arrive as a bewitched deckhand, glamorous Gilded Age ghost or phantom captain. Tickets include an open bar, food and access to all entertainment. Open to hotel guests and local visitors for $275 a ticket, this twenty-one-plus event offers a unique way to celebrate Halloween inside one of Newport’s most iconic historic mansions.

11/13-11/14

11/26

This Thanksgiving, FeedRI will host its third annual Friendsgiving celebration on Thurs., Nov. 26 in partnership with Providence-based catering company Easy Entertaining. FeedRI will transform Farm Fresh RI into a festive gathering space, offering thousands of Rhode Islanders who experience food insecurity a traditional Thanksgiving meal and the chance to celebrate the holiday together. Friendsgiving has become a meaningful annual tradition that ensures individuals and families experiencing food insecurity or hardship can enjoy Thanksgiving. Chefs Ashley Vansasse and Andre Lopez of Easy Entertaining will lead a team of volunteers to prepare the feast. Local businesses and community partners make the celebration possible, including Quality Food Company of West Warwick, Easy Entertaining of Providence, Wright’s Creamery, Johnson & Wales University, Resmini Law, and numerous local restaurants, retailers and corporate supporters. Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery will also donate freshly baked pies for guests to enjoy during the Thanksgiving feast.

ONGOING EVENTS

India Restaurant is leading a fundraising initiative in partnership with HAPSA to support those affected by the devastating flash floods in northern Nepal following a catastrophic glacial collapse on August 26. Now through Oct. 15, customers can purchase $25 gift certificates from India Restaurant, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to HAPSA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening emergency care and supporting communities affected by the disaster.

Oct. 1-31, Track 15 is running Lights On Plates Full, a monthlong dine-for-a-cause program featuring special dishes from all seven of its vendors. For every participating plate purchased through Oct. 31, $1 will be donated to one of seven Rhode Island nonprofits supporting local youth. The participating dishes range from Little Chaska’s Pumpkin Curry and Dune Brothers’ Crispy Spicy Hot Fish Sandwich to There, There’s Rodeo Burger, with each vendor supporting a different local organization.

Game day package at J.T. Commons.

J.T. Commons in Middletown is offering a Game Day Package for your next watch party. The package serves six to eight and includes a choice of two of J.T.’s signature focaccia pizzas, including the Just Cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Peppers & Onions or the RI Red with signature red sauce and grated parmesan; as well as two pounds of buffalo, barbecue or plain wings; and choice of spinach and artichoke dip, served hot with house-made corn tortilla chips, or French onion dip, served cold with house-made potato chips. Orders must be placed thirty-six hours in advance. Any order cancellations less than twenty-four hours before pickup time will be subject to a 25 percent charge. The cost is $95; tax and gratuity are additional.

At Beech in Jamestown, every Sunday is “Bolognese Sunday” where they bring back this beloved guest favorite dish exclusively on Sundays for $36. The dish is a traditional recipe from Bologna, Italy, made with a five-hour simmered sauce and housemade tagliatelle pasta.

Ten Steak & Sushi located at 55 Pine St. in Providence is offering a new Social Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., which includes a full menu of elevated bar bites, $10 cocktails and half-priced wine. Small bites include Chips & Dip ($9) with the option to add caviar ($14); tenderloin yakitori with garlic mango sauce ($12); deluxe truffle fries ($10); jumbo shrimp cocktail with Old Bay and bloody mary cocktail sauce ($12 for four shrimp); tuna crispy rice: tuna, avocado, crispy rice, spicy mayo and sriracha ($10); California roll: lump crab, cucumber and tobiko ($10); spicy ahi tuna maki with cucumber, spicy mayo and togarashi ($10); and Rhode Island calamari with banana peppers and jalapeño tartar sauce ($14). $10cocktails include the Ten Prime Martini with 10 Prime Organic Vodka and blue cheese stuffed olives; Ten’s signature mojito with Bacardi Superior, muddled lime and mint; red or white sangria; and the Moscow mule with 10 Prime Organic Vodka, ginger beer and lime. A selection of wines are available for half-price during Social Hour, including Torresella Rosé Prosecco ($6), Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($6), Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio ($7), Carpineto Dogojolo Sangiovese ($6), the 2021 Cambria Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir ($8), and the 2021 Ely Callaway Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($8).

FOOD TOURS

Get a feel for the Providence and Newport dining scenes with Rhode Island Red Food Tours. For Rhode Island Monthly magazine’s Best of Rhode Island Award-winning Downcity Providence Food Tour, delicious adventure awaits where food, art, and architecture collide in Providence’s vibrant Downcity Arts District. Sample from diverse Rhode Island favorites and award-winning culinary restaurants, and between bites get an insider’s view of this lively and creative small city. Expert guides will help you discover the treasure of epicurean favorites, hidden art, historic architectural gems, sharing local stories and the many happenings to be found in Rhode Island’s Creative Capital. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

During the Rhode Island Red Food Tours’ Newport Neighborhood Tour, guests will discover diverse, eclectic out-of-the-way neighborhood eateries – with a homespun vibe, where the locals know to go as well as hotbeds of food and fun in the more traveled parts of the city. Step inside some of what may appear as a hole-in-the-wall café or an authentic, cozy 18th century tavern and you will be surprised to find a mouthwatering food scene, using both cultural & regional influences with a strong commitment to sustainable ingredients. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

NOTABLES

Newport Restaurant Group is marking thirty years of employee ownership this year, coinciding with Employee Ownership Month in October. Of NRG’s 1900 employees, approximately 1,100 are year-round with 850 added during peak season.

The 2027 volunteer schedule is now available for the Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread Program. Join the team at Gracie’s and Ellie’s in helping Rhode Island families in need this holiday season, by assembling the Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread Kits. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday kit production will be located at  Refocus at 45 Greeley St. in Providence.