Bertucci’s Closes Its Last Rhode Island Location

News Summary

Bertucci’s Warwick Kitchen and Bar, the last Bertucci’s restaurant in Rhode Island, has officially closed, marking the end of the brand’s presence in the state. This closure follows significant financial struggles leading to bankruptcy. Bertucci’s plans to pivot towards a fast-casual dining model with its new venture, Bertucci’s Pronto, while working to adapt to the changing restaurant landscape and retain its core customer base.

Rhode Island

Bertucci’s Warwick Kitchen and Bar, the last remaining location of the Bertucci’s restaurant chain in Rhode Island, officially closed its doors on April 25. The closure marks the end of the brand’s presence in the state, a decision announced via Instagram, where the company expressed empathy for the employees and customers affected by the shutdown.

Bertucci’s, which specializes in brick oven pizza and pasta dishes, is headquartered in Northboro, Massachusetts. The chain has faced significant financial struggles, leading to its recent bankruptcy filing. According to the bankruptcy documents, Bertucci’s has claimed assets and liabilities ranging between $10 million and $50 million.

Recent Closure Details

Alongside the Warwick location, four additional Bertucci’s restaurants in Massachusetts—located in Braintree, Mansfield, North Andover, and Norwood—also ceased operations on the same day. With the latest closures, Bertucci’s now operates just 15 locations total, which includes 10 in Massachusetts and one in Glastonbury, Connecticut, as well as a few establishments in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.

Rebranding Efforts

Despite the closures, Bertucci’s plans to pivot toward a new fast-casual dining model with a venture titled Bertucci’s Pronto. The first Pronto location is currently operating on Tremont Street in downtown Boston, indicating the company’s shift in strategy to remain relevant amid ongoing competition in the pizza market.

Historical Context

The Bertucci’s chain was founded in 1981 by Joey Crugnale in Somerville, Massachusetts. The first Rhode Island location opened in East Providence in 1988, and the chain quickly garnered a loyal following, earning accolades such as being recognized as the best pizza in Boston by Boston Magazine and ranking among America’s top 10 pizza restaurants by USA Today in 1989. However, over the years, the company has experienced numerous expansions and contractions, including a notable closure in North Attleboro.

In recent years, Bertucci’s has faced mounting challenges, leading to three bankruptcy filings since 2018. The initial filing occurred during attempts to negotiate a sale to an affiliate of a Chicago investment firm, followed by a second filing in 2022, prompted by substantial pandemic-related losses. Just three years ago, the chain boasted 52 restaurants across 10 East Coast states, from New Hampshire to Virginia, making the recent downturn particularly stark.

Future Outlook

While the situation remains challenging, Bertucci’s aims to retain its core customer base with fewer locations. The company is committed to evolving its services and menu offerings to adapt to the changing landscape of the restaurant industry. Moving forward, the focus will be on the fast-casual dining format, a shift that reflects current dining trends and consumer preferences.

As Bertucci’s navigates these tumultuous times, it remains hopeful of regaining a foothold in the competitive market by providing a fresh dining experience through its forthcoming Pronto locations. The future of the brand remains uncertain, but it is clear that the company is taking steps to adapt and survive in a challenging restaurant environment.

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