News Summary
Rhode Island’s culinary landscape is evolving with new dining experiences and specialty markets opening, including Sawyer’s Market and SĒZN at Plant City. The Matunuck Oyster Bar has also reopened following a fire, while new establishments like Claudine and High Motor are expanding the state’s offerings. Exciting updates include the Dean hotel rebranding to Neptune and upcoming events like Providence Restaurant Weeks, set for July. Food enthusiasts can look forward to diverse culinary experiences throughout Rhode Island.
New Culinary Ventures and Artisanal Markets Open Across Rhode Island
Pawtucket, RI – An array of new dining experiences and specialty markets has recently opened across Rhode Island, adding variety and excitement to the state’s culinary scene. Key openings include Sawyer’s Market, which debuted on June 8, featuring a nostalgic design and a cafe with a wine bar, along with a revamped upstairs restaurant at Plant City now named SĒZN, providing an intimate dining setting.
Sawyer’s Market is located at 447 Broadway in Pawtucket and is managed by Lydia Emmons. The market’s charm is highlighted by an old-fashioned hand-painted sign and offers a unique cafe atmosphere complemented by a selection of wines. Customers can expect a warm and inviting environment while enjoying their meals.
Meanwhile, the upstairs dining area at Plant City has undergone renovations to become SĒZN. This restaurant presents a seasonally rotating menu created by Executive Chef Luis Jaramillo, which emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a bar with craft cocktails and an open kitchen, allowing them to watch the culinary preparations. Some popular dishes at SĒZN include hearts of palm ceviche, zucchini blossom asparagus pizza, and a deconstructed mojito dessert.
In addition to these openings, the Matunuck Oyster Bar has made headlines by reopening after a fire on May 20. The restaurant now operates in a tent across the street, offering tableside outdoor dining and takeout services. Owner Perry Raso reports that the temporary setup has exceeded expectations, providing approximately 75 jobs in the process.
Another notable addition to the Rhode Island dining scene is Claudine, which opened its doors at 225 Weybossett Street, offering an exclusive eight-course tasting menu for reservations. Expanding the options for bar-goers, Club Frills has set up in the former PVDonuts location in Providence, adding a retro-themed bar to the local nightlife.
A new bar and grille named High Motor has opened in Pawtucket, with plans to expand its food menu shortly. In a nostalgic nod to the past, Wally’s has taken over the former Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen on Federal Hill, featuring a creative menu that includes Saugy dogs and smash burgers.
Moreover, Franklin by the Groundswell Guild has made its debut in Bristol, offering a menu filled with French-inspired brasserie dishes, while Pivotal Brewing Company has expanded to a second location in Newport, complete with a taproom and a beer garden for visitors to enjoy.
The iconic Modern Diner in Pawtucket is currently up for sale after decades of operation by the Demou family, who will continue running the diner throughout the transition period. As part of the culinary landscape’s evolution, Maven’s Delicatessen will open a second location on Thayer Street in Providence this fall, maintaining its signature menu offerings.
The Patio on Broadway ownership group has acquired Trinity Brewhouse and has plans for renovations aimed at preserving its legacy. Finn’s Harborside has also launched an outdoor bar named Slip 38 in response to fire damage, awaiting full kitchen refurbishment.
A new establishment called J.T. Commons will replace Foodlove Market in Middletown, focusing on pizza and popular menu items to attract local diners. In Newport, Little Clam has opened, featuring a menu rich in local seafood and farm-fresh ingredients, catering to the community’s preferences for fresh fare.
The Dean hotel has undergone rebranding and will now operate as Neptune, with a phased renovation of its restaurant and bar area planned. Meanwhile, the 2025 Providence Restaurant Weeks are fast approaching, scheduled from July 6 to July 19, with participating eateries offering special meals.
This July also marks the 20th anniversary of Narragansett Beer, which will celebrate Shark Week with a series of special events. In addition, Providence’s Track 15 will host “Station Tastings,” offering free cooking demonstrations and samples every Wednesday in July and August.
As Rhode Island’s culinary landscape continues to grow and diversify, food and drink enthusiasts can look forward to numerous upcoming events, including a food and wine festival, community meal gatherings, and specialty classes in various locations throughout the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Artist Enhances Providence with Vibrant Public Art
Providence Hosts Downtown Celebrates Summer Festival
Plant City Unveils Renovation and Revamped Menu
Frank Mundo’s Café Bistro Set to Open in Pawtucket
Wein-O-Rama Extends Friday Hours to Better Serve Customers
Providence Restaurant Weeks Returns with Local Flavors
Providence Welcomes Maven’s Jr. Delicatessen This Fall
Record Sale for Loft Unit in Downtown Providence
Maven’s Delicatessen to Open New Location in Providence
Olneyville New York System Approved for Liquor License
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: 2024 Holiday Markets in RI
- RIMonthly: Diners Update
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google Search: Rhode Island cuisine
