News Summary
NicoBella’s Family Restaurant, a beloved breakfast spot in Providence, will close permanently on May 1, 2025, due to financial struggles exacerbated by the pandemic. The owner, Daniel Crenca, announced the decision on social media, highlighting the impact of ongoing debts. Despite its popularity and a loyal customer base, the restaurant’s financial woes proved insurmountable. A farewell celebration is planned for April 27 to honor its decade-long presence. Crenca will focus on a new venture, emphasizing the pandemic’s toll on small businesses.
Providence – NicoBella’s Family Restaurant, a cherished breakfast destination located on Dorrance Street, will permanently close its doors on May 1, 2025, after a decade of service. The restaurant is well-known for its all-day breakfast menu, which features popular dishes such as eggs benedict and chicken and waffles.
Owner Daniel Crenca announced the closure through a Facebook post on April 11, attributing the decision to ongoing financial struggles that stem from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crenca expressed that the restaurant has been unable to recover from substantial debt accumulated during this challenging period.
NicoBella’s first opened in 2015 and quickly became a staple for both locals and visitors. It has now joined the list of recent downtown closures, including other notable establishments like Yoleni’s and Kin, reflecting the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry in the area.
Despite its popularity and having attracted a number of celebrities, including Paul Rudd and Ralph Macchio, NicoBella’s suffered financial setbacks that ultimately led to its closure. Crenca mentioned that even with a loyal customer base and a bustling atmosphere, the restaurant could not sustain its operations amidst the economic demands that arose during and after the pandemic.
In order to commemorate its decade-long presence in the community, NicoBella’s will hold a farewell celebration on April 27, inviting patrons to join in a special event to say goodbye. Customers are encouraged to visit the restaurant during its remaining days, as it maintains its regular hours for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, along with dinner service on Friday and Saturday nights. However, Easter Sunday hours will be limited, with the restaurant open only until 1 PM on April 20, 2025.
As part of the closing process, all artwork displayed in the restaurant, created by local artist Bert Crenca, will be sold at significantly reduced prices. This initiative allows patrons to take home a piece of the restaurant’s history while also supporting the local art community.
Following the closure of NicoBella’s, Crenca plans to redirect his efforts towards a new venture called Angell Gallery, as well as expanding his nonprofit initiatives during the Christmas season. Despite the challenges faced, he remains optimistic about future opportunities in the community.
NicoBella’s closure serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact the pandemic has had on small businesses across the nation. The restaurant’s final days are expected to attract both loyal customers and those who wish to express their gratitude for a decade of service and memorable meals.
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