NicoBella’s Family Restaurant Closes After a Decade in Providence

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

NicoBella's Family Restaurant showcases a unique ambiance and delicious breakfast offerings, a cherished locale for many in Providence.

News Summary

NicoBella’s Family Restaurant in Providence, known for its popular breakfast offerings, will close its doors at the end of April due to ongoing financial difficulties linked to the pandemic. Owner Daniel Crenca announced the closure in a Facebook post, highlighting the challenges faced by the restaurant industry in recent years. NicoBella’s, a beloved community staple, will serve its last meals on April 27, with art pieces from the restaurant’s collection being sold at reduced prices. This marks a significant loss for the local dining scene amidst a troubling trend of restaurant closures.

Providence, Rhode Island – NicoBella’s Family Restaurant, a cherished dining spot known for its breakfast offerings, will close its doors at the end of April after a decade of service. Owner Daniel Crenca made the announcement via a Facebook post on April 11, attributing the decision to ongoing financial difficulties stemming from the pandemic.

Crenca reported that before the onset of the pandemic, the restaurant was doing well, but since then, it has faced significant challenges in recovering financially. This closure is part of a larger trend, with several notable restaurants in downtown Providence also shutting down recently, including Yoleni’s and Kin.

NicoBella’s has been a staple in the community, primarily featuring breakfast items such as eggs benedict and chicken and waffles. The restaurant’s last operational date will be April 27, and it will continue to serve breakfast and lunch seven days a week, with dinner service offered on Friday and Saturday. Special hours will also be held on Easter Sunday, April 20, when the restaurant will operate until 1 PM.

A significant aspect of NicoBella’s that has contributed to its local appeal is its collection of artwork by Bert Crenca, the owner’s father. With the impending closure, all pieces of art will be sold at reduced prices, providing one last opportunity for patrons to acquire a piece of local culture.

Despite the recent spate of closures, new restaurants have emerged in Rhode Island, signifying a complex and evolving landscape in the local dining scene. The recent trend of closures has also included establishments such as Res American Bistro and The Coastal Cabin Restaurant, indicating ongoing struggles faced by many businesses in the area.

As NicoBella’s prepares for its final days, Crenca has encouraged loyal patrons to visit one last time to enjoy their favorite meals. He expressed gratitude for the support the community has shown over the years. Moreover, he has plans to open the Angell Gallery on the East Side of Providence and expand his Christmas nonprofit organization once the restaurant has officially closed.

NicoBella’s has not only been a place for local customers but has also attracted various celebrities over the years, further cementing its status in the community. However, the financial pressures of the pandemic have forced many businesses, including this beloved restaurant, to reassess their viability as they navigate an uncertain future.

The closure of NicoBella’s Family Restaurant is more than just the end of a business; it marks the closure of a chapter in Providence’s food culture. Patrons will no doubt remember the atmosphere, eclectic artwork, and the many meals shared with family and friends over the last decade as they bid farewell to this local favorite.

As NicoBella’s nears its final operational moments, the restaurant exemplifies the broader struggles faced by the hospitality industry as it continues to adapt to a post-pandemic world, balancing the challenges of financial sustainability and community engagement.