News Summary

Providence celebrates the grand opening of Wally’s Wieners at 120 Atwells Ave., the first new restaurant in 69 years at this historic site. The menu features local favorites including Saugys hot dogs, espresso martinis, and coffee milkshakes. The owners, who previously operated a successful hot dog cart, aim to preserve the legacy of the historic Old Canteen while providing modern updates to the dining experience. The restaurant features a seating capacity for 65 and is committed to serving the community through quality dining.

Providence Welcomes Wally’s Wieners, Reviving a Historic Dining Location

Providence marked a significant milestone today with the grand opening of Wally’s Wieners at 120 Atwells Ave., the first new restaurant to occupy this location in 69 years. The event commenced at 11 a.m., featuring a menu that highlights Rhode Island’s culinary heritage with a focus on hot dogs crafted from authentic Saugys, complemented by flavored espresso martinis and coffee milkshakes.

Wally’s Wieners is the brainchild of owners Brad Head and Morgan Head, who first launched their hot dog cart in 2016, successfully serving the iconic Saugys found throughout Rhode Island. The restaurant is named after the owners’ family dog, a beloved 9-year-old doodle.

Three Locations and Special Menu Offerings

This establishment represents Wally’s third location, following openings in Newport on Thames Street and Newport Craft Brewery. Wally’s Wieners takes pride in its creative menu, which includes special items such as a Bolognese dog, a unique creation that pays tribute to the culinary traditions of Federal Hill.

Preserving a Culinary Legacy

The site previously housed Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen, an Italian-American restaurant cherished by locals for nearly seven decades before its closure. The Old Canteen, under the ownership of Sal Marzilli since 1956, functioned as a beloved gathering spot for families, politicians, and couples, making it a key component in the area’s dining landscape.

In April 2023, the Heritage Restaurant Group acquired the Old Canteen and began extensive renovations. Their commitment was to preserve the historic features that contributed to the restaurant’s legacy. Notably, the back bar, known as the “nostalgia room,” has been carefully maintained, showcasing its original charm with rose paint colors and framed memorabilia. Furthermore, the original neon sign from The Old Canteen is being restored for display in the new Copper Club speakeasy situated upstairs.

Modern Upgrades and Original Design

The dining room has undergone refreshing changes, featuring new paint colors such as cream, peachy pink, minty green, and sunny yellow, all while retaining the original layout and architectural details characteristic of the space. Additionally, the bar area has updated flooring and bar padding to honor the ambiance established by The Old Canteen.

Seating and Future Reservations

Wally’s Wieners includes a seating capacity of 65 in the front dining area, along with additional seating at the back bar, allowing it to serve parties and gatherings effectively. As the restaurant opens, it will not accept reservations, but future plans include allowing reservations for groups of 10-16 guests. The establishment will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours until 1 a.m. on weekends.

Accessibility and Parking

To enhance customer convenience, Wally’s Wieners is offering free valet parking for its first weekend of operation, along with an adjacent parking lot accommodating 12 vehicles.

Heritage Restaurant Group Background

The Heritage Restaurant Group, known for its diverse portfolio that includes popular dining options such as A Mano Pizza & Gelato and Flo’s Clam Shack, continues to bolster Providence’s dining scene through the establishment of Wally’s Wieners while respecting the history embodied by the Old Canteen.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Providence Journal: Wally’s Wieners Opens
• WPRI: Wally’s Wieners Opens Providence Location
• RI Monthly: Wally’s Wieners in Providence
• Turn to 10: Wally’s Wieners to Open 3rd Location
• Newport Buzz: Goodbye Old Canteen, Hello Wally’s Wieners
• Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
• Google Search: Wally’s Wieners Providence
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dining
• Google Scholar: Wally’s Wieners
• Google News: Wally’s Wieners Providence