Opened and Closed Spring ’18

OPENED

Asian Buffet: After a sudden closure January 1, they have reopened under new management. The place’s extensive buffet includes sushi and Hibachi, and some non-Asian staples. Airport Plaza, 1800 Post Rd, Warwick.

Pokéworks: The national chain of low-pressure poké spots has reached Providence. Pikachu is not involved, although we really hope they’ll have a PokemonGo gym there. Poké (see food truck below) is a newish craze based on ancient recipes with a Hawaiian heritage, for fish and rice with an assortment of toppings, from the mundane to the exotic. Call it Hawaiian sushi or fish salad, for equal amounts of credibility. 213 Thayer St, PVD. pokeworks.com/rhode-island

Sandwich. Also on Thayer St. We’ll give you three guesses what this new shop is offering patrons. 267 Thayer St, PVD. sandwichpvd.com (how did no one have that URL already?)

RENOVATING

The Academy Players are building a whole new expanded theater to house their shows, thanks to a grant from RISCA. The $60,000 state cultural facilities grant will be used to “design a new building that is large enough to support all our artistic goals and create a space within the community where the arts can be celebrated,” says artistic director and CEO Rita Maron, adding “When we moved into our current space in 2014, we never imagined that we would outgrow it so soon.” 180 Button Hole Drive, Bldg. 2, PVD. academyplayersri.org

CLOSED

Periphery Space, the pop-up gallery at 80 Fountain St, has closed up – as expected for a pop-up – after a series of fun, odd and/or inspiring shows. Since it was part of the plan, this is a little less traumatic than our usual closings.

DiMicco’s Authentic Italian Eatery: This family eatery known for its sauce and friendliness has closed – permanently, according to the notice on its door. 1705 West Shore Rd, Warwick.