OPENED
Roti Boti Restaurant: Traditional Pakistani cuisine in the lovely corner of Johnston. They also have a sister restaurant in Connecticut. You can find them at 100 George Waterman Rd, Johnston, or at their insta @rotibotiri for their spicy dishes. Swad Restaurant: A tasty Indian spot that already boasts 5 stars on their Google review! Perfect place to “swaddle up” with a bowl of traditional tomato soup, or a potato samosa. They’re at Lakeside Shopping Center, 187 Willett Ave, Riverside or on the web at swadrestaurantri.com.
Gardel: Originally known as Gauchos Argentine Cuisine, this take-out focused business is putting down roots! Gardel is a new cosy, sit-down location with the same great food as their more transient sister, Gauchos. Just taking a look at their menu makes you hungry – don’t even get me started on their Olives + Pan Con Tomate, or their Focaccia. Float on over to 102 Ives St., PVD or their insta @gardel.ri.
Dune Bros Seafood Shack: Fox Point gets the sea! Originally located at 239 Dyer St., Dune Bros opened a new inside location at 170 Ives St. Can’t go wrong with a greasy plate of their Fish and Chips, Fish Mac n’ Cheese, or Lobster Roll, in the dead of winter. Go sea for yourself, or visit dunebrothers.com, or insta @dunebrothersseafoodshack.
CLOSED
Berk’s Shoe Store: A Thayer Street staple, Berk’s Shoe Store is closing its doors after 50 years. The store started in 1974 to serve the ritzy denizens of Brown and RISD, amid famous celebrity appearances by the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Amy Carter, Emma Watson, Steven Spielberg, Billie Joe Armstrong, and many more. But now that the kids have switched to casual sneakers and online shopping, the need for the famed corner store is no more. Owner Stephen Berk, who ran the store alongside his daughter, is quoted in the Providence Journal as saying “I’ve had enough.” We’ve all had enough, Berk, but you’ve earned a chance to kick back.
Big Lots: Who doesn’t remember being dragged by your parents at least once to a Big Lots to find a comforter, a Christmas tree, a hand saw, a dishwasher, an oversized bag of gummy worms, a pair of fuzzy slippers, or any other combination housed within that linoleum, fluorescent labyrinth. I can still smell that dusty place and its infinite aisle glory. Unfortunately, Big Lots has joined the national warehouse store graveyard, alongside its smaller companions Benny’s and probably soon, Job Lot. All RI locations are now out of business, including the last one in Warwick at 2485 Warwick Ave.
Kin Southern Table & Bar: Kin restaurant, located on Washington St. in PVD, represents a staple of southern comfort food in lil’ Rhody. Owner Julia Broome is quoted as saying in their closing instagram post, “Kin has always been more than just a restaurant; it’s been a space where we’ve celebrated our culture, shared stories, and brought people together over the comfort of good food.” We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, and thank them for bringing their light and joy to their locations over the years.
Lou’s Cigar Lounge: Not closing, just moving! Lou is taking off from Federal Hill (375 Atwells) and relocating to a mystery location, announced… soon. Check their insta for updates @louscigarlounge. •
