City of Providence eyes temporary location for Matunuck Oyster Bar at Waterplace Park
Emily Crowell, chief of staff to Mayor Brett Smiley,
said talks haven't advanced yet, but the idea is the restaurant and event space at 1 Finance Way has waterfront space and built-in programming because the facility overlooks every WaterFire event held throughout the summer.
The bigger picture:
There are other efforts underway to support Raso's restaurant while he rebuilds following the accidental fire.
State lawmakers are moving quickly
But the Skyline space could be an attractive – and splashy – option if Smiley and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation can get it over the finish line. It could also be a significant political victory for Governor
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It would also be a win for Smiley, who
This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday,
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Yahoo
2 days ago
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Smiley: Providence in ‘very preliminary' talks with Matunuck Oyster Bar
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — If there's a way for Providence to help a beloved Rhode Island oyster bar, Mayor Brett Smiley said the city stands ready to do so. In the wake of a devastating fire at Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown last month, several fundraisers have been launched and community members have been offering help to the iconic restaurant. RELATED: Rhode Islanders distraught by fire at beloved oyster bar Smiley said the city has had 'some original conversations' with the bar's owner, but they were 'very preliminary.' 'I reached out immediately to the business owner, who I know, and told them if there was a way that Providence could play a role in either a short-term or a long-term solution to the tragedy, that we wanted to do so,' Smiley told 12 News on Monday. 'Most importantly, there's 300 people who work at the oyster bar who don't have jobs right now, and we want to make sure that they find work and that that treasured Rhode Island institution finds a home and can reopen as soon as possible.' Earlier on Monday, The Boston Globe reported that the city's discussions included proposing that the bar open temporarily in Waterplace Park, where Skyline at Waterplace used to be. Skyline at Waterplace had been embroiled in a legal battle with the city since April 2023 when its owners were accused of violating their lease agreement by not keeping the property in good condition. The city's parks department took over management of the building after the city settled with the former owner to evict them. The city finalized that settlement in October. Documents show the city agreed to pay nearly $278,000. In recent months, the city has been showing off the vacant space to interested parties, according to Smiley, who said the city still plans to issue a request for proposal (RFP) sometime this year. 'We're trying to gather feedback from prospective users about what the best use of that facility is,' Smiley added. 'They need us': Fundraisers launched for Matunuck Oyster Bar There are efforts underway to get the oyster bar up and running closer to home. Last Friday, state Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski introduced legislation that would allow the restaurant to set up outdoor seating in the parking lot across the street. Hagan McEntee's bill is set to be reviewed by the House Committee on Small Business on Tuesday. Sosnowski's companion legislation will also be discussed Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Boston Globe
City of Providence eyes temporary location for Matunuck Oyster Bar at Waterplace Park
Emily Crowell, chief of staff to Mayor Brett Smiley, said talks haven't advanced yet, but the idea is the restaurant and event space at 1 Finance Way has waterfront space and built-in programming because the facility overlooks every WaterFire event held throughout the summer. The bigger picture: There are other efforts underway to support Raso's restaurant while he rebuilds following the accidental fire. State lawmakers are moving quickly But the Skyline space could be an attractive – and splashy – option if Smiley and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation can get it over the finish line. It could also be a significant political victory for Governor Advertisement It would also be a win for Smiley, who This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, . Advertisement Dan McGowan can be reached at
