BBQ takes a hit and 15 more RI restaurants and markets that closed in 2023
Among the restaurant closings in 2023, Rhode Island lost three of its barbecue restaurants.
Becky’s BBQ closed after decades in Middletown. Ohana Backyard BBQ in Coventry closed within a year of its opening. Smoke & Squeal BBQ in North Scituate closed in February after seven years.
It was an especially bad stretch for restaurants in October.
Some of the restaurants have struggled since the pandemic of 2020. Some eateries had leases not renewed. Others had owners ready to retire.
After 25 years, Becky's BBQ in Middletown closed on Sept. 30. Owner Bob Bringhurst has said he would like to find a buyer to take over the restaurant. The restaurant was the real deal with pitmaster Bringhurst at the helm. Namesake Becky died in 2004.
Coventry's Ohana closed after their Oct. 10 service. The restaurant was owned by Chris Dias and business partners. Dias's grandparents, Frank and Etta Leoni, owned and operated the Duncan Fyffe restaurant in Cranston for more than 30 years. It closed in 1998.
Yoleni's, the distinctive Greek restaurant and market in the iconic Tilden-Thurber building, closed in March. They opened in 2018 in the historic space. Alexander Philippides said their lease was up and the family decided not to renew.
Rebelle Artisan Bagels' owner Milena Pagán announced the closing of the shop at 110 Doyle St. in Providence in October. They will relocate to Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the new year. Little Sister, her Puerto Rican cafe at 737a Hope St. in Providence, remains open.
The owners of The Revival Craft Kitchen and Bar in East Greenwich announced the restaurant's closing in October after five years at 219 Main St. They noted the Warren location at 50 Miller St. remains open.
Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar closed in December after seven years in Warwick at 615 Greenwich Ave. The Arooga's in Attleboro remains open.
The original Malted Barley in Westerly closed in March. The Providence Malted Barley remains open.
Rory's Market and Kitchen in downtown Providence closed after a year.
Huck's Filling Station, part of the Dig In Dining group, closed in East Greenwich. A new concept was launched there at 4654 Post Road.
Beer on Earth in Providence, which began in a small space in North Kingstown in 2018 before moving to West Fountain Street, closed down.
Providence's Ganko Ittetsu Ramen, which was on Thayer Street, closed in February.
Norm's Knots in Newport reported on social media: "Our building was purchased and the new owners are moving forward with their own concept, which means we unfortunately have to say goodbye."
J. Gray’s Family Tavern, Cumberland, closed as the 2023 New Year dawned. On Facebook, they wrote: "We would like to thank all of you for the 12 years of Support, Love, Laughs and incredible memories !!!! The Gray and LaScola families have decided it's time to say goodbye to J Grays."
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Parma Ristorante, 266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, closed in February after seven years.
Plouffe’s Diner and Pub, said goodbye at the start of 2023 noting their "retro 60 seat diner and pub has been a mainstay in historic Downtown Pawtucket since 2009."
Craft Burgers and Beer in Pawtucket closed.
Enn Japanese Restaurant in Lincoln closed after 13 years.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI restaurants that closed in 2023: BBQ, markets, favorites that are gone
