Signed, Sealed, Delivered: 2 South Main Street
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2018
Contact: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt
baldellihunt@woonsocketri.org; (401) 767-9205
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: 2 South Main Street
WOONSOCKET, R.I.: City residents and passersby to 2 South Main Street where Vintage Restaurant had formerly operated can expect to see bustling activity in the coming months as a new property owner undertakes interior renovations that will make way for the opening of a new casual dining Italian and Greek restaurant and bar in early to mid 2019.
City of Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt views the rebirth of the local building as significant. "I am absolutely elated. The property is one of the main anchors of Market Square," said Mayor Baldelli-Hunt. "It's a piece of the puzzle of a long-ago, darkened Main street like many other Main Streets across America where they have struggled with difficult times. The revival of the Vintage site is a testament of the vast progress and increased interest within the City of Woonsocket."
Restaurateur Angelo Petropulos and his company, Petros, LLC recently obtained a liquor license to operate a full service bar housed within his new Italian eatery which will periodically feature Greek food specialties. A preliminary name of Sweet Basil for the establishment could change prior to opening.
Property owner Nicholas Markopoulos is excited to serve as a catalyst in bringing the extensive culinary talents of Angelo Petropulos and that of his team to Woonsocket's main business district, City residents and the public-at-large.
"This vacant building will soon be transformed into a highly productive asset for the community. Mr. Petropulos' culinary training in Greece and work experience is top-notch. Upon the establishment's opening, patrons can expect to receive extremely high quality food, gorgeous interiors and first-rate service," said Mr. Markopoulos who recently purchased the 6,200 sq. ft., two level building from Freedom National Bank of Greenville. It sits upon 3,000 sq. ft. of land located opposite from the Museum of Work and Culture in Market Square. The property has been vacant since June 11, 2014 when Vintage owners unexpectedly closed the business and that of their famed Blue Grotto restaurant on Providence's Federal Hill shortly thereafter.
Anthony A. Botelho, President and Ceo of Freedom National Bank, is highly impressed with the ease the City provided throughout the sales transaction. “Freedom National Bank recently worked with Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt who has an extremely good grasp of the nuances of the market and appreciates the difficulties in placing the property back with a beneficial occupant. She certainly has done her best to help get it occupied," said Mr. Botelho. "The City has been accessible and focused on economic development. The repurpose of the 2 South Main Street property which has been in the bank’s portfolio and recently sold is another indication of good economic development for the City of Woonsocket."
The Mayor expressed enthusiasm for the new business and the partnership established between the two men and the City. "I feel they are an ideal fit for this property. Their years of experience in the culinary industry are a great asset. We are very fortunate to have such experienced individuals bringing this venture to our City. Mangia! Fae!," said the Mayor.