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The United presents An Evening with the King of Cocktails
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: The United Screening with the King of Cocktails / Blackstone Valley Culinary News / Gregg’s Adds “Winning Dish” from ProStart®

by David Dadekian May 23, 2022
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.



 A spirited event with the King of Cocktails at The United

“For the first time at The United: Film, Literature, and Art are united in a single event featuring mixologist Dale DeGroff, filmmaker Douglas Tirola, and artist Jill DeGroff” 

The United is proud to present a unique event that will combine film, mixology and art and feature local talent. This immersive experience will take place on the evening of Sunday, June 26, 2022, at The United, 5 Canal Street in Westerly, Rl, and will include a premiere theatrical screening of the film, “HEY BARTENDER”, followed by a meet and greet with James Beard award-winning mixologist and author, Dale DeGroff and the acclaimed filmmaker, Douglas Tirola. After the presentation, there will be a book signing and cocktail event in The United Gallery. The United is a newly renovated multi use venue with cinemas, black box theater, art gallery and a shared doorway to its partner restaurant, The Cafe, which will also host a private event with Mr. DeGroff the following day for local beverage and restaurant industry staff to learn more from his lifetime of experience making cocktails.

Celebrated for being the first to revive the great classic cocktails of the 19th century with simple fresh ingredients from his helm at the Rainbow Room in the 1980s, mixologist Dale DeGroff reinvented the bartending profession, setting off a cocktail revival that continues to flourish to this day. His 2002 book, The Craft of the Cocktail (Random House), has been regarded as the most influential bartending guide for more than two decades. His latest volume, THE NEW CRAFT OF THE COCKTAIL: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist (Penguin Random House) collects his forty years of expertise and creativity with new recipes and state of the art innovations. The book will be available for purchase at the June 26th film screening and cocktail event.

HEY BARTENDER, which premiered at SXSW to rave reviews and nominations, is a documentary set against the craft cocktail movement that follows two bartenders chasing their dreams. One an apprentice working to become a principal bartender at one the most famous cocktail bars in NYC and the other an owner/bartender at a corner bar in a small town. Through their stories we experience the rebirth of the bartender and the comeback of the cocktail. Douglas Tirola is an award-winning director and producer whose films have premiered at Sundance, Berlin, Tribeca, Telluride and SXSW and include DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD (Magnolia), HEY BARTENDER (Showtime) and others. The award-winning BERNSTEIN’S WALL about Leonard Bernstein will be released this Fall.

Sunday’s events will also coincide with an ART OPENING in THE UNITED GALLERY: “Bon Vivants, Barflies and the New Cocktailians” featuring paintings and the whimsical caricatures of Saloon Artist Jill DeGroff. Jill is renowned among the cocktail cognoscenti for having captured the craft cocktail era like none other. A native Brooklynite, she now lives in Stonington, CT with her husband, author/mixologist, Dale DeGroff, whom she credits for her amazing journey.
“Jill’s work completes the evening’s trifecta and forwards our mission here at the United to unite the community through the arts. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to experience the joy of a colorful evening at my local watering hole than through Jill’s paintings. Nor could we have found an artist that complemented this event more splendidly,” says artist and United Staff Member Bess Gaby.

Tony Nunes added, “This collaboration with The Cafe is the first of many events where we hope to bring outstanding professionals from the culinary and beverage industries After the film screening of Hey Bartender on Sunday, guests will have the opportunity to meet award-winning filmmaker Douglas Tirola, mixologist Dale DeGroff, and artist Jill DeGroff in The United Gallery. We are so fortunate to be able to tap into the talented individuals that are attracted to what The United is able to offer to our community.”


Blackstone Valley Culinary News – April 29 – May 3, 2022

Boundary Kitchen & Bar
67 Garrity Street, Pawtucket  02861
401-725-4260
boundarykitchenbar.com

Looking for some special food this weekend?  Here are the specials from Boundary Kitchen and Bar.  Don’t forget to ask your server for drink specials and beer on tap. 

Munroe Dairy’s Sacred Cow Ice Cream Shop and Market
187 North Brow Street, East Providence  02914
401-537-4424
sacredcowicecreamshop.com/

Food Trucks and Sundaes at Sacred Cow!  Try your favorites from over a dozen food trucks, enjoy live music and of course, treats and ice cream.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair.  Here’s the schedule:  

Saturday, April 30 – 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

Sunday, May 29 – 4:30 to 8:00 pm

Sunday, July 10 – 4:30 to 8:00 pm

Sunday, August 7 – 4:30 to 8:00 pm

The Lodge Pub
40 Breakneck Hill Road, Lincoln  02865
401-725-8510
Thelodgepub.com

Have you seen the beautiful expanded outdoor deck at The Lodge?  It looks like a great place to enjoy a delicious meal….check out their extensive MENU

Davenport’s Family Restaurant
1070 Mendon Road, Cumberland  02864
401-334-1017
Davenport’s Bar and Grille
1925 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence  02914
401-438-3381
davenportsri.com

Can’t get enough wings??  Get more for your money at Davenport’s!  Daily after 7:30 pm and after 8:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays – in the bar and lounge – you get 50% off all chicken wings – BBQ, buffalo, crispy, boneless, garlic parmesan or with General Tso’s sauce – it’s your choice!

Smug Brewing
100 Carver Street, Pawtucket  02860
401-642-5701
Smugbrewing.com

A new release at Smug!  Click here for details on the new Cold IPA

Here are some upcoming events at Smug Brewing:  

April 30 – Paint and Sip – You’ll be creating your own Nordic Bottle Lantern and your ticket includes a Smug Brew.  Paint and Sip Tickets

On Fridays, beginning May 6 – Music Bingo!

May 7 – Bonsai and Brews – work with bonsai experts to select your own bonsai tree and learn how to prune, pot and design the tree.  Bonsai and Brews Tickets

Click HERE for more details on the Smug calendar. 

Here are some Mother’s Day options in the Blackstone Valley: 

Spumoni’s
1537 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket  02861
401-726-4449
spumonisrestaurant.com/

Spumoni’s will be open for you on Mother’s Day but make your reservations before seats fill up!  Call the number above.  Check out their MENUS.  There’s something for everyone at Spumoni’s!

Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille
970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI  02917
401-349-4979
tavolowinebar.com/Smithfield

Tavolo’s will be open from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm on Mother’s Day with their full dinner menu available as well as some Mother’s Day Specials – indoor or outdoor patio dining is available.  Call the number above to make a reservation.  

Parma Ristorante
266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield  02917
401-349-0079
Parmaristorante.com

The annual Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet is back at Parma!  The MENU looks fantastic!  The buffet includes a carving station and fondue tower and will be available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  They’ll be open in the evening from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm with the regular menu plus Mother’s Day Specials.  Call the number above to make your reservations!

Lola’s Lounge and Cantina
55 Douglas Pike, Smithfield
401-349-4949
Lolasloungeri.com

Reservations are limited so don’t miss out on the fun in this beautiful place!  Contact Open Table

Antojitos Taqueria
1188 Cumberland Hill Road, Woonsocket
401-488-4051
Antojitostaqueria.com

The team at Antojitos Taqueria will be celebrating with a Special Menu!

Bandidos
88 Broad Street
Cumberland
401-724-0342
Bandidosrestaurant.com

Bandidos will be having DJMagik Juan starting at 6 pm with $5 shots and $5 Margaritas. 

Condesa Restaurant 
970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield 
401-349-3935
condesarestaurant.com

There’s a lot of Cinco de Mayo fun at Condesa!  There will be giveaways all day (while supplies last), a raffle for Condesa for a year coupon and a pinata giveaway for the kids and more!  Reservations will not be taken – seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis – so plan ahead!  

The Thirsty Beaver
45 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield
401-349-4790
thirstybeaverpub.com

Cinco de Mayo Karaoke is happening with host Brad Pierce at The Thirsty Beaver on Thursday from 9 pm to 1 am.  Check out their Food Menu and Drink Menu.

Badger’s Pub
530 Broadway, Pawtucket
401-642-5903
www.facebook.com/badgerspubLLC

There’s a fiesta happening at Badger’s Pub!  Great food, great drinks, karaoke, dancing, tequilas, margaritas, tacos, burritos, loaded nachos and more!  Wear your colorful clothing and join the party!   

And here are more options for treating mom on Mother’s Day in the Blackstone Valley: 

Galito Restaurant
214 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket
401-312-2200
galitosrestaurant.com

Check out their special Mother’s Day MENU.  You can dine-in with mom or place an order for take-out.  

Ten Rocks 
1091 Main St., Pawtucket  
401-728-0800
10rockstapasbar.com

Bring Mom to 10 Rocks for their lunch buffet on Sunday, May 8 from 10 am to 3 pm.  It’s only $20 for adults and $12 for kids.  Call the above number for reservations.   

Parma Ristorante
266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield  02917
401-349-0079
Parmaristorante.com

Parma has a special Mother’s Day menu available from 4:30 to 9:00 pm – but make your reservations soon!  Mother’s Day Menu

Craft Burgers and Beer
342 East Avenue, Pawtucket  
401-723-5600
craftbandb.com

Craft Burgers and Beer does a great brunch.  Why not bring Mom there on Sunday.  Check out their BRUNCH MENU?  They serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.  

Johnny’s Victory Diner
2731 Victory Highway, Burrillville
401-765-2661
johnnysvictorydiner.com

Johnny’s will be open on Mother’s Day starting 7 am til noon (note different hours than usual) and will have musical guest Lori Silvia from 9 am to noon on the outdoor deck.  No reservations are being taken but you why not have a mimosa while you wait!  

And don’t forget about the first night of BBQ season!  It’s happening Friday, May 6.  The diner opens at 6 am and the award-winning BBQ starts at 2 pm.  This Friday, they also have live music on the deck by “Fit to be Red” from 6 pm to 9 pm (weather permitting).  

White Dog Distilling
560 Mineral Spring Avenue
Pawtucket  02860
401-475-3789
White-dog-distilling.square.site

Here’s a great idea for a Mother’s Day gift from White Dog Distilling – get mom a ticket to the Cocktails and Gardens Event on Thursday, May 19 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.   Learn about herb and flower raised bed gardening with local farmers at Sanctuary Herbs of Providence.  Enjoy a cocktail and light snacks made with local herbs and get recipes to take home.  You’ll also take home one plant and a culinary herb bottle or a tea pouch with 15 tea bags.  (This is an outdoor event in the gazebos – rain or shine – dress accordingly).  Get tickets HERE. 


Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns Adds “Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition to the Menu

“Winning Dish” comes from team of four students at the Exeter Job Corps Academy

Gregg’s Restaurant & Taverns’ interpretation of “The Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition.
Gregg’s Restaurant & Taverns’ interpretation of “The Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition.

Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns, with locations in Warwick, Providence, East Providence, and North Kingstown, is proud to announce that its seasonal menu is featuring an adaptation of the Exeter Job Corps Academy’s “Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition: a pistachio-encrusted lamb with wild mushroom risotto topped off with sautéed vegetables. 

Chef Steve Trabucco, director of Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns’ culinary operations, modified the students’ lamb dish to feature it on the restaurant’s seasonal menu. For $22.99, guests can enjoy “The Winning Dish”: four pieces of bone-in lamb rack with a Dijon mustard and a pistachio, panko, thyme, and rosemary crust, served with asparagus, mashed potatoes, and soup or salad. 

“Gregg’s is proud to support Rhode Island’s ProStart® division and the students at Exeter Job Corps Academy,” said Chef Steve Trabucco, Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns. “Featuring ‘The Winning Dish’ on our menu is our way of acknowledging and rewarding the hard work of the culinary team at Exeter Job Corps Academy and brings their combined vision to life.”

Under the direction of Chef Mark Bennison, Exeter Job Corps Academy students Sabina Ulysse, Jacquline Ambler, Isabel Uzosike, and Kiant’e Warren won the culinary portion of the Rhode Island ProStart® Competition and will represent Rhode Island and compete for $250,000 in scholarships at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s National ProStart® Invitational competition, which returns to Washington D.C. this May, following a two-year pause.

“We’re thrilled to see one of our member restaurants, which just so happens to be a staple in our industry on the local level, partner with ProStart® to support the next generation of great Rhode Island chefs,” said Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF). “These students will never forget the feeling of seeing their dish come to life and served to their family, friends, and neighbors. The RI Hospitality Education Foundation commends Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns for demonstrating its commitment to supporting our industry’s up-and-coming talent.”

May 23, 2022 0 comment
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Barbra Gremza
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnews

News Bites: Red Stripe Names GM / Farm Fresh RI Receives BlueAngel Grant / RI Hospitality Education Foundation Rhode Island ProStart® Competition

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.



Red Stripe Restaurants Names Barbra Gremza General Manager

Cumberland Resident brings 20 Years of Hospitality Experience to East Greenwich Location

Barbra Gremza
Barbra Gremza

Red Stripe restaurants, located at 465 Angell Street in Providence and 455 Main Street in East Greenwich, are pleased to announce that Cumberland resident, Barbra Gremza has joined its East Greenwich location as general manager. In her new role, Barbra will assume the day-to-day operations of the bustling Main Street eatery and work alongside the culinary teams and management staff at sister restaurant in Providence.

Barbra brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to her new role, most notably serving more than 16 years with TGI Friday’s as General Manager at eight of the brand’s restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Prior to joining Red Stripe, Barbra was General Manager of three Au Bon Pain locations in Rhode Island.

“We are thrilled to welcome Barbra to our team,” said Jim Brosseau, Director of Restaurant Operations, Encore Hospitality Group. “Her deep understanding of running successful hospitality operations and developing the skills of her team members are a true asset to our organization. We look forward to working with Barbra to further elevate the guest experience in East Greenwich.”

Barbra specializes in training and developing managers and team members at all levels and looks forward to this new opportunity. “I am excited to be with a brand and team with such great potential and I am looking forward to creating exceptional guest experiences for our friends in our community,” said Gremza.


Farm Fresh Rhode Island receives 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grant

$22k Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island grant will help support Healthy Foods, Healthy Families program

Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Farm Fresh Rhode Island

Farm Fresh Rhode Island has received a 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grant (BACHG) from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI). The $22,000 grant will provide parents and children with resources to shop for and prepare healthy meals through the farmers market-based education program: Healthy Foods, Healthy Families.

Since the inception of the BlueAngel Community Health Grants in 2002, BCBSRI has donated more than $3.8 million to local nonprofits, impacting 300,000 Rhode Islanders. The BACHG program is BCBSRI’s cornerstone grant program, supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health issues in Rhode Island. For the past five years, BACHG funding has focused on Rhode Island organizations promoting the importance of good nutrition, physical activity and healthy weight for children and their families.

“Last summer, 380+ low-income families learned about nutrition and locally grown food options with us—a majority reporting the program led to an increase in their family’s overall fruit and veggie consumption,” said Onelissa Martinez, Nutrition Education Program Manager at Farm Fresh RI. “Thanks to this BlueAngel Community Health Grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI, we will be able to empower more Rhode Island families with the information and tools to make healthy choices and invest in their health and communities.”  

Farm Fresh RI’s Healthy Foods, Healthy Families program delivers interactive food and nutrition workshops at farmers markets for families who receive federal food assistance from WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Provided in English and Spanish, the program empowers parents and children with the tools to shop for affordable, seasonal foods and prepare them in kid-friendly ways.

“Childhood obesity is a major public health crisis in the country and in our state. In fact, Rhode Island continues to rank among the top 15 states with the highest obesity rates in children. Childhood overweight and obesity results in dangerous health impacts and significant cost impacts, and we believe we can and must do more to stem this epidemic,” said Kim Keck, president and CEO of BCBSRI. “Our support for organizations like Farm Fresh Rhode Island enables them to continue effectively addressing social and environmental factors that lead to overweight and obesity—particularly for low-income families in our state.”

According to Keck, BACHG programs underscore BCBSRI’s commitment to the state made at the company’s founding 80 years ago. “Our first 80 years were marked by ongoing efforts focused on improving the health of Rhode Islanders. Looking forward, we will reinforce and expand those efforts to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island. We cannot ignore the consequences of childhood obesity and its impact on public health in our state, including shortened life expectancy and billions of dollars of cost impact,” said Keck. “That’s why our continued partnerships with organizations combating obesity at the community level are so critical.”

In all, BCBSRI awarded $218,000 in BACHG funding for 2019. Funding is made available through the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Community Health Fund maintained at the Rhode Island Foundation.


RI Hospitality Education Foundation Hosts 8th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition

William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School and East Providence Career & Technical Center to Represent Rhode Island in National Competition in Washington, D.C.

ProStart Culinary Arts Competition Winners from William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School: (From left to right): Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of RIHA/RIHEF; Chef Instructor Santos Nieves; William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School students Ashley Fernandez, Alexia Guzman, Britney Fernandez, and Victoria Carron. Photo credit: Richard Kizirian.
ProStart Culinary Arts Competition Winners from William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School: (From left to right): Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of RIHA/RIHEF; Chef Instructor Santos Nieves; William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School students Ashley Fernandez, Alexia Guzman, Britney Fernandez, and Victoria Carron. Photo credit: Richard Kizirian.

The RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF), in collaboration with ProStart®, recently hosted the 8th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition. 

More than 40 area professionals judged 50 students who competed in three areas: the Culinary Arts Competition, including challenges in food safety and sanitation, knife skills, a three-course meal cook-off using only two burners, teamwork/cooperation, professionalism/appearance, and plate presentation; the Food Service Management Competition featuring the presentation of a restaurant concept and business plan including design boards, floor plans, marketing plans and menu design; and a Hospitality and Tourism Management Competition which saw students develop and present unique hotel concepts including event planning, marketing and interior design elements.

As part of the competition awards, seven different colleges and universities pledged $1 million in available scholarship money to be split up amongst the winning teams.

A culinary team from William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School won the Culinary Arts portion of the competition, a food service management team from East Providence Career & Technical Center won the Food Service Management portion of the competition, and a hospitality and tourism management team from CHARIHOTech won the Hospitality and Tourism Management portion of the competition. The winners of the Culinary Arts and Food Service Management portions of the competition will now represent Rhode Island at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart® Invitational competition in Washington, D.C. May 8-10, 2019.

“I am so proud of all the hardworking students who dedicated months of practice and preparation for this event,” said Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of the RI Hospitality Association and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation. “It’s because of students like this that Rhode Island is nationally recognized for its outstanding culinary scene. I look forward to watching the students’ skills continue to progress and eventually become part of the skilled workforce we have here in Rhode Island.”

May 9, 2019 0 comment
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chefs & restaurantscookingfarmsnews

News Bites: RI Hospitality Culinary Competition, Rhode Island Open Space Grants, Ocean State Job Lot Food Donation

by David Dadekian March 25, 2014
written by David Dadekian

William M. Davies Career & Technical High School Culinary Team, from left to right order: Heather Singleton, Sr. VP, RIHEF; Jesse James, US Foods; Students: Maria Jacobo, Cesia Lapop, Osiris Hernandez, Elise Calhoun, and Reymy Pena; Chef Peter Fangiullo and Chef Santos Nieves, Culinary Teachers, Davies Career & Tech

William M. Davies Career & Technical High School Culinary Team, from left to right order: Heather Singleton, Sr. VP, RIHEF; Jesse James, US Foods; Students: Maria Jacobo, Cesia Lapop, Osiris Hernandez, Elise Calhoun, and Reymy Pena; Chef Peter Fangiullo and Chef Santos Nieves, Culinary Teachers, Davies Career & Tech

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

RI Hospitality Education Foundation Hosts 3rd Annual Rhode Island ProStart® Culinary Competition

Local Students Competed for $324,000 in Scholarship Money and the Chance to Represent Rhode Island in the National Competition in Minneapolis

The RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF), in collaboration with ProStart® and US Foods recently hosted the 3rd Annual Rhode Island ProStart® Culinary Competition.  Four students from William M. Davies Career & Technical High School won the Culinary Arts portion of the competition and four students from Exeter Job Corps Academy won the Foodservice Management portion of the competition. The students not only won $324,000 in scholarship money divided amongst the teams, but they will also be representing Rhode Island at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart® Invitational competition in Minneapolis this May.

Exeter Job Corps Academy Foodservice Management Team, from left to right order: Heather Singleton, Sr. VP, RIHEF; Jesse James, US Foods; Students: Destiny Tolentino, Bianca Rivera, Samantha Miranda, and Shirnica Hilaire; Chef Mark Bennison, Culinary Teacher, Exeter Job Corps Academy

Exeter Job Corps Academy Foodservice Management Team, from left to right order: Heather Singleton, Sr. VP, RIHEF; Jesse James, US Foods; Students: Destiny Tolentino, Bianca Rivera, Samantha Miranda, and Shirnica Hilaire; Chef Mark Bennison, Culinary Teacher, Exeter Job Corps Academy

“I am extremely proud of all the students who dedicated months to practice and preparation for this event,” said Dale Venturini, President and CEO of the RI Hospitality Association. “As the future of the hospitality industry, I look forward to watching the students’ skills continue to progress and eventually become part of the skilled workforce we have here in Rhode Island.”

The competition was comprised of more than 30 students from across Rhode Island who are enrolled in ProStart®, a two-year hospitality career-building program designed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The $324,000 scholarship money was provided by Johnson & Wales University, Lincoln Culinary Institute, New England Culinary Institute, The Art Institute, and Sullivan University. At the national competition, the winning teams will compete for nearly $1.4 million dollars in scholarship money.

There were two separate events that students could participate in. Culinary teams competed in a wide array of culinary challenges including: safe food transportation, knife skills, a cook-off by preparing a three-course meal (using only two burners), teamwork/cooperation, professionalism/appearance, plate presentation, and more.

Foodservice Management teams presented a restaurant concept idea they created along with their business plan, which included design boards, floor plans, marketing plans, and menu design. All teams were judged by locally and nationally recognized hospitality and food professionals.


DEM Announces Availability of Up to $5 Million in Open Space Grants for Land Preservation Projects

The Department of Environmental Management is now accepting applications from municipalities, land trusts, and non-profit land conservation organizations for Rhode Island Local Open Space Matching Grants. A total of up to $5 million is available during this round of the grant program.

“Through these grants, we will continue to help preserve and protect precious open space and farmland, as well as support one of our state’s economic drivers – tourism,” Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said.  “Rhode Island is fortunate to enjoy unparalleled natural beauty.  By having funds available for our cities and towns, land trusts and conservation organizations, we can continue to safeguard these assets, which strengthen our economy, future and environment.”

DEM Director Janet Coit announced the grant round at the Land and Water Conservation Summit held Saturday at the URI Coastal Institute.  Director Coit praised the more than 300 board members, volunteers and staff from land trusts, watershed councils, and conservation commissions who attended the event for their dedication to land and watershed conservation, saying that their combined efforts are what make Rhode Island great – and provide hope and a legacy.

“It’s the power of local communities working with DEM to preserve the special places that mean so much — places where folks can go to get outdoors, unwind, and relax,” Director Coit said.  “These bonds are funds that drive progress and allow municipalities and conservation groups to keep a pipeline of projects moving forward – projects that ensure we have productive farmland, healthy forests, and places to play and enjoy nature.”

The grants will provide up to 50 percent of funding, up to a maximum of $400,000, to preserve open space lands that possess significant natural, ecological, agricultural or scenic values, by direct purchase or conservation easements.  Special consideration will be given to projects that provide linkages between or expansion of existing preserved lands.  In addition to the grants, DEM has funds available in its no-interest loan program to assist in the funding of open space projects.  Funding for this grant round comes from the 2008 and 2012 Open Space Bond Authorizations, overwhelmingly approved by Rhode Island voters.

DEM will also provide 50 percent of overhead funds within set parameters to successful projects for appraisal, title, and survey services, provided the services are competitively bid with appropriate documentation. Funding for overhead costs would be in addition to grant awards, and would provide another source of financial assistance for land trusts and municipalities to acquire or protect valuable open space.

Over the years these grant programs have not only resulted in the protection of hundreds of worthwhile projects – places used by residents and tourists alike for outdoor recreation – but have also contributed to the economic health of the state.  These natural assets play a big role in the state’s tourist economy by providing opportunities for the public to camp, fish, hunt, hike, and enjoy the great outdoors, and at the same time bring revenue to the local economy.  This successful grant program has provided funding for the preservation of over 10,000 acres of land across the state since its inception in 1985.  DEM has worked with partners to complete 165 easement transactions with land trusts and local communities to date, furthering the mission of preserving Rhode Island’s precious resources and increasing the public’s access and enjoyment of our natural lands.

Recent projects completed from the state’s 2011 funding round include the protection of a 175-acre parcel in Coventry along the Coventry Greenway; assisting the Town of North Smithfield in acquiring a 40-acre parcel adjacent to Booth Pond; and preserving the development rights on the Kee Farm on the Kickemuit River in Warren.  “As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Green Acres Act this May, we can see visual reminders across Rhode Island of how partnerships have been necessary and successful to conservation,” Director Coit noted.

Noting that the grant funds would help protect and preserve Rhode Island’s open spaces and natural heritage, Director Coit emphasized the importance of Governor Chafee’s proposed $75 million Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities bond for the 2014 ballot.  “Rhode Island has a proud history of supporting investment in our extraordinary natural assets. Clean Water and Open Space bonds are widely supported in Rhode Island – in our urban centers, our small town main streets, suburban neighborhoods, and rural areas – because they keep our local character in-tact, and ensure continued economic investment and activity throughout the state,” she said.

Grant applications will be accepted through June 6 at 4 p.m. They will be reviewed and ranked by the Natural Heritage Preservation Advisory Committee with final awards to be made by the State Natural Heritage Preservation Commission.  The Commission expects to announce the grant awards in September 2014.

Grant applications, specific rules governing the grant program, and additional information is available from Lisa Primiano, deputy chief of DEM’s Division of Planning and Development, at 222-2776 ext. 4307, or via email at lisa.primiano@dem.ri.gov.  Information and downloadable applications are also available on DEM’s website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on “Topics,” then “Grants,” then “Open Space Grants.”


Ocean State Job Lot Makes Record $1.4 Million Food Donation

Company partners with Polar Beverages, Bank of America, Bob’s Red Mill and Providence Journal Charitable Foundation to send 78 tractor trailer loads of food to area Food Banks in 2014; Program kicks off with 17-truck convoy on March 25th

Ocean State Job Lot, a 111-store discount retail chain headquartered in North Kingstown, R.I., announces its 2014 “Three Square Meals” hunger relief program to alleviate the food crisis throughout the Northeast U.S.

The program is expected to distribute 78 tractor trailer loads of food throughout the year to 13 food banks and pantries across six New England states and New York, including:  Rhode Island Community Food Bank (Providence, RI), Connecticut Food Bank (East Haven, CT), Foodshare (Bloomfield, CT), New Hampshire Food Bank (Manchester, NH), Food Bank of the Hudson Valley (Cornwall on Hudson, NY), Worcester County Food Bank (Shrewsbury, MA), Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (Hatfield, MA), Good Shepherd Food Bank (Auburn, ME), Vermont Foodbank (Barre, VT), Boston Medical Center Food Pantry (Boston, MA), Greater Boston Food Bank, Long Island Cares (Hauppage, NY), and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (Latham, NY). This marks the largest single food donation of its kind by a private company in New England.

On Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 9:30 a.m., the first delivery of food will kick-off via convoy of 15 tractor trailer trucks loaded with 600,000 lbs of nutritious shelf-stable food. The public is invited to cheer on the convoy departing from Job Lot’s warehouse in North Kingstown, escorted by RI State Police, Blue Knights motorcycle club and North Kingstown Fire Department en route to the select Food Banks.

For the first time in the 11-year history of the Three Square Meals program, private businesses are sponsoring a truckload of food including Bank of America, The Providence Journal Charitable Fund, Polar Beverages, and Bob’s Red Mill.  Job Lot’s Charitable Foundation is also teaming up with the New England Patriots Alumni Club led by former 12-year Patriots offensive player Pete Brock and 15-year quarterback Steve Grogan to “tackle hunger” in 2014 and beyond. They will be on-hand for the March 25th morning event along with current Patriots cheerleaders and costumed mascot “Pat Patriot.”

In what has become a holiday tradition, Job Lot customers in seven states were invited to donate $1 at the register through December 31, 2013 to help buy food for Food Banks to distribute in their local community.  Job Lot matched the first $100,000 of donations made by shoppers.  The customer donations and matching amount totaled over $1.4 million – the equivalent of 78 tractor trailer loads of food.  Leveraging its significant wholesale buying power, Job Lot purchases food from its manufacturers and other sources valued at up to three times Job Lot’s purchase price, and also donates all purchasing logistics, administration, management, delivery labor, and fuel ensuring 100 percent of donated funds are used to help alleviate hunger.  Items to be distributed include shelf-stable food such as pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and fruit, soup, canned tuna, dried beans, rice, and more.

In late Spring, Job Lot and the New England Patriots Alumni Club are launching an initiative with URI’s SNAP-Ed program, culinary institutes, Scotts and Burpee Seeds to tackle food insecurity in the region from supporting neighborhood gardens to providing nutrition education to the community.  “Our Three Square Meals event is intended to bring attention to and help alleviate the growing food crisis in our region,” states Ocean State Job Lot Owner/Partner Alan Perlman, who notes his company is quick to recognize the contributions and generosity of its valued customers.  “We’re leading the fight against hunger, starting from the community garden level, to distributing nutritious food, to then teaching people how to create and eat healthy meals. Together with our customers and charitable partners such as the Patriots Alumni and URI’s SNAP-Ed program, we can greatly impact each step along this food insecurity cycle.  It’s exciting to see our Three Square Meals program grow and become an important catalyst for change.”

The public is invited to attend the 2014 Three Square Meals event being held in the Job Lot warehouse at 375 Commerce Park Road in North Kingstown on March 25, 2014 at 8:00 am, and to help cheer on the truck convoy as it departs at approximately 9:15 am for the Food Bank deliveries. There is no charge for this event.  Guests are asked to use Job Lot Way (off Commerce Park Road) to access the warehouse parking lot, and to enter Door #7.

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