The landlord of 3 popular Pawtuxet Village restaurants notified each owner that all outdoor dining must cease by April 15th, despite the fact that Governor McKee extended outdoor dining well into 2024.

Dean Scanlon, owner of Revolution American Bistro, Kristi Knoedler, owner of Fellini Pizzeria, and Ray Verrocchio, owner of Bagel Express and Deli, said they have been directed to remove all outdoor dining equipment and furniture by their landlord, Anthony Albanese by April 15th.

 
The restaurant owners have been providing outdoor service to patrons since the state “Take It Outside” initiative began in May 2020. “We have invested tens of thousands of dollars since Albanese successfully sought and won approval of a zoning change to keep the outdoor dining permanent in March 2022.” Scanlon said.
 
Attorneys for the restaurants plan to fight the unlawful termination of outdoor dining. Additionally, in-restaurant petitions are being circulated and all 3 affected restaurants have taken to social media to attempt to stop the landlord from imposing this action.

Albanese sent the notice to all three businesses on the heels of Gov. Dan McKee signing a bill allowing restaurants to continue state approved outdoor dining, regardless of local ordinances. The letter states, “This letter is to remind everyone to remove everything from the parking lot. The owner at this time does not wish to seek a variance to keep the lot open for dining and seating. So, the lot will return to a parking lot as of April 15, 2023. Any items must be removed by that date or they will be removed for you. Then you will be responsible for the cost of such removal under your lease.”

The bill (2023-S 0683, 2023-H 5264A), sponsored by state Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-South Kingstown, Narragansett), and state sen. Alana DiMario (D-Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham), extended approved outdoor dining until Feb. 15, 2024.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, McKee imposed a moratorium on some local ordinances that prohibited outdoor dining, allowing more restaurants around the state to serve customers outdoors. That moratorium was scheduled to expire on April 1, but was extended by bill being signed into law.

"The take it outside campaign has proven to be very popular with residents, tourists and business owners alike," McEntee said. "With confusing zoning ordinances that vary from town to town, the process of providing outdoor dining can be costly and overly burdensome on small businesses. Passing this bill provides a window of relief while Senator DiMario and I work with all the stakeholders, including the hospitality association, the league of cities and towns, and individual business owners, to find a long-term solution to keep outdoor dining going strong."

"With the warm weather coming, our small businesses deserve clarity and certainty," DiMario said. "By passing this extension, we ensure restaurants can plan for this spring and summer as we continue to work with local leaders and small business owners to make outdoor dining permanent."

The legislation passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate.

With the April 15 date fast approaching, please sign, share, and show your support for these three small local businesses.