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🍽️ Exciting News: Al Forno–Style Restaurant Coming to Pawtucket’s Historic Beswick Building!
July 17, 2025
Pawtucket food lovers. Something delicious is coming to downtown Pawtucket!
What’s Happening?
A celebrated Los Angeles restaurateur is opening a cozy, upscale bistro at the iconic Beswick Building (3 Exchange Street) in downtown Pawtucket. The concept draws inspiration from the region’s famed Al Forno–style. Think hot from the wood fired oven pizzas, fresh grilled fare, and a warm, inviting atmosphere full of jazz, flavor, and community buzz.
Why It’s a Big Deal
- Reviving a Landmark: The Beswick Building, dating back to 1891, has historic charm with Art Deco touches and Victorian storefronts. Although underused for years, this project brings vital new energy and purpose.
- Local Love: Community members in Pawtucket and across Rhode Island are already celebrating the comeback with some of the comments being... “Nice to see some revitalization!” and “Into it, would love to see that area have more stuff…”.
- Careful Restoration: Work is underway under the guidance of a certified historical contractor, ensuring respect for the building’s character and architectural heritage.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Al Forno–style pizzas. Likely with classic toppings and wood-fired crusts. Alongside grilled seafood, meats, and seasonal small plates.
- Ambiance: A lively but relaxed bistro feel, potentially featuring jazz or soft background music for a truly special dining experience.
- Perfect Location: Situated steps away from Seed Cafe and other spots, this restaurant will further shake up Pawtucket’s Arts District. Great for pre-show dinners or casual weekend brunches.
Why This Matters
This project blends Pawtucket’s rich history with its thriving cultural scene. Turning a historic gem into a local dining destination, it brings jobs, foot traffic, and pride back to Exchange Street. Plus, who doesn’t love a wood-fired pizza night?
Timeline & Next Steps
- Renovations are currently in progress with the historical contractor on board.
- No official opening date yet announced, but excitement is building fast. So stay tuned to Entering Pawtucket for updates.
Latest News
🚨Tragic Fire at Fall River Assisted Living Facility Claims Nine Lives 🚨
July 14, 2025
In a devastating incident, nine people lost their lives and 30 others were hospitalized following a fire at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River, Massachusetts. The fire broke out around 9:30 p.m., with firefighters encountering heavy smoke and residents desperately calling for help from their windows.
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon confirmed the tragic toll during a news conference, expressing condolences to the victims' families. Some victims died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries at local hospitals. Among the hospitalized, one person remains in critical condition. Five firefighters were also treated for minor injuries but have since been released.
Emergency services, including the police and EMS, worked heroically to rescue dozens of the 69 residents from the building. Governor Maura Healey visited the scene, praising the bravery of the first responders and extending her condolences to the families affected.
The facility's owner, Dennis Etzkorn, has not commented but is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, described as extensive by Chief Bacon.
The fire, which reached five alarms, mobilized about 50 firefighters, including many off-duty personnel. The damage was confined to one wing, although smoke affected the entire facility.
Displaced survivors have been relocated to a local shelter, and a family reunification center has been established at the Timao Center. The fire's origin is under investigation by multiple agencies, but it is not considered suspicious at this time.
This tragedy marks the deadliest fire in Massachusetts since 1984. Gabriel House, operational since 1999, allows older adults to live independently with support. The community mourns this profound loss as investigations continue.
Upcoming Events
🍴 Food Truck Friday: Blackstone Valley
📍 100 Higginson Ave, Lincoln, RI
📅 Friday, July 18, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎟️ Free Admission — Just pay for what you eat & drink
🚫 No smoking, vaping, or outside alcohol
🐾 Pets not encouraged
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🎒🏀 BACK TO SCHOOL VIBES at GALEGO COURT!
📍 Galego Court
📅 Monday, August 25th
🕚 11AM – 3PM
🎉 FREE for Everyone!
✔️ Basketball Clinic
✔️ Food
✔️ Haircuts
✔️ School Supplies
✔️ Live DJ on deck!
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⚽ Rhode FC vs Hartford Athletic – Clash of the Northeast
📍 Location: Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket, RI
📅 Date: Saturday July 19
🕖 Time: 4 PM kickoff
✨ Chip Bobblehead Day
🥊 Rivalry
👨🏾👩🏻👧🏻👦🏿 Family Fun
Modern Diner for Sale
The Modern Diner in Pawtucket Is Up For Sale
July 7, 2025
After decades of dedication and service, the owners of the Historic Modern Diner have made the heartfelt decision to put this beloved Pawtucket institution up for sale.
For over 40 years, the Modern Diner has been more than just a place to eat. it’s been a part of the city’s identity. Known for its classic stainless steel design and signature dishes like the custard French toast, the diner has drawn locals and food lovers from far and wide.
🎗️Here are some of the Accolades & Recognition they've received...
- The first diner in America to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Featured on the Food Network, including on shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
- Celebrated by local and national publications for its timeless charm and top-notch comfort food
To Pawtucket this isn’t just the sale of a business. It’s the passing of a torch. The Modern Diner is a piece of Rhode Island history, and the hope is to find a buyer who will honor its legacy while taking it into its next chapter.