NEW: Eddie and Son Diner in Downtown Providence to Close
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Eddie and Son Diner, the long-standing Providence institution, will be closing its doors on Friday, after nearly 70 years of serving customers.
"It's time," said owner Connie Caputo, who noted the family made the decision this week, and just informed property owner Joe Paolino.
Caputo had taken over managerial duties when her husband and owner Tommy left due to health issues. "I'm going to miss the customers, it's been a big family. A lot of the diners call me mom."
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"My father-in-law opened the original Eddie's on Broadway back in the 40s," said Caputo. "Then we were on Westminster, then over on Pine. We've been here now in this location for 20 years."
Caputo said that there were a number of reasons for retiring, which included spending more time with family. "I've got two great kids -- my son's a chiropractor, my daughter's a principal," said Caputo, noting with their families and careers they would not take over the business. "And we've got four great grandchildren, each more beautiful than the next."
"We made a lot of friends...judges, politicians, the folks in news," said Caputo, recalling, "I used to tell Matt Lauer he was going to move on to great things when he was at Channel 10 and we were on Pine Street."
"Governor Chafee comes in here regularly," added Caputo. "But over the years, we've seen less and less of the lawyers -- the city's gotten expensive, especially with the parking."
"I used to have five waitresses -- three on the floor, two behind the counter," said Caputo. "I just don't need that amount now though."
"I'll never forget though, (realtor) Arthur Lima came through one day and said our kitchen was cleaner than his one at home," said Caputo. "Old man Joe (Paolino Sr.) loved my husband like family."
"We'll miss it here...but it was time," said Caputo.
