“LowKey” Cocktail Bar Aims to Be Hot New Addition to RI Nightlife Scene
Saturday, August 28, 2021
A new cocktail bar has arrived in East Greenwich.
“LowKey,” which is officially launching in September, is bringing an intimate vibe — and creative cocktails, a tapas-themed small plate food menu, music, and dancing — to Main Street.
GoLocal spoke with owner Zach Flanders about his vision for opening an establishment that he said hopes will complement — and not compete — with existing restaurants and bars in the town.
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About EG’s Newest Addition
Flanders, who hails from Rhode Island and spent time working in finance in New York before returning home, said his idea to open a cocktail bar came from his love of the industry.
“I bartended for a while on Main Street. It was fun, even as a second job — I love to serve people and see the joy when they’re being entertained,” he said.
Flanders said he always knew he wanted to get into the restaurant industry — he was an originator of the entertainment and nightlife sites “Tonight in RI” and “Going Out in RI” — and when he saw that a gym on Main Street had been vacant for some time, he saw an opportunity.
And while Flanders is launching his vision now as Rhode Island and the rest of the country look to emerge from the hardship of the 2020 lockdowns, he had actually purchased the space prior to the pandemic.
“These landlords were amazing and worked with me and were almost partners in a way,” said Flanders. “They helped out and lowered the rent. As I didn’t have the business actually open, I couldn’t get PPP money. So they understood that my success would be their success.”
Team Behind Vision
And Flanders said his vision wouldn’t be possible without a seasoned team that made it all happen.
“I have a partner Bill Laliberty, who’s the bar manager — he’s former Matunuck Oyster Bar bartender, and I have another former Matunuck bartender Joe Eirhard,” said Flanders. “And I could haven’t done it without was Phil Diraison, a carpenter who worked with me on my design vision, and he’s been not only a huge support, but he was a pleasure to work with. He always showed up and was reliable.”
Flanders, who on Thursday hosted a soft opening, wasn’t done thanking people.
“Without the love and support of my family and friends, LowKey would have never made it to opening night,” said Flanders.
And turning a former gym space into a bar?
“Joe Tafuri of Tafuri Electric,” said Flanders of the team that made it happen.
“It’s been a long journey to get here,” said Flanders of opening a business during the pandemic. “But hopefully, it will be a longer journey of serving people great food and cocktails.”
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