New “Bodega” Opens in Providence Featuring Deli, Groceries, Vegan Dishes, and More
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
A new, locally owned grocery store and deli has opened in Providence -- "Bodega on Smith."
Located at 373 Smith Street, it is the brainchild of entrepreneur Kenneth Zarabedian, who owns United Valet and food delivery service DASAP.
Zorabedian tells GoLocal he saw an unmet need in the neighborhood where he grew up for a local grocery option.
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So Zorabedian looked around, and put an offer on the building that previously housed an Asian market, and back in the 1990s, the "Better Baking Company."
"I'm shocked they took it -- but they did," said Zorabedian.
He then enlisted the help of industry pros -- and his family.
"I have a friend, Rick Melise, who owns Cafe Vino in Johnston; it's probably my favorite veal parmesan," said Zorabedian. "He called me up and said he wanted to do a pizza place; I said I need someone over here. Our moms are best friends, grew up togethe, and we reconnected for this — it’s a nice opportunity for both of us."
Bodega on Smith will also predominantly feature vegan fare, which despite his love of veal parm, Zorabedian said he "finds himself eating more of."
"We were lucky enough to team up with Chris Collins — that’s his thing, he’s been a vegan chef and at AS220," said Zorabedian. "So we grabbed him and we knew we needed that dynamic."
As for Zorabedian, he said he'll be focusing on the delivery aspect when he anticipates launching soon.
"I applied for a liquor license, so hopefully we’ll have for St. Patty’s Day," said Zorabedian. "Well have a little bit of everything."
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