Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not - January 23, 2026

HOT

Regent Gets Major Order - Seagliders for East Coast Service

Regent Craft, the developer and manufacturer of Seaglider vessels, announced on Friday a Seaglider order from ‘XXV,’ a private members club that offers innovative experiences centered around premier coastal destinations. The company moved from Boston to Rhode Island in 2022. The company receives significant incentives from Rhode Island taxpayers. The company is located in North Kingstown.

The agreement marks a new category of Seaglider customer, highlighting demand from mobility operators seeking faster, more seamless, and more elevated connectivity between coastal hubs.

XXV’s order totals 30 of the 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider vessels for U.S. deployment. The Viceroy vessel is designed for convenient, comfortable dock-to-dock travel. Passengers board directly at the water’s edge, then the craft rises onto hydrofoils to offer a high-speed, smooth ride through busy ports, before flying just above the water on a cushion of air in ground effect at speeds up to 180 miles per hour for routes up to 180 miles. The interior of the cabin features high ceilings and large windows, and the unique all-electric Seaglider operations ensure a quieter, smoother ride compared to other existing and emerging transportation options.  Regent did not disclose the value of the order or the delivery date.

East Coast Service

XXV plans to begin Seaglider operations on the U.S. East Coast, with an initial focus on the Northeast and Florida, serving routes including New York to the Hamptons, Boston to Nantucket, Palm Beach to Miami, and Miami to the Bahamas. Regent will deliver the first Seaglider vessels to XXV as early as 2027.

“We designed Seaglider vessels to remove friction from coastal travel, and XXV is applying that capability to create a member experience centered on our shared goals of convenience, comfort, and connection,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of REGENT. “This partnership allows us to bring the benefits of Seaglider vessels directly to XXV members, offering a more seamless and enjoyable way to experience coastal destinations.”

HOT

URI Women's Basketball Team

In a winter of discontent on the men's side of college basketball in Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island women are a beacon of hoop light.

PS. They have won 11 in a row.

PHOTO: URI

HOT

YUM I

Providence Restaurant Weeks Returns for 20th Year With 90+ Local Eateries 

Winter is the perfect moment to shake off the cold and savor the award-winning restaurants that make Providence one of the most exciting culinary destinations. Kicking off its 20th year, Providence Restaurant Weeks returns January 25 - February 7 with one of its biggest lineups to date: nearly 100 dining options from Providence to the West Bay, East Bay and beyond. GoProvidence’s signature event features new restaurants, including many participating for the first time, and offers prix fixe menus, lunch and dinner specials, creative drink offerings, and more.

“Since introducing Providence Restaurant Weeks 20 years ago, we’ve seen Providence’s culinary reputation continue to rise. Food & Wine recently named us one of America’s Next Great Food Cities, highlighting the chefs, restaurants, and diverse dining scene that set us apart,” said Kristen Adamo, GoProvidence president and CEO. “Providence Restaurant Weeks is the perfect showcase. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome new restaurants and participants to this special event. From the new Yellow Door Taqueria and Ten Prime Seafood in Providence, to the recently re-opened Metacom Kitchen in Warren, and Fresco’s slate of restaurants across the state, there is something to appeal to every palate.”

PHOTO: Nils Stahl, Unsplash

HOT

YUM II

The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists - and Rhode Island scored spots in multiple categories. 

In Providence, Oberlin is among 20 restaurants across the county nominated for “Outstanding Restaurant,” and Claudine, which recently opened on Weybosset Street,  was nominated for “Best New Restaurant.”

Derek Wagner, of Nicks on Broadway, has been nominated for Best Chef - Northeast. 

Loma was nominated for Best New Bar, and Jesse Hedberg with Club Frills was nominated for “Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.”

In Newport, Jasmine Watson with Audette has been nominated for “Emerging Chef,” and Kevin O’Donnell at Giusto has been nominated for “Best Chef Northeast.” 

Annie Parsi at Jayd Bun in South Kingstown is also nominated for “Best Chef - Northeast.” 

PHOTO:  CC: 3.0 Cullen 328

HOT

New Look, Cool Offices — Hinckley Allen Invests in Providence

Hinckley Allen announced the relocation of its Providence, Rhode Island headquarters to an entirely new, completely reimagined office at 100 Westminster Street. The new office, spanning 23,700 square feet, marks an exciting new chapter for the 120-year-old law firm.

It was designed by a local architectural firm and features artwork by Rhode Island artists.

“Hinckley Allen’s new Providence office represents our confidence in our clients and the firm,” said Patrick A. Rogers, Hinckley Allen’s Managing Partner. “One of our strategic goals is investment in our clients and our people. The new Providence office reflects that investment. State-of-the-art technology, outstanding legal talent, and collaborative work-space – all designed to deliver superior, efficient legal services to our clients.”

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NOT

Grandstanding

In what looks to be a public relations stunt, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley issued an executive order banning federal agents from making arrests on City of Providence property.

But Smiley could not answer what would happen if federal agents ignored his executive order.

Here is the outline of what Smiley proclaimed in his executive order:

“Prohibiting the Use of City Property for Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities, prohibiting the use of City-owned property for civil immigration enforcement activities, including as a staging area, processing location or operations base. The order reaffirms Providence’s commitment to being a safe and welcoming city for all neighbors of all immigration status, prioritizing the safety of all neighbors, providing essential city services and protecting the well-being of Providence communities.”

But the details of how the executive order would work were vague, and Smiley’s office provided confusing and limited details about its implementation. 

In recent months, ICE agents have entered numerous government buildings, including last week chasing a person into the Garrahy Courthouse in Providence.

GoLocal asked Smiley for specifics about how the executive order would work and the viability of trying to regulate federal actions.

GoLocal: So, what specifically would the enforcement entail? A ticket? A lawsuit?  Please be specific.

Smiley's Office: Under this executive order, Providence Police will issue notices if City-owned property is being used for civil immigration enforcement in violation of the order. If a notice is not followed, the City may pursue legal action. The order does not interfere with lawful federal enforcement, including judicial warrants or criminal law. Providence Police's priority remains the safety and protection of the Providence community.

GoLocal: And, are you claiming that an executive order circumvents federal law?

Smiley: No, this executive order does not circumvent federal law. It sets clear expectations for how City-owned property may be used and clarifies what activity is not permitted on that property. ICE or any federal agency is not prevented from entering Providence or from carrying out lawful enforcement actions consistent with the law. The executive order makes clear that public spaces are intended to support our communities, not intimidate them.

GoLocal followed up three more times, specifically requesting how the executive order would be enforced.

The Smiley exercise may be more about his Democratic challenger, State Representative David Morales, who has been a longtime activist against ICE activities.

NOT

RI Ranked As Worst State to Start a Business

You would think this would spark action, but no.

For Rhode Island entrepreneurs, the news can’t get any worse.

"Over one-fifth of all startups typically don’t survive past year one of operation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and nearly half never reach their fifth anniversary. Staying afloat is challenging even in stable times—and even more so amid elevated inflation and persistent labor market tightness,” according to WalletHub.

Governor Dan McKee promised to be the small business governor -- oops.

"Beyond these macroeconomic headwinds, there are many other common reasons startups fail, and a 'bad location' remains one of the top ones. Choosing the right state for a business is therefore crucial. A state that offers the right ecosystem—access to capital, skilled talent, affordable real estate, for instance—can give new ventures a leg up not just to start, but to scale," they continue. 

Dan McKee was supposed to be the "small business" governor, but after nearly five years in office, Rhode Island's small business environment could not be worse.

In this study, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 25 key indicators of startup success to determine the most fertile grounds in which to launch and grow an enterprise.

Rhode Island is ranked last in the new WalletHub study.

“Around half of all new businesses don’t survive five years, so the idea of becoming a business owner can be daunting, especially with the current high cost of living. That’s why it’s crucial to establish your business in a state that will maximize your chances of success. The best states have low corporate tax rates, strong economies, an abundance of reliable workers, easy access to financing and affordable real estate. On top of that, you’ll need to make sure you start in a place with an engaged customer base, if you’re operating locally,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst.

NOT

Trump at Davos

This was a major American embarrassment.

PHOTO: White House