Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - September 27, 2024
Analysis
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - September 27, 2024
We have expanded the list, and we are going to a GoLocal team approach while encouraging readers to suggest nominees for who is "HOT" and who is "NOT."
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Over the past 14-plus years, more than 7,000 have been tagged as HOT or NOT.
Email GoLocal by midday on Thursday about anyone you think should be tapped as "HOT" or "NOT." Email us HERE.
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - September 27, 2024
HOT
PVD Restaurant Makes NYT’s “50 Favorite Places in America Right Now”
A Providence restaurant has been named one of the New York Times' "50 Favorite Places in America Right Now."
"We have finished our annual search for America’s best restaurants," The Times reported this week.
Making the list from Rhode Island was Gift Horse - and only three New England restaurants garnered a nod.
Read what NYT wrote of their Providence selection here.
HOT
The PC Hockey All-Rhode Island Team
Robert McMahon has a great look:
Like most college hockey programs now, Providence College players come from junior hockey leagues, hockey prep schools, foreign countries, and transfers from other colleges.
For decades, however, the primary source of players was high school hockey. And, many of PC’s players came from its own backyard, Rhode Island high school hockey. Rhode Island High school hockey has produced scores of All-Americans and NHL players.
Approximately 115 RI high school hockey players have played for PC since 1950. Here are my choices for the best RI players to ever play for the Friars.
HOT
Providence Food Hall Announces New Additions, Scheduled to Open in Feb. 2025
The long-awaited Providence food hall is now scheduled to open in February of 2025.
And, now, we know the full lineup of offerings. The facility will be located in the old Union Station building.
The food hall, named Track 15 announced Tuesday the final two additions to its merchant lineup: Little Chaska and Tolia. They will join Dune Brothers, Dolores, There There, Giusto PVD, and Mother Pizzeria PVD to offer a variety of fare, from burgers and seafood to Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Italian, at Track 15 when the food hall opens in February 2025.
According to the announcement:
Little Chaska, from Sanjiv and Vandana Dhar of Kabob and Curry Rasoi in Pawtucket, Rasa in East Greenwich, and Chaska in Cranston’s Garden City Center, will showcase some of the unique recipes that have made their restaurant group a favorite for diverse flavors and spices since 1990.
Tolia, a new concept from Turkish native Alp Gumuscu, formerly the executive chef at Yagi Noodles in Newport, will bring a taste of the region of Anatolia to Track 15. Anatolia surrounds Turkey, Greece and other parts of the Middle East and its cuisine is deeply rooted in ancient ingredients, spices, and history. Chef Alp and his team will bring his story and culture to life with thoughtful food and cared-for ingredients.
“We are excited to welcome the Dhars and Alp Gumuscu to the Track 15 family,” said Christopher J. Marsella, President, Marsella Development Corporation. “They are the final pieces to this culinary puzzle we’ve been putting together, and we look forward to showcasing their exceptional talent.”
Built in 1898, the original Union Station consisted of 14 intercity rail lines and operated until 1986, when the smaller Amtrak station was built. The name Track 15 is a nod to Union Station’s earliest days as the hub of southeastern New England’s transportation network, supporting the machinery, textile, and jewelry industries that fueled the growth and future of Providence.
Marsella Development Corporation and the Marsella family have partnered with Convivium Hospitality Group to redevelop the historically important space and deliver a diverse, inclusive, and approachable hospitality experience that reflects the many cultural influences in Rhode Island.
“Building this food hall has been a labor of love for all of us,” continued Marsella. “Despite the challenges of renovating a historic building, our team is making progress every day, and we can’t wait to open our doors to a truly unique experience that is unlike anything in Rhode Island.”
The overall development of the 18,000 square foot represents a $25 million investment in the restoration of the historic building which, when completed, will include a large central bar, a new home for seven Rhode Island-based restaurateurs, indoor and outdoor seating for approximately 600 patrons, an entertainment venue, and a 10,000 square foot plaza which will provide outdoor seating and a home for special events.
HOT
Jaylen Brown
Get ready for the next transformation of sports: athletes owning their own companies and, someday, owning the leagues.
Brown announced on Tuesday the launch of his debut performance brand, 741.
According to the announcement, Brown has turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.
741 is now available for pre-order at www.741performance.com, with products set to go live for sale on October 22, 2024, both online and at select retailers.
This is a significant departure from professional stars who endorse major brands like Nike, New Balance, and many others. Brown’s line is independent.
The creation of 741 stems from Brown’s desire to create a solution for the traditional athlete endorsement model.
NOT
EXCLUSIVE: Pawtucket Soccer Stadium Construction Fails to Deliver on Jobs
The construction of the Pawtucket minor league soccer stadium — Tidewater Landing — was supposed to be a job creator for Rhode Island.
Now, GoLocal has secured a copy of a recent report on construction management prepared by the consulting firm JLL. The report reveals that the number of jobs created falls short of the number promised by developer and Governor Dan McKee’s administration.
The report, which has been kept private, is dated August 15, 2024, and was distributed to a top official at Commerce Rhode Island, Jeffrey Miller; Pawtucket officials; the developer, Brett Johnson; and investors.
According to press reports by WJAR and the Boston Globe, the construction of the stadium would create more than 700 jobs.
“The report done by CSL [consulting firm] does say the project will lead to hundreds of jobs. It estimates the soccer stadium will lead to 132 jobs a year for 30 years and that 786 jobs will be tied to the construction of the facility,” reported WJAR.
NOT
Smiley and Perez
The annual "Kennedy Plaza drug bust" was announced on Monday.
Providence Police on Monday said that 22 individuals were arrested for illegal drug sales in Kennedy Plaza. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Police Chief Oscar Perez backslapped each other.
A few hours later, a woman was violently assaulted in Kennedy Plaza.
The victim was reportedly boarding a bus with her husband when she was struck in the head from behind by a suspect who threw a brick at her.
NOT
Another Commerce Mess
Rhode Island has 99% internet coverage.
The state gets a federal grant for $108 million.
RI Commerce is so incompetent that one of the companies - Cox Communications - sues Commerce.
NOT
Sox Miss Playoffs Once Again
Red Sox owner John Henry has truly stripped the Red Sox down and sold the parts.
It has been six years since the Red Sox won the World Series in 2018.
Since then, it has been a yard sale.
Anyone know where Mookie can be found?
