Scott Avedisian, Mayor of Warwick

As 2016 arrives, we wanted to take a moment to look back at some of the most significant develops and milestones in the city throughout the past 12 months. It seems every year Warwick has more and more to celebrate, and 2015 was no exception.

During the course of 2015, the city’s culinary scene enjoyed a rash of attention.  With everything from new development, to grand openings and refurbishments popping up, Warwick enjoyed a boost in local eateries scattered throughout the city. The old Rocky Point Pub reemerged as Dimmiccio’s, Red Rice now stands where Twist used to be, and Arooga’s Grill House and Sports Pub added a new location on Greenwich Avenue. Another iconic Rhode Island eatery, Gregg’s, also got a new look in 2015. The restaurant added an addition to their Post Road location. Finally, The Trap celebrated a total transformation with a  grand reopening in December. The pub boasts a classic pub-style menu, weekend entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to restaurants, Warwick also welcomed two new sweet shops in 2015. The Chocolate Delicacy celebrated their grand re-opening in September. The sweet shop moved to a larger location in Warwick from East Greenwich. Additionally, we welcomed A Piece of Cake bakery in November. The cake shop boasts a variety of custom baked goods.

Our hotels experienced a record-breaking year as occupancy numbers soared all summer and into the fall. The “Stay in Warwick, See Rhode Island” campaign helped carve out a niche as an affordable and accessible getaway to see all that the state has to offer. In 2015, Warwick became the go-to destination for many people who wanted to take advantage of the full Ocean State experience. Contributing the success of the campaign, and the accessibility of the city, is the proximity of the InterLink.  With expanded services to and from Frankfurt to start back up in June, new services to and from Chicago added to their flight plans, and the runway expansion well underway, TF Green and Rhode Island will continue to appeal to all of our out-of-state visitors. 

The Apponaug Circulator project continues full steam ahead. With mild fall weather, construction continued to advance at a fast pace. As the rotary project continues to take shape, new traffic patterns will begin to emerge in later in the year.

All in all, 2015 was a benchmark year for the city. We have high hopes that 2016 will build upon the current momentum and Warwick will continue to be the best place in Rhode Island to live, work and play.

Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick and the chairman of the RIPTA board of directors.