Restaurant scene is vital to small business community and tourism - by Frank Picozzi

With more than 170 eateries to choose from – traditional fare, Italian, Mexican, seafood, pizza, bakeries, mom-and-pop-style diners, pubs, places for delicious desserts, and more – Warwick’s restaurant scene is a vital part of both our city’s tourism industry and small business community. Now, three new ventures have found the perfect space to call home.

Scotti’s Salumeria is right here in Warwick on the town line with East Greenwich. Inspired by owner Marco Scotti’s family, the restaurant’s menu and atmosphere strive to evoke the Italian family traditions he grew up with. Chef Armando Bisceglia, born in Naples, Italy, brings his wealth of experience, love of cooking, and passion to both the food and wine menus offered in the restaurant, which was once an old service station before its transformation into the former Huck’s Filling Station, a local hotspot featuring cuisine with a southern flair. At Scotti’s, charcuterie boards, delicious salads, pizzas, focaccia panini, and creatively-prepared pasta dishes are offered alongside traditional favorites like chicken cacciatore, linguini and clams, and gnocchi Sorrentino. The restaurant, located at 4654 Post Rd., is open Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Baked & Brewed, at 2424 West Shore Rd., is an offshoot of the popular “Sweet Daddy Joe’s” food truck and has fast become a local favorite thanks to their mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches, uniquely flavored gourmet coffees, and sweet treats like cheesecake, cannolis, apple cinnamon coffee cake, buttery croissants, decadent blueberry turnovers, freshly-made muffins, bagels, and much more! In addition to keeping local residents and out-of-town guests alike happy and well-fed, Baked & Brewed is already giving back to the community, supporting Warwick Police Athletic League fundraisers and holiday toy drives in the roughly two months they’ve been opened. Open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon.

And over at 3880 Post Rd., The Corner House Delicatessen’s owners are committed to “bringing our neighborhood an upscale deli” that features from-scratch foods and baked items. Specialty sandwiches include chicken schwarma, banh mi pulled pork sandy, and classics like cheesesteak and hot meatball grinders, with paninis, basic board offerings, breakfast sandwiches, and salads rounding out the menu. In store, they also offer a rotating selection of prepared foods, including appetizers, entrees, sides, and sauces. Artisan cakes by Isabel Noel offer beautifully- and creatively-decorated confections for every occasion, while their catering menu makes entertaining a delicious snap for those with already jam-packed daily schedules. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We are excited to welcome these new businesses to the city and look forward to their success here in Warwick. With available office and retail space and other properties offering unique revitalization and redevelopment opportunities, together with a terrific quality of life and great municipal services, Warwick is an ideal place for your business to call home. Call the Economic Development Dept. at (401) 738-2014 or email econ.dir@warwickri.gov to learn more.

Frank Picozzi is the mayor of the city of Warwick, R.I.