With spring now underway, we’re seeing the city’s landscape come to life and continue to celebrate the revitalization of a number of properties and the ongoing efforts of our businesses throughout Warwick.

I recently had the pleasure of leading a ribbon cutting for Cork and Rye Gastropub. Located at 255 Lambert Lind Hwy., adjacent to the busy Warwick Mall complex, the restaurant specializes in serving high-quality food and beverages to their patrons in an atmosphere inspired by the owner’s various travel experiences. Featuring handcrafted cocktails, locally sourced libations and made-from-scratch menu items, Cork and Rye has already begun to carve their niche as Warwick’s newest go-to restaurant. Cork and Rye is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.corkandryeri.com.

A short distance away, Raymour & Flanigan Furniture has transformed the former Sears store into one of its newest showrooms. Founded in 1947 by brothers Bernard and Arnold Goldberg, who opened their first store in Syracuse, N.Y., the company is still family owned and boasts more than 95 showrooms in locations throughout the northeast. They offer a wide range of home furnishings, from living and dining rooms, to bedrooms and offices, kid’s styles and outdoor furniture, as well as accessories. To learn more, log on to www.raymourflanigan.com

The company is also committed to helping a variety of charitable causes, particularly those that focus on diseases affecting women and children, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Make-A-Wish, The Susan G. Komen for the Cure, United Way, and Say Yes to Education. Its grand opening celebration was held April 6. Raymour & Flanigan’s dedication to the places they call home make them a perfect addition to our business community, which includes a number of professionals who work actively and tirelessly to give back to our residents through their support of local charitable causes. 

With that in mind, the Warwick Rotary Club’s 9th Annual Gourmet Gala was held at the Radisson Hotel, drawing hundreds of guests who spent the evening enjoying delicious food, wine and beer samplings provided by over 20 local restaurants. All proceeds from the event went directly to the many causes Rotarians hold dear to their hearts. It was a terrific night, and those in attendance are already looking forward anxiously to next year’s event.

I also joined our Department of Tourism, Culture and Development at the annual gathering of the Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau as they recognized people throughout our state who have made significant contributions to Rhode Island’s tourism and hospitality industry in the past year. I was proud to recognize house majority leader Joseph Shekarchi for his ongoing advocacy, as well as Jack McGinn, president of the Warwick Figure Skaters, who was instrumental in securing Rhode Island – and Warwick’s Thayer and Warburton rinks – for the 2020 National Synchronized Skating Championships.

To be sure, Warwick remains a city on the move, and the momentum is only growing. I look forward to providing you with additional updates on exciting new developments in the months to come.

Joseph Solomon is the mayor of Warwick.