Projo Biz Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- It's been reincarnated and redecorated numerous times, but Roma foods has been part of the Atwells Avenue business district and a presence on the Federal Hill food scene for decades.

Now, apparently, it's gone.

The doors of the shop -- which over the years has had numerous names including Roma Gourmet and Vecchia Roma -- are closed and the windows covered with brown wrapping paper.

There's been no official word from the owners and there is no information about the future of the business posted for patrons on the doors or the windows.

The abrupt closing comes just a few months after the spacious shop at 310 Atwells Ave. underwent yet another renovation and reopened as part gourmet food store and part European dining spot called Trattoria DiFiore

Whether or not it will reopen anytime soon remains a question mark.

Chef Gianfranco Campanella, who created the rustic Italian dishes at Trattoria DiFiore, said Friday that the restaurant was last open on May 23 and closed with little notice or information given to employees.

"I was told that they were closing for renovations and that's all I was told," Campanella said. "I haven't heard anything since."

He said he was informed by owner/manager Meggan E. O'Connell whose name is on the liquor license which is still active with the city.

O'Connell could not be located for comment and there was no answer at the phone numbers listed for either the trattoria or Roma Gourmet.

Campanella, who owns Anita's Cheesecake Co. on Charles Street in Providence, said he is continuing with the bakery and also has plans to open a new spot for prepared foods in Cranston next month.

Upstairs above the trattoria, the Via Roma banquet hall, which also serves buffets and other dinners, is still open for business.

There is no common ownership between the two businesses, although there is a shared history since Via Roma is joint effort by Chef Domenic Ierfino and the Grillo family which for years ran Roma foods.

 Tags  Atwells Avenue Providence RI Roma foods

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