Rhode Island’s food scene has long been a point of pride — small coastal spots, family‐run diners, and neighborhood gems pepper every town (versus tons of chains). But in 2025, a surprising number of announcements have revealed restaurants are struggling to stay afloat. Rising costs, labor shortages, unpredictable foot traffic, and inflation are squeezing margins. For many Rhode Islanders, these closures are more than just a loss of dinner options — they’re the visible cracks in an economy under strain.
Below are some of the more notable closures from around the state in 2025:
Phil’s Main Street Grille (Wakefield)
Operating since the 1940s, Phil’s Main Street Grille announced it would close on January 26, 2025. The breakfast / lunch / dinner spot, beloved in the rural Wakefield area of South Kingstown.
Vino Veritas (Providence)
In July 2025, Vino Veritas on Broadway in Providence closed its doors after nearly nine years.
The Rose Room Café (Providence)
The Rose Room Café, located on Wickenden Street in Providence, closed in the summer, after opening in March 2024. Its brief run speaks to how challenging it is out there. On the plus side, they plan to focus on its main location in Webster and other operations.
The Coastal Cabin & Tavern on Main (Narragansett / South Kingstown)
In early 2025, owner Christian D’Agostino announced The Coastal Cabin Restaurant in Narragansett would close after four years, alongside his Tavern on Main in South Kingstown.
Sly Fox Den Too (Charlestown)
An Indigenous-owned venture in Charlestown, Sly Fox Den Too closed in January 2025. This one was due to ongoing issues with the landlord. The James Beard-award-winning chef (Sherry Pocknett) hopes to secure funding and re-open elsewhere in New England (think Connecticut or Massachusetts).
Chain / Regional Closures: Bertucci’s
Among chain operations, one confirmed Rhode Island closure in 2025 is Bertucci’s. The Warwick location was among those shuttered as the chain navigated Chapter 11 restructuring. This is part of a broader pattern of national casual dining brands retrenching amid mounting debt and shrinking margins.
But let’s end on a story of resilience…
Matunuck Oyster Bar
One of Rhode Island’s coastal icons, Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown was severely damaged by a devastating fire on May 20, 2025. But it reopened about a month later under a tent, with help from a new “Take It Outside” law that allows fire or flood-damaged restaurants to offer outdoor dining for up to 18 months.
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