Valley Breeze

north smithfield blackstone woonsocket edition | valley breeze | JanUary 22-28, 2015 BUSINESS 5 NORTH SMITHFIELD – Mark Siwicki isn't shy about describing the problems associ- ated with his first restaurant attempt in the Slatersville Plaza. The menu of the former Spark Grill and Tapas Bar was limited while the "dreary, droopy, dark" decor was left over from the previous Cucina eatery there. Eventually, nega- tive word of mouth in small North Smithfield whittled away any hope of success. Even the old name, "Tapas" referring to "small portions," had sent the wrong message to suburban Rhode Island, he says. "We disappointed the locals," he says. "We had to change it up," he told The Breeze last week. Taking a page from TV's "Restaurant Impossible" show, he called in a consultant and a new chef who together revamped the menu, reworked the decor and hired new serv- ers. The makeover began two months ago, with the restau- rant staying open during the work. Last week, the new menu was featured for the first time. The result is a brand-new restaurant called Cafe 900, and now Siwicki is hoping his unhappy customers of the past will give him a second chance. Chef Jeff Bissonnette is new to the enterprise while silent partners are continuing – Dr. David Siwicki and Volker Wagner. Consultant Mark Richards says the target audience might best be described as families watching their pennies. It's a casual dining eatery now that Siwicki calls it a "total makeover" that reflects North Smithfield, not Providence. Others might describe the food as "pub food," except that the emphasis is on dining, not the drinks. For kids, they've installed an old-fashioned milk shake blender and offer flavors that LINCOLN – Gov. Gina Raimondo will be the keynote speaker at the Northern Rhode Island Chamber's 24th Annual Dinner at the Twin River Event Center on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a speaking program. Prior to being elected, Raimondo served as General Treasurer of Rhode Island. Raimondo's agenda is designed to kick start the state's economy and create jobs. "We are excited that the governor chose to make the Chamber dinner her first major event in northern Rhode Island," said John C. Gregory, Chamber president and CEO. The Chamber will also announce this year's honored recipients of the distinguished Barbara Burlingame and Ben Mondor awards. The Burlingame award was established in 2003 to honor State Representative Burlingame and former Chamber Vice President, to recognize a Rhode Island elected official who has see RAIMONDO, Page 6 see CAFE 900, Page 6 Raimondo at Chamber dinner Feb. 10 RAIMONDO Owners 'change it up' with new look, feel at Slatersville's Cafe 900 valley breeze Photo by tom ward Co-owner MARk SIwICkI stands inside the new Cafe 900 restaurant in Slatersville Plaza, North Smithfield. He and partners Volker Wagner and David Siwicki, M.D. took the former Spark Grill and Tapas Bar and have re-created it into a family-friendly eatery with a new menu and fresh look. NEW Convenient Location OPEN 7 DAYS X-Ray and Lab On-Site Sport & D.O.T. Physicals Available We treat a wide range of urgent but non-emergency conditions including: sprains, strains, fractures, lacerations and minor wounds, fever, cough and cold, rashes and allergic reactions, cardiac and respiratory ailments, infections and injuries. NOW OPEN IN WOONSOCKET BANK OF AMERICA BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR 25 John A. Cummings Way — 401-235-7310 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm; Sat. 8am-4pm; Sun. 9am-1pm New Year, New Insurance, New Doctor, Welcoming New Patients Dr. Rajeev Gupta Internal Medicine • Diabetes • High Blood Pressure • High Cholesterol • Depression/Anxiety • All Preventative Care 100% Physician Care (No Nurse Practitioners) In Practice for 20 years Offices in Cumberland, RI and Slatersville, RI Offices in Cumberland, RI and Slatersville, RI Call 401-305-5515 or 401-658-2205 Call 401-305-5515 or 401-658-2205 First-Rate Care 3751 MENDON ROAD, CUMBERLAND, RI 401.658.3470 www.withheartandsoul.net Now Available at

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