Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I haven't spent a significant amount of time in Woonsocket before, however I've been there a few times for various occasions. My partner grew up near the town and loves it, and would like to buy a commercial space and open a business there (beer garden). He thinks that the town is bouncing back, and that with a few more cool spots for young people to hang out at, it could become a good commuter town for Boston and Providence. The commercial real estate prices are pretty decent right now, especially for buildings with a lot of character, which is what he's interested in.
What are your opinions on Woonsocket? Is it a good time to invest in a new business now there? Do you think Woonsocket is ready for a beer garden?
Everything comes in cycles and Woonsocket's time has to come soon. The town has incredible commercial architectural resources unique to northern RI. No doubt commercial spaces are currently inexpensive. I would suggest locating a destination beer garden in a location where it builds on successful businesses that currently exist. The question: would the proposed "beer garden" be down scale or upscale? The former would probably have a lot of nearby competition in the area. The latter, well thought out, might be unique enough to be successful. Good luck!
I work in the Woonsocket area and happen to like the city. Everyone thinks I'm crazy. But it's got great bones and a lot of charm. I think there's potential.
Don't take my word for it, though. Here's my advice to you: There's a place called River Falls right in downtown Woonsocket. It's really the only reasonably with-it bar in the area, unless you count the bar at Vintage nearby, which is really more of a restaurant that happens to have a bar. Every after-work gathering related to my job happens at River Falls. I think you should pay a visit on a Friday or Saturday night -- you'll likely find it packed. That, to me, is proof enough that the area is hungry for similar establishments and that there's plenty of room for competition.
I'd do it, if I were the kind of person who bought commercial real estate and opened businesses, which I'm not.
Everything comes in cycles and Woonsocket's time has to come soon. The town has incredible commercial architectural resources unique to northern RI. No doubt commercial spaces are currently inexpensive. I would suggest locating a destination beer garden in a location where it builds on successful businesses that currently exist. The question: would the proposed "beer garden" be down scale or upscale? The former would probably have a lot of nearby competition in the area. The latter, well thought out, might be unique enough to be successful. Good luck!
It would be on the upscale side but it would feel cozy and welcoming, not stuffy. Think local and national craft beers and imported European beers on tap (10+ taps), and also a selection of cheaper canned/bottled commercial beers too. This wouldn't be your Bud Light crowd. Think more along the lines of Shipyard, Allagash, Dogfish Head, Abita, Brooklyn Brewery, Laguinitas, Ipswich, Smuttynose, etc. Cheaper offerings would be things like Narragansett, PBR, Yuengling, Miller High Life, Shiner Bock, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by boulevardofdef
Oh, God, please, open the beer garden.
I work in the Woonsocket area and happen to like the city. Everyone thinks I'm crazy. But it's got great bones and a lot of charm. I think there's potential.
Don't take my word for it, though. Here's my advice to you: There's a place called River Falls right in downtown Woonsocket. It's really the only reasonably with-it bar in the area, unless you count the bar at Vintage nearby, which is really more of a restaurant that happens to have a bar. Every after-work gathering related to my job happens at River Falls. I think you should pay a visit on a Friday or Saturday night -- you'll likely find it packed. That, to me, is proof enough that the area is hungry for similar establishments and that there's plenty of room for competition.
I'd do it, if I were the kind of person who bought commercial real estate and opened businesses, which I'm not.
I have been to both River Falls and Vintage. River Falls seemed like an OK spot, but not all that special to me. I had truly terrible service and food at Vintage, so I'm never going back there. But the fact that River Falls is very busy is promising, since it's the bar with the most character that I've seen in the area.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
