Rhode Island
GoLocalProv | Business | In Just a Week — 2 RI Restaurants and a Top Caterer Announce They Are Closing
Monday, December 01, 2025
PHOTO: File
Whether it is inflation, tariffs, lifecycles, or a souring economy — three different small food businesses have announced their closure in the past week
Hometown Poké and Bubble Tea announced on Sunday on social media that it has closed its East Greenwich location.
“Hey there poke people, you may have heard that we solemnly closed our East Greenwich location this past week. Two years in that beautiful space flew by in a flash. Unfortunately, our sales couldn’t cover the operating costs so we made the difficult decision to close this chapter in our story and move on,” said the company.
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“We are proud of the work we put into the East Greenwich location and the friends we made along the way. We became a general contractor and took an empty office and transformed it into a lovely little poke & bubble tea shop. It was an amazing experience to share our food with the South County community. Thank you to the businesses and customers who have reached out with the kindest words.”
The company’s Providence location remains open.
More Closings
Hometown Poké’s announcement comes after Narragansett burger joint Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar announced on Friday that it had closed.
It won awards and was featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Earlier this fall, it announced it was for sale.
Then, on Friday, it announced on social media:
I am saddened to tell you that Crazy Burger is now closed. We ran out of money before we were able to sell the business so we’re forced to close the doors.
It’s difficult to express the gratitude we’ve had for all your love and support over the last 30 years and we will miss serving you one and all we wish you all the best over the holiday season.
Fire Works Catering owner Mark Garofalo announced on Saturday – that they were closing after 22 years.
The business is a full-service, off-site caterer and describes itself as “committed to providing you with unsurpassed food, value, professionalism, and reliability.”
“After more than 22 years, Steph and I have decided to close the doors to Fire Works Catering at the end of this year,” said Garofalo.
“There are too many people to name here that have worked for or with us to make it the success that it was,” he continued. “But please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart and sincerely have enjoyed working with you over the years.
“Our last day will be December 31st. I have no plans yet but I do have some irons in the fire,” Garofalo added. “I’ll keep you all up to date as soon as I have more news.”
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