PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island’s hospitality industry continues to recover from the shutdowns it faced in 2020, although the pace has slowed considerably as new economic factors put pressure on the state’s employees and consumers.

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association hosted a Economic Outlook breakfast Wednesday, detailing to its membership the current statistics on the food service, lodging and recreation industry locally and nationally. Representatives from the National Restaurant Association and Pinnacle Advisory Group, a hotel asset management firm, gave in-depth reports on the hospitality industry’s post-pandemic recovery and predictions for the industry’s near future.

Employee retention and recruitment remain a top concern

The major theme of the morning was the impact current economic pressures are having on the hospitality industry, especially its workforce. In his presentation on the current state of the restaurant industry, National Restaurant Association Vice President of Research and Knowledge Chad Moutray said that while some sectors have regained the number of employees lost during the pandemic, others have been slower to recover, especially the full-service restaurant industry. Additionally, the number of job openings in the restaurant industry remains greater than the number of unemployed workers able to fill those positions, as it has been since 2021

RI Hospitality Association Chief Operating Officer Heather Singleton, whose presentation specifically highlighted workforce issues faced by the industry, explored these problems in more depth using numbers from a report on Rhode Island Employment Trends and Workforce Issues in 2022-2023, which was published this April. Through this, Singleton noted that while the minimum wage and median wage in Rhode Island are both higher than it is nationally, the accommodation and food services sector had one of the lowest average annual wages of any sector in the state, which Singleton attributed largely to the fact that the sector employs more people under the age of 25 than any other sector. However, the report also showed that the industry is aging, as 15.9% of the sector was identified as being 55 years old or older in 2023 compared to 7% in 2003. In fact, 66% of those employed in accommodation and food service jobs were 25 years old or older in 2023, compared to 57% in 2003.

Singleton also pointed to the lack of employee well-being and engagement as an issue, both for the hospitality industry but also for the nation as a whole. Singleton showcased a recent Gallup report on the State of the Global Workplace, which claimed that 77% of employees globally are either not engaged or actively disengaged with their work, costing the global economy about $8.9 trillion. To combat this, Singleton pointed to training programs the association provides to boost engagement, which the Gallup report suggests could reduce absenteeism and turnover while increasing employee well-being and productivity.

Restaurants and hotels notice increased customer price sensitivity

Both reports coming out of the restaurant and hotel industry that morning indicated a growing split in consumer habits as consumer anxiety over the state of the economy increases. Kate Mashburn of Pinnacle Advisory Group revealed that, on a national level, luxury and upscale hotels and accommodations have experienced continued growth while budget and middle-cost travel is decreasing as consumers are becoming more price-conscious compared to just after the pandemic. Additionally, a survey the National Restaurant Association conducted among restaurant operators indicated increasing concerns about the economy as well as increasingly pessimistic outlooks on general business conditions.

Statewide, the hotel industry is steady, with year-to-date occupancy rates hitting just one percentage point under the national average of 63% for July 2024, with Warwick’s occupancy rate projected to reach up to 69% by the end of 2024. Mashburn attributes this partially to increased activity coming out of T.F. Green Airport.

Meanwhile, on Aquidneck Island, occupancy rates have decreased since 2023 owing to increases in supply, namely the opening of the Gardiner House in September 2023, the Wayfinder hotel’s phased reopening and Newport Harbor Island Resort’s reopening in April 2024.

Overall outlook still positive for 2030

Despite these concerns, the hospitality industry’s job market is continuing to see positive growth. Moutray’s presentation showed that, by July 2024, employment in restaurants finally surpassed what it had been before February 2020. Similarly, Singleton’s presentation showed that the accommodations and food service sector had the largest change in annual employment of any industry sector in the state between 2021 and 2022.

The report and Singleton’s presentation also projected the sector would increase employment by 35.3% between 2020 and 2030. Within the hospitality sector, employment in Food Preparation and Serving Related jobs is expected to increase the most of any other sector in the state, with cooking, serving, bartending and quick service counter positions among the top in employment increases.

Providence can make for the best history-themed vacation in Rhode Island, perhaps even in New England. Among many of its attractions, the oldest town in the Ocean State has the Roger Williams National Memorial, a site that pays tribute to the man credited with founding the state and advancing ideas ahead of his time, particularly the concept of the separation of church and state. However, Rhode Island is home to many other smaller towns that are both historic and beautiful. From Portsmouth to South Kingston, discover below the ten oldest-founded small towns to visit in Rhode Island.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth, the oldest municipality in Rhode Island after Providence, lies along the Sakonnet River, an Indian name that ostensibly means “Haunt of the Wild Black Goose.” Portsmouth was established in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson, William Coddington, and John Clarke, among others. Hutchinson had been arguing that people could reach God through individual intuition — not by observing institutionalized beliefs or following the precepts of ministers. For this, she was accused of “traducing the ministers,” to mean slandering them — was convicted in 1637 and banished from Boston and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. That is how Hutchinson, with some of her followers, established Portsmouth. Today, one will enjoy roaming around the Green Animals Topiary Garden, swimming in the calm, shallow waters of Sandy Point Beach, or grazing at fun, casual spots such as Foodworks Restaurant, loved for its great breakfast and lunch menu.

Westerly

As its name implies, Westerly is the westernmost town in the state of Rhode Island. It reclines along the Pawcatuck River, an Algonquian Indian word that ostensibly means “open divided stream.” Although its European settlement history goes back to 1648, Westerly would be incorporated 21 years later in 1669. The town had its start as a ship-building hub before transitioning into an economy that mostly relies on tourism. Visitors often marvel at the massive historic homes here, including the Babcock-Smith House, a Georgian Mansion built in 1734, many years before the Continental Congress. Down at Watch Hill, the charming village where Taylor Swift has a home, a visitor will enjoy a quiet, laid-back vacation amid spellbinding nautical charm. For some light action, Napatree Point Conservation Area, which features one of the best sunset beaches in Rhode Island, has well-kept paths perfect for evening strolls. If tagging kids, the Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest working carousel in the nation. Ready to crown it with a glass of wine? Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery is a required stop.

North Kingstown

Settled in 1641, incorporated in 1674, and divided into North Kingstown and South Kingstown in 1723, this town (and area) boasts some of the most dated histories in Rhode Island. One can trace the town’s footprints at spots such as the Old Narragansett Church, which was built in 1707, Smith’s Castle, one of the oldest surviving plantation houses in America (it was built in 1678), and the impressive Casey Farm in nearby Saunderstown, which was built around 1750 and is today maintained as a typical New England farmstead, complete with flowers and fruits, meat and music. Plus, Saunderstown is the birthplace of Gilbert Stuart, who painted the most popular image of George Washington; the one on the American one-dollar bill. If in the area, you may want to check out The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum. For some sand and sun, North Kingstown Town Beach is right at your doorstep.

East Greenwich

East Greenwich rests on the beautiful Greenwich Bay, just 20 minutes down the road from Providence. It was incorporated in 1677 and later called Dedford before being renamed for the city of Greenwich in London, where hemispheres meet and from where we have the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. For many years after the birth of the new nation, Rhode Island would rotate its capitol to its five counties. During this period, East Greenwich served as one of the five capitals, representing Kent County. The courthouse, now East Greenwich Town Hall, was built in 1804. It is here that the meetings of the General Assembly were held. Many Revolutionary War heroes hailed from East Greenwich, including General James Mitchell Varnum, whose house, now the Varnum House Museum, is restored with period furnishings. There is also the Kentish Guards Armory, one of a handful of militia armories in the entire state.

Little Compton

Little Compton, founded by explorers from Plymouth Colony, was once called Sakonnet, translated as “the black goose comes.” Today, the town’s flag has two geese, possibly lending credence to the assertion. It was incorporated in 1682, 12 years before the convention of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia’s Carpenters’ Hall. Sakonnet was renamed “Little Compton” the same year. Wilbor House, built in the 1600s, now hosts the Little Compton Historical Society. Accommodation options around the town include Stone House Inn, an elegant four-story house constructed in 1854 by a prominent business entrepreneur from Providence. At Whitehead Preserve at Dundery, a scenic boardwalk takes one through the woods amid the soft cooing of birds and nature’s unspoiled beauty.

New Shoreham

New Shoreham, which is the only town on Block Island, was incorporated in 1672. Settlers from Massachusetts arrived on Block Island in 1661. In 1664, just three years later, the island was admitted to the colony of Rhode Island. Once known primarily for farming and fishing, Block Island is today a fairly big name in vacation circles. You can stay at the Spring House Hotel, which is loved for its stunning views and central location. It was built in 1854, and hence, is the oldest hotel on the Island. Other attractions include the 185-foot Mohegan Bluffs, which provides the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, there is the beach, the lighthouse, and the kangaroos and camels at the Abrams Animal Farm.

Jamestown

Jamestown was incorporated in 1678 when the area was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It would be transferred to the Rhode Island Colony more than 60 years later in 1746. Today, Jamestown breams with many tasty restaurants, cute locally owned shops, and numerous attractions, many of which provide a glimpse into its rich and fascinating history. There is the windmill in the Windmill Historic District, which ground corn for farmers for over a century until 1896. Also, besides being a fantastic spot to enjoy the sunset, Beavertail State Park provides access to the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, from where one will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean. However, for some awesome artistic presentations, Jamestown Arts Center is the ultimate destination.

Bristol

Bristol was incorporated in 1681 and named for Bristol, England, home to Fry’s Chocolate, the first company on the planet to make chocolate bars. Historic landmarks within the precincts of Bistol include the Joseph Reynolds House, the oldest known three-story building in Rhode Island. It was built in 1698. It has hosted some notable guests, including Lafayette, who stayed there during a military operation in 1778. Likewise, there is Bristol State House, whose hallowed walls have witnessed centuries of Rhode Island’s heritage. If you want to stroll through a space where beauty pores from almost every spot, Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum is the best option for miles. Of the Gilded Age properties in the Bristol area, this is one of the most ornate, outdoorsy, and exquisitely landscaped.

Tiverton

Tiverton is tucked away in the easternmost realm of Rhode Island, an area originally known for its rich shellfish beds, mild climate, and abundant wildlife. Although its settlement history goes a bit longer, Tiverton was incorporated in 1694. At the time, the area was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. About 50 years later in 1746, by British Royal decree, Tiverton was brought within the jurisdiction of Rhode Island. One will have a blast traipsing through the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District, a homey 18th-century New England Village with a sculpture garden, cute shops, and tasty restaurants. Set base at Sakonnet Farm and Stays, enjoy hearty breakfasts at Groundswell Cafe + Bakery, and walk through the woods at the Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge. Alternatively, Fort Barton and Ft. Barton Woods, the site of historic military engagements, has trails that weave through small brooks and streams.

South Kingston

The area that South Kingston occupies was once part of a larger town called Kingstown. It was appreciably large and comprised the present-day towns of North Kingstown (highlighted above), South Kingstown, Exeter, Narragansett, and Middletown. Crossing rivers and streams to attend town meetings in far-flung spots soon proved back-breaking. At least according to the folks from the southern parts of the town. Therefore, they petitioned the General Assembly in June 1722 for the creation of a new town out of the existing Kingstown. It was the first such request in the state. The subsequent division a year later was also the first of its kind in 18th-century Colonial Rhode Island. Samuel E. Perry Grist Mill, later known as Carpenter’s Grist Mill, is a historical gem that has been in use since 1703. That said, mingle with turtles and ospreys at the tranquil Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge before crowning everything with a cold drink at Mews Tavern, which has been in business since 1947.

Step into Rhode Island’s Timeless Heritage

Touching brick walls that have weathered three hundred winters, have witnessed epoch-making events, and seen both prosperity and desperation — is one of life’s most evocative experiences. It is a nice idea to read a book, perhaps Charles Bancroft’s The Footprints of Time; however, nothing compares to a physical tour of these historic sites, which is quite a sobering reality. Rhode Island boasts a rich and fascinating history and some of these can be enjoyed in Providence, the state’s oldest city. However, many other little gems in the state are just as good, just as travel-worthy. For specific suggestions, check out Portsmouth and all the towns highlighted here.

COVENTRY, RI — The following people were arrested by Coventry police between Aug. 15 and Aug. 23.

Names of those arrested, their age, or the town they reside in were only omitted when not provided by police.

Aug. 15

1:59 a.m. — Robert Savoy, 34, of West Warwick, was charged with duty to stop.

Aug. 17

9:38 p.m. — Luis Cardona Barrios, 31, of Providence, was charged with DUI (first offense).

Aug. 18

4 p.m. — Steven Henning, 53, of Burrillville, was charged with kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, first-degree robbery, and assault on a person over 60.

Aug. 21

12:35 p.m. — Kathleen Clancy, 61, of Coventry, was charged with unnecessary cruelty to animals.

4:25 p.m. — Ricky Saunders, 47, of Pawtucket, was charged with shoplifting.

10:47 p.m. — Eric Lesniak, 40, of Coventry, was charged with DUI first offense.

Aug. 22

8:41 a.m. — Sarah Beausoleil, 31, of Coventry, was charged with possession of scheduled narcotics.

1:18 p.m. — Hannah Salisbury, 24, of Coventry, was charged with domestic simple assault.

7:40 p.m. — Heather Keene, 51, of Coventry, was charged with domestic simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Aug. 23

1:28 a.m. — Dontavier Martinez, 54, of West Warwick, was charged with DUI (first offense), obstructing an officer, resisting arrest, simple assault, and vandalism.

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