Which Businesses Should Come to Narragansett and SK?

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Name the businesses Narragansett and South Kingstown Patch readers want to come to their communities? The big winners were Dave's Market and Trader Joe's. But some people said the two towns already have too many stores and shops, while others expressed a wish to return to a simpler time.

Beth Allen-Goodness came up with "Woolworth or Ames......or Almacs." She might remember the Woolworth's store in Wakefield with the soda fountain and the ice cream fudge sundaes.

People differed about the value of chain stores. Alana Morgan said "No big box stores, thanks! Dave's would be great!" But Alison Bailey suggested Target, partly because of price. Although Walmart also has some low prices. she'd rather patronize Target.

"I'll support local shops for tons of stuff, but the household staple goods I'd rather buy from Target than Walmart," she said.

Stephanie Canter said, "Dave's would be awesome, maybe a Pure Barre and Tropical Smoothie. But ugh NO target or Walmart please None of that big box stuff." Maggie Kain agreed about big boxes. "Nothing that is a chain please," she said. They may be cheaper but do not add to the value of the town. I wish people understood that before they wish for a friendlies or another chain."

Among the ideas, Amie HC suggested a "New York diner that's open late and has really good matzoh ball soup, tuna sandwiches and bagels and lox." Also, a wine and cheese bar.

Susan Fuller mentioned " a good Indian restaurant" and Trader Joe's."

James Sisson would like to see "more concerts and events. There used to be all sorts of stuff at URI and the Wakefield Guild."

Several people mentioned Wegmans, which is another food market chain. It's in six states, so far. Massachusetts has four Wegmans, but none is nearby.

Several mentioned kid-friendly restaurants or miniature golf. Sherri McNiece said, "Kid friendly restaurant...like Friendlys or Newport Creamery. I feel like everything down here is either fancy/expensive or fast food...not much in between."

Nicole Liscio Zelenak added, "I would like to see something for the kids/family. Updated roller rink, Bounce U type of place, etc..."

David Kurowski wrote, "I'd say an incubator for small businesses, something like Hope & Main in Warren. My understanding is that was a shot in the dark when it was conceived, and has since then allowed a number of small businesses to make it past the initial startup phase, by letting them develop and perfect their products prior to the capital-heavy brick & mortar storefront phase."

Joyce Huntley-Campbell said, "We are in dire need of a child friendly restaurant. One that won't break the bank to go to and that will value the year round families that attend it."

All the answers are on the May 31 post on the Narragansett Patch Facebook page.