Narragansett, Rhode Island, welcomes a fresh and vibrant addition to its culinary scene with the opening of Boon Street Market. Located in a revitalized historic building on Boon Street, this innovative food hall concept is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Once the site of the Narragansett Pier Railroad Station in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the building has been thoughtfully transformed into a dynamic space that blends history with modern dining. Boon Street Market offers a diverse range of culinary options, creating a unique and exciting experience for every palate.
Exterior view of Boon Street Market in Narragansett, showcasing its revitalized historic building and outdoor seating area.
A Historic Location Revitalized
The building that houses Boon Street Market has a rich history in Narragansett. In its past life, it served as the Narragansett Pier Railroad Station, a bustling hub where tourists arrived and departed for the town’s hotels. Designed by Willard Kent, a Woonsocket architect, the structure has witnessed significant changes over the years, transitioning through various residential and commercial uses, including a coin laundry. Now, thanks to the vision of developers Lindsay and Christina Holmes, along with contractor Mike Virgilio, this landmark has been given a new lease on life. Purchasing the property four years ago, they embarked on a restoration project with the goal of preserving the building’s character while creating a modern and inviting space.
Lindsay Holmes explained the extensive restoration process, stating, “It was all chopped up into pieces, and we found parts of the building that had never been touched in 100 years.” Their commitment to preserving the building’s integrity was paramount. They opted for an open-concept food hall design instead of a traditional restaurant kitchen to maintain the spacious feel and showcase the building’s original features. This approach allows visitors to appreciate the historical architecture while enjoying a contemporary dining experience.
The Allure of the Food Hall Concept
The Holmeses envisioned Boon Street Market as more than just a place to eat; they aimed to create a vibrant gathering spot for the entire Narragansett community. Inspired by the growing popularity of food halls nationwide, they believed this concept would resonate with a diverse demographic, including families, students from the University of Rhode Island, summer visitors, and year-round residents. Local developer Chris Mouta, who has successfully launched food halls in historic buildings in Connecticut, further encouraged their vision.
The appeal of a food hall lies in its ability to cater to varied tastes and preferences. As Lindsay Holmes pointed out, “It’s so hard to go out when everyone wants something different. There is no need to compromise here.” Boon Street Market eliminates the dining dilemma by offering six distinct cuisine concepts under one roof. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, seafood, ramen, deli sandwiches, Mexican fare, or classic American barbecue, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. This diversity makes it an ideal destination for groups with differing tastes, ensuring everyone finds a dish they’ll love.
Diverse Culinary Offerings
Boon Street Market boasts an impressive array of food stalls, each with its unique culinary focus:
- Cousin Vinny’s: Serving up delicious pizzas.
- Get Shucked: A raw bar featuring fresh seafood.
- Rhody Ramen: Offering comforting and flavorful ramen bowls.
- Big Belly Deli: Providing classic deli sandwiches and comfort food.
- Ocho Loco: A Mexican restaurant with zesty and authentic flavors.
- Smoked ‘N’ Smashed: Specializing in mouthwatering burgers and barbecue.
The market is operated entirely by the owners, ensuring quality control and a consistent dining experience across all stalls. Head chef Eric Warren, previously of Jamestown’s Beech, oversees the culinary operations, bringing his expertise to each concept. Brandon Johnson, the market’s manager, emphasizes the talent of each stall’s chef and the engaging open kitchen design, which allows customers to watch their food being prepared.
More Than Just Food
Beyond the diverse food options, Boon Street Market offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere designed to encourage lingering and socializing. The inclusion of two bars, outdoor televisions for sports viewing, fire pits, and heaters extends the market’s appeal beyond just dining. Outdoor booths and a sound system further enhance the experience, making it a great place to catch a game or enjoy live music, which is planned for the stage area.
The self-service kiosks for ordering streamline the process and contribute to the market’s efficient operation. Tips are shared among the culinary team, a strategy implemented to retain talented chefs in a competitive industry. Interestingly, the self-serve soft ice cream station has become an unexpected hit, particularly with families, adding a sweet touch to the market’s diverse offerings.
Meet the Team Behind Boon Street Market
The vision for Boon Street Market is brought to life by Lindsay and Christina Holmes, along with manager Brandon Johnson and head chef Eric Warren. Lindsay Holmes’ family history in the restaurant business, with her parents having owned Narragansett restaurants Mercedes Ocean House and The Steak Lodge, provides a strong foundation and passion for hospitality. Her partnership with her wife, Christina, and the expertise of Brandon Johnson, who brings years of experience from local establishments like The Coast Guard House and George’s of Galilee, creates a well-rounded and dedicated team.
Brandon Johnson, who has been involved in the project for two years, played a key role in shaping the market’s concept and operations. His insights into the local hospitality industry have been invaluable in creating a market that caters to both residents and workers in the area.
Community Focused Hours and Values
Boon Street Market operates daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., a deliberate decision to serve a broader community. Brandon Johnson recognized that hospitality workers in Narragansett and surrounding areas often lack late-night dining options after their shifts. By staying open late, Boon Street Market provides a welcoming space for these workers, as well as nurses, police officers, firefighters, and anyone seeking a meal or drinks after traditional restaurant hours. This extended operating time fills a significant gap in Narragansett’s dining scene, making Boon Street Market a truly community-oriented establishment.
Demonstrating their commitment to being a good neighbor, Boon Street Market has already hosted a fundraiser to support workers displaced by the fire at Two Ten Oyster Bar in South Kingstown. This proactive community engagement underscores their dedication to supporting the local hospitality ecosystem. Online ordering is also available, offering convenience for those on the go.
A Family Legacy
For Lindsay Holmes, Boon Street Market is more than just a business venture; it’s a “generational dream.” Building upon her family’s restaurant legacy and combined with her wife’s career as a musical recording artist and the demands of raising five children, the Holmeses rely on a dedicated and invested staff to bring their vision to fruition. Their commitment to “over-investing in our staff” reflects their long-term perspective and belief in the importance of a strong team. With its unique concept, historic location, and community-focused values, Boon Street Market is poised to be a Narragansett fixture for years to come.
Visit Boon Street Market at 145 Boon St., Narragansett, RI, and experience the excitement for yourself!
