Garden City kicks off Phase IV

The officials of Garden City joined Mayor Allan Fung on Thursday to mark the entrance into Phase IV of the renovation process and the beginning of construction on the newest building in the plaza. Two restaurants, Tavern in the Square and the Simple Greek, are set to be the newest dining options in a 30,000-square-foot building located in between the Bank of America and Newport Creamery.

Tavern in the Square is a traditional Boston sports bar combined with a family restaurant. Diners will be able to enjoy a variety of menu options while sitting in the indoor dining room or lounging on the outdoor patio. The restaurant has multiple other locations throughout Boston and its surrounding cities and is looking forward to opening its first Rhode Island location. It will be the larger of the two restaurants with a 7,000-square foot venue.

The Simple Greek will join Tavern in the Square with a fast-casual setting serving traditional Greek food, where patrons will be able to choose their meal in an assembly line. The kitchen will be open, allowing customers to get a personal touch from employees during each visit. This 2,000-square-foot restaurant is the second location being opened in Rhode Island with the other venue located in East Providence.

“A 20-foot courtyard will be in the center of the two restaurants and will have similar lighting and sidewalks as the ones featured near Party City and L.A. Fitness. “It will give the same feeling as being in the Village,” said Joe Koechel, General Manager of Garden City, “With the flowers and the constant music, it makes you want to be outside.”

This new building brings Garden City into Phase IV of their renovation process. Previous phases have included revamping the L.A. Fitness and Party City area, taking down awnings, and developing a new vision for the center. “By bringing in one-of-a-kind type retailers, we want to ensure Garden City’s success for many generations to come,” Joe said. They have also signed another restaurant, Tropical Smoothie Café, to join the center in the coming future, according to Janice Pascone, Marketing Director for Garden City.

The vision for the future Garden City is a lifestyle center with popular new restaurants and retail stores. Garden City staff hopes to make it a place that will have people of all ages coming to walk through and enjoy the wide variety of businesses. There is currently no set future for the state-famous Garden City bushes, but the Garden City staff is positive that the progress is worth it.

Construction on the area will not affect traffic within the rest of the center. Garden City officials developed a strategic plan that allows business to continue with no disruptions or road closures. This addition will bring in approximately 200 construction jobs.

Both restaurants are set to open in Fall 2018.