Two new businesses open in city: Sneaker Outlet and Black Bar & Grille

WOONSOCKET – Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt welcomed two new businesses to the city Friday – an innovative downtown sneaker vendor and a bar and grill in East Woonsocket.

The new destinations are The Sneaker Outlet, located at 10 Main St., and Black Bar & Grille, 1697 Mendon Road – a location that previously operated as Cooky’s and, before that, Kefallinia restaurant.

“The opening of black Bar & Grille and The Sneaker Outlet are just the very beginning of announcements welcoming new retail and restaurants to our city for our residents and all of Rhode Island to enjoy in the decade ahead,” Baldelli-Hunt said.

The mayor officially welcomes the latest members of the small business community with a ribbon cutting at The Sneaker Outlet Friday afternoon, followed by another at Black.

Established by Jose Ayala, The

Sneaker Outlet specializes in new, brand-name sneakers as well as brandname, refurbished sneakers, according to the mayor’s office.

The unique enterprise will also offer shoe care and refurbishment services as well as a “trade-in, trade-up” program. The store, next door to New York Lunch, will be open from 10-8 p.m. daily.

The proprietor of Black is Mike Drainville. Northern Rhode Island’s newest barand-grill will be serving up classic American pub fare, including a large selection of spirits and craft brews. Baldelli-Hunt calls it “a great place to watch the game and enjoy live music.”

Black’s will be open Thursdays from 4-midnight; Fridays 4-1 a.m.; Saturdays, noon-1 a.m.; and Sundays, noon-11 p.m.

Drainville will be sharing some samples from Black’s menu to everyone who comes to the ribbon-cutting.

Black Bar & Grille is the latest addition to the city’s growing list of culinary startups, including the successful launch of Fazzini’s Restaurant & Banquet Hall on Diamond Hill Road and Christpher’s Kitchen and Bar, at South Main and Bernon streets.

Photo by Russ Olivo City officials join employees of Black Bar and Grille in a grand opening ribbon cutting Friday. Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt wields the ceremonial scissors, to the left of Black owner Mike Drainville. State Sen. Melissa Murray is to Drainville’s right. Building Inspector Brad Ward is on the far left.

Ernest A. Brown photo Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt introduces Jose Ayala, owner of The Sneaker Outlet, to members of the community during the store’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. The store is located at 10 Main St., Woonsocket, and joins the growing list of new businesses in the Market Square area.