Rhode Island’s food scene has long been a point of pride — small coastal spots, family‐run diners, and neighborhood gems pepper every town (versus tons of chains). But in 2025, a surprising number of announcements have revealed restaurants are struggling to stay afloat. Rising costs, labor shortages, unpredictable foot traffic, and inflation are squeezing margins. For many Rhode Islanders, these closures are more than just a loss of dinner options — they’re the visible cracks in an economy under strain.
Below are some of the more notable closures from around the state in 2025:
Phil’s Main Street Grille (Wakefield)
Operating since the 1940s, Phil’s Main Street Grille announced it would close on January 26, 2025. The breakfast / lunch / dinner spot, beloved in the rural Wakefield area of South Kingstown…