“The Numbers Just Don’t Work” - Providence Sandwich Shop Closes Down Again After Reopening
Kate Nagle, GoLocal News Editor
“The Numbers Just Don’t Work” - Providence Sandwich Shop Closes Down Again After Reopening
Ocean State Sandwich Company — in the heart of downtown Providence’s financial district — said Monday that it would be taking a self-imposed hiatus until September, after finding it could not be financially viable under current conditions.
OSSC owner Eric Handwerger said that after reopening on June 9 under the state’s guidelines, the lack of people working downtown currently was the top factor.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I mean, we just need more people working downtown,” he said. “That is our bread and butter — or, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato, really.”
“It really hurts but I know it is the right business decision right now,” he said. “I look at it like my business caught COVID and this hiatus is me putting it on a ventilator."
Sandwich Company to Customers
“Normally 10 AM is when we post our daily specials and soups and maybe a picture of our delicious sandwiches or funny food-related meme,” said Handwerger on Monday. “I wish that was the case today. I truly want to thank everyone that has come out and supported the shop over the past month as we struggled to adapt to this new world in which we live.”
“To be completely transparent the numbers just aren’t working for right now and after discussing it with my financial advisors and my family I have made the difficult decision to close Ocean State Sandwich Company until Labor Day,” he continued.
“This will give me a chance to reserve funding, retool, regroup, and most importantly relax with my family! The menu may change, the restaurant may change, but I will not let my dream die! I love you all and look forward to feeding you all again in September.”
This story was first published 7/6/20 12:35 PM