Old Canteen to Become a Wiener Joint - Remembrances of the Iconic Federal Hill Restaurant

Dale Venturini, Former CEO of the RI Hospitality Association

"It's truly heartbreaking to hear about the closing of this iconic family-owned restaurant. For years, it has been a unique landmark in our community, not just for its vibrant pink exterior but for the warmth and care that radiated from every corner.

The family’s dedication and the restaurant’s distinct charm will be sorely missed. It wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a part of the fabric of our lives. Wishing the family all the best in their next chapter, and grateful for all the memories created there."
 

Former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino

"Wonderful memories of the old canteen. Always with family. Parents, grandparents, siblings. When my father would go out on a Friday night with his friends, he would go to the Old Canteen and then, on a Saturday night, take my mom to Camille’s. Never did you want Joe Marzilli to see you going into Camille’s. When my great-grandfather passed in 1962, Joe Marzilli sent food to my grandfather's house, where family and friends gathered to pay condolences.

I was a young boy, but I still have memories of that day. Sal Marzilli continued the great tradition of his dad and food is always over the top. In the early days of my political career, I would go there the night before every election for good luck. I lost when I stopped that tradition. The restaurant business is a tough business, and I thank Sal Marzilli and his family for giving us a great venue for so many years. He deserves this time to be with his family and enjoy his retirement. Job well done, Sal. 

Hugh Clements, Former Providence Police Chief and COPS Office Director for the U.S. Department of Justice

“My family and many others are so saddened with this announcement. Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen is so much a part of the fabric of the city with its unique charm and bustling atmosphere, always filled with a who’s who crowd.

I’ve spent many special occasions here, and Sal and the hardworking staff consistently treat everyone like family.

It’s hard to envision Federal Hill without Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen neon lights at the downtown base of the ‘Hill.’ A treasure of a place, cherished by so many locals and travelers. Even in my time in DC, when people learned I was from Providence, so many mentioned their immediate attraction to the appeal of the Canteen.

It just seems that Federal Hill won’t be the same without the legendary Old Canteen that many will talk about and miss forever!

Artin Coloian, Lawyer and Former Chief of Staff to the late Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci, Jr.

"Old Canteen is as vintage Rhode Island as can be. It's a place that can never be replicated.

I started going there regularly in the early 1990s with Buddy Cianci; it had been his favorite since he was a kid, and he went there with his family.

Anytime there was a serious meeting, it would be at the Old Canteen.

Now I go with his nephew Brad and tell Buddy stories while we sit at "Buddy's table" in the corner.

Sal always comes out to greet the patrons like his father Joe did before him making sure the food was perfect. (It always is)

It is the only restaurant I can think of where you can get jello for dessert."

Jamie Antignano, President and Owner of Angelo's Restaurant

"There are not enough words to put into perspective the impact that  Sal, and everyone at the Old Canteen has had on the Hill. They are an iconic focal point as you travel under the arch, whose four walls are filled with so much history, love, passion, and dishes that take you back to a simpler time.

It is a tremendous loss to our Federal Hill community, however we wish Sal and his team all the best in this next chapter."

Lynn Singleton, Providence Performing Arts Center President and CEO

"In the late ’80s, we were facing a musicians' strike when Jerry Lewis was playing PPAC in 'Damn Yankees.'

So, Sunday night prior to the show loading on the next day, Donna, Norbert, Alan, and I had dinner with “Buddy” at the Old Canteen.

So we are briefing the Mayor, and he then starts talking about putting an ice rink over by the train station, across from the Mall, and by what was then next to the American Express building.

So Donna Santos, our VP of Ticketing, says you should put it in front of the Biltmore. (Where it presently is)

And 'Buddy' started mulling that over, then Joe [Marzilli], the owner, walked by, and he made the same suggestion! And seconded the idea.

The law of “unintended consequences”!

Plus, on a personal note, I met Bruce [Sundlun] there on a Sunday night in March of ‘83 after interviewing for the PPAC job, and he hired me. He was the chair of the board.

As I remember, it was one of the few restaurants on the Hill that were opened on Sunday night then or in downtown Providence."

State Representative and Chief Judge of the Providence Courts John Lombardi

"When I travel, the Old Canteen is the restaurant that everyone mentions. It is iconic. It was traditional Italian food from soup to nuts, and I mean, from soup to nuts.

It was the place to celebrate. Joe Marzilli ran that restaurant for decades with an iron hand.

But it played such an important role. It was where big political meetings were held. It was where important business decisions were made. It is as shame that the new owners may break the tradition."