Wein-O-Rama bids farewell, rises again
Beacon Media staff reports
After 62 years, brothers George and Ernie Sotirakos decided the time had come to close the doors of Wein-O-Rama, located at …
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As we close out the year and head into the next, the Cranston Herald takes the opportunity to reflect on the events of 2024. Here are staff retrospectives on the year in Cranston.
Beacon Media staff reports
After 62 years, brothers George and Ernie Sotirakos decided the time had come to close the doors of Wein-O-Rama, located at 1009 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, in August. But it will soon be reopened thanks to two Rhode Island businessmen.
Eric Beaune, owner of Garden Hills Fruit and Deli, and Chris Tasca of Fly Alliance are reopening the local institution. They hope to have it open by early spring and said they plan to keep as much the same as possible – from the menu to the staff.
Tasca confirmed that he and Beaune have reached out to the former staff to rehire them, and said there are no plans to change the menu or the winning wiener formula. In fact, he said, they plan to keep the business as much the same as possible.
“This isn’t just about owning a business,” he said. “It’s more of a legacy project.”
Founded by Mike Sotirakos in 1962, and with his sons George and Ernie taking over after he retired, the diner stayed in the family until it closed. The brothers said it had simply come time to hang up their aprons, but they will always miss their customers.
“We worked hard to keep things going the way he always did,” said George. “I’d just like thank everyone for their years of support.”
By RYAN DOHERTY
The historic Park Theatre reopened its doors in October.
The theater – which closed temporarily last year – hosted multiple shows this fall, including “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert,” “A Bronx Tale Live: One Man Show – Chazz Palminteri” and The Irish Tenors.
The historic theater is under new management by Spectacle Live, which manages 11 theaters throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Spectacle Live CEO Brandon Caron said Cranston will have access to new opportunities under the company’s management.
“What it allows us to do is put this market in place with places like Plymouth, Cape Cod, New Hampshire, who are doing a lot of great shows and allow us to be able to work with agents and tours to put together some nice routes that would (give) Cranston the access to shows that it normally wouldn’t have,” he said.
Both the Park Theatre team and Mayor Kenneth Hopkins expressed excitement about what the theater means for Cranston’s economy.
“It’s certainly worth noting that along with the Park Theatre’s success comes continued success for our local economy and the businesses along Rolfe Street,” he said at a press conference in July. “Increased foot traffic and tourism will likely lead to more (business) for local shops restaurants, hotels and further boosting our local Cranston economy.”
Hopkins also applauded the Park Theatre as a “symbol of hope, resilience and the transformative power of the arts,” saying the theater’s reopening “fills a void” in the community.
Beacon Media staff reports
In November, Mayor Kenneth Hopkins won reelection, defeating Democratic City Councilor Robert Ferri.
As a Republican in an overwhelmingly Democratic city, Hopkins says he knew he would need bipartisan support for him to win a second term, and he is proud that he earned it.
“I think the main message I got from this election is that the people trust me,” he said. “This is a time to put politics aside. It’s not about being about a Republican or a Democrat. It’s about Cranston.”
Hopkins said he looks forward to continuing his administration’s work to provide high-quality city services and recreational facilities, including his plan to replace the outdated Budlong pool.
He affirmed his support for bipartisan progress in the city. “I am the only Republican mayor in the state, so yes, bipartisan work [in Cranston] is essential,” he said, adding that he enjoys good relationships with prominent Democratic officials inside and outside the city.
Cranston voters sent a clear message of support to City Council President Jessica Marino.
Marino, who holds an at-large seat and has been in office since 2021, was the top vote-getter of any city candidate – outpolling even Hopkins.
She has always believed in reaching across the aisle to do what’s best for the city, she said, and she will continue to do so. “Right now,” she said, “I think it’s more important than ever to be aware of civility and be respectful.”
By RORY SCHULER
From Reservoir Avenue into Knightsville, city businesses struggled to keep their front doors clear and open to customers amid utility work and sidewalk reconstruction over the summer.
Many of the business owners banded together, signing a several page-petition discussed in detail at a City Council meeting in July.
“For an extended period, the entrances to our establishments have been obstructed, making it extremely difficult for customers to access our services,” the petition read. “The continuous traffic congestion has exacerbated the situation, deterring potential customers and causing significant inconvenience to those who do attempt to visit our businesses.”
Manager Anthony Ramos stepped from behind the counter to talk at Sophia’s Café Cranston, at 1079 Park Ave.
“They’ve been killing us,” Ramos said, looking out the large café windows toward the trucks, cones and snarled traffic. “We just opened two months ago. We’re down $15,000 to $20,000 … A lot of people probably think we’re closed.”
With about half his pizzeria’s tables full, Bobby Catanzaro, of Catanzaro’s Pizzeria, said he signed on to the petition only to help support his neighbors.
He walked outside and stood along Park Avenue, looking right toward the bridge, and across to Knightsville. Park Avenue stretched to the left, full of obstructions. The afternoon traffic was just starting to trickle through.
The pizzeria owner confessed his daytime business had been seriously affected by the roadwork, but ultimately, he insists all the pain will be worth it.
“This will all be beautiful,” he said. “This work needed to be done.”
The work was completed during the fall.
By BARBARA POLICHETTI
Solitro’s Bakery on Cranston Street, family owned and operated for nearly 75 years, closed its doors on Aug. 18, putting an end to a sweet tradition of handmade breads, cakes and pastries that have made the business a much-loved area institution.
“It was just time,” said owner Ellie (Solitro) Pennacchini. She’s ready for retirement and the rest of the family is ready to move on as well.
“We make everything by hand, and that’s a lot of hard work,” she said.
The bakery was started by Pennacchini’s grandfather, Michael L. Solitro, in 1950, when he opened for business in a smaller building across from the current location. He came to this country from Vieste, Italy, and it did not take long for the bakery to become popular.
He passed along his recipes and his talent to his four sons – Lawrence, Michael, Armando and George – who continued to build the business.
They worked together for decades, sweetening long days at the ovens and baking tables with laughter, spirited conversations and, sometimes, a little wine. Their children grew up in the bakery, learning the business from the ground up.
The family plans to sell the building, but not the Solitro name. Pennacchini said they have been heartened by so many people stopping by for one last visit and one last chance to get their favorite pastries.
“I’ll miss it, especially all the customers – they are like family to us,” she said. “But it’s time to move on.”
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