It was a cafe, it was a bagel place, it was a coffee shop. The space at 250 Main Street has been a lot things lately. The latest incarnation is the Greenwich Bay Oyster Bar – and it looks to have staying power.

Owner David Spaziano took his time reshaping the cozy space, with a nautical theme, including an homage to our state motto: Hope.

"I've always been in love with Rhode Island and the water and the Ocean State," Spaziano said about his focus on seafood. "It's a fundamental part of East Greenwich. We have a great area here."

Spaziano, who grew up in nearby Warwick, studied to be a teacher, specializing in Italian and phys ed. But he was always interested in food and restuarants, learning the trade at places like Cafe Itri in Cranston.

He said he picked Main Street in East Greenwich because he knew the restaurant would be a great addition to the burgeoning EG dining scene.

"We wanted to bring a facet we felt was missing in the area," Spaziano said. He said he's happy to be with so many other restaurants. "It works out. You have a bunch of people coming here."

The Greenwich Bay Oyster Bar is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. with a late night menu. It has a full bar.