Jigger's, Twisted Dogs Close
Bank closes Jigger's, while Twisted Dogs will be replaced with Village Cafe.
It’s getting harder to find a hot breakfast on Main Street. Audra’s Cafe closed its doors during the summer and now Jigger’s has closed for the second time in a little over a year. Meanwhile, Twisted Dogs - formerly The Sweet Nest, Angelina’s and Pick Pockets - closed last week after only two months in business.
What’s up with Main Street? According to Jigger’s proprietor Iva Reynhout, it’s a tough time to be in business.
“There’s only so much you can charge for breakfast,” said Reynhout, noting that the costs for all the items that go into that breakfast kept rising.
Reynhout faced tax problems last year, prompting the state to close the diner in August 2010. The eatery reopened for three days a week in December - much to the relief of customers - then added a fourth, but mortgage holder Centreville Bank repossessed the property last week.
“We tried, and we appreciate all the support from the customers and all the publicity,” said Reynhout. “That’s all appreciated - that’s from my heart.”
Reynhout said she’s not sure what she’ll do next except that she’s actively looking for a job, ideally as a chef.
It’s not all doom and gloom on the breakfast front. Anne Steger has taken over the lease of the Twisted Dogs space and plans to open it as the Village Cafe sometime in December. In an interview on Saturday, she said that the cafe would serve traditional breakfast and lunch items like eggs, pancakes, waffles - “comfort foods and great coffee.”
Steger, who lives in Warwick, said she’s worked in restaurants her whole life. “I had the money and I wanted to try this,” she said. “I’ve wanted this a long time.”
As for why East Greenwich, Steger said, “I love East Greenwich and love this quaint little area.”
The restaurant will be small, with only six or seven tables along with a small counter. For now, Steger envisions it will be open daily from 6:30 to 2 p.m. but that maybe when the weather warms up she will stay open into the evening.
Steger took over the lease from Steve Filippou, who owns Filippou’s Twisted Pizza right across the street. He said that adding the new restaurant - even right across the street - turned out to be too much.
“Between the other restaurants and that, it’s just too much,” Filippou said last week. “I want to spend a little time with the family.” In addition to the Main Street restaurant, he owns restaurants in Warwick (Oakland Beach), North Kingstown and Exeter. “It’s all family run. We have to focus on them and it was just too much.”
Filippou said he hopes to possibly reopen Twisted Dogs in back of the pizza restaurant.
As for Audra’s - which closed in late July - its fate remains a mystery. Messages left at the phone number listed on the sign in the window have gone unaswered.
Timmy
7:19 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
Very sad news. East Greenwich doesn't feel like East Greenwich without Jiggers. Iva and her wonderful crew will be sorely missed. My family offers you all sincere thanks for the many great meals and warm smiles, and wish all of you the best. What I wouldn't give for a gingerbread pancake to help me get through this tragedy. . . .
E.G. Daddy
7:32 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
How is that Obama "Hope and Change" working out?
Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. Small businesses have to hire a tax man just to manage all these taxes.
Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it are killing places like Audra's and Jiggers. Unfortunately, it's only going to get worse. Wait until the full force of Obamacare kicks in.
Heather Larkin
7:48 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
Kind of a stretch to blame Obama for all those taxes, don't you think? Sales and Use and Property are state and local...
EG Tom33
9:23 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
No Heather you can't but Obama has spent more than all other current presidents combined....yes COMBINED ...even George Bush. I think it's one term for the big O.
That's what's happening to main street and the citizens of all towns...even EG. All you have to do is a little history of RI politics....DEMOCRATS...says it all.
Connie Zack
1:22 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
A restaurant closes and you blame Obama??? Unbelievable. Let's be sure to give him credit then for all those many many restaurants that are doing well!
minivanhell
4:15 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
I believe the article mentioned Ms Reynhout's tax problems which are local and have been going on for a while and Mr. Filippou is closing due to taking on too much. Did you actually read the article?
Mutato
8:26 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
Too bad. But I will tell you, we personally have not done as many breakfasts out at restaurants these past few years. It IS a sign of the times.
gladys_kravitz
9:12 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
Twisted Dogs already closed?? I thought there always seemed to be cars in the parking lot. Looks like that spot is doomed to fail. Too bad, I enjoyed having them in town.
EG0521
10:11 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
i live close to Audra's, and there have been signs of renovations, a few people seem to be working inside, on the floor, painting walls, and other such things.
Elizabeth McNamara
10:28 am on Monday, November 7, 2011
Thanks for the information - we'll check it out.
yuki eagan
9:27 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I am so sad to hear about Jiggers .Just had a great omelet there a few weeks ago-
counter seat
12:26 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011
Jiggers will be sadly missed. Wonderful times spent dining there, nothing can compare. It was THE place to go. All the best to Iva. Keep us all posted when and where you find work.
Trisha
9:24 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011
Jiggers will be missed by many. Iva put all she had into holding on to Jiggers, she really, really tried. Sad, its just sad. I wish her the best in the future and hope she knows that she's not alone. We are in tough times and many are struggling. So hold your head up high Iva, and don't ever feel ashamed, you did more than many would and always did right by your customers. Remember when one door closes another one opens.
Karen Paley
5:55 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thanks for the topic.
Karen Paley
5:58 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
WE discovered Papa Joe's on the corner of Post Rd and Old Forge. Great food and service--open for breakfast and lunch. We are there at 7 am every Saturday.
Karen P. (and Claudine)
Elizabeth McNamara
10:22 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thanks for that reminder. I'll have to check it out!
Spring Street
6:33 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Village Cafe ! Oh Yes they get 10* ! Delicious food ! Friday Fish & chips & best clam chowder ! Today we had the scrumptious stuffed peppers , eggplant & chicken parm !!
Desert cheesecake & lemon meringue pie ! The owner & staff are make certain your experience is enjoyable ! A Most Welcomed addition !