Progress is a tricky word. Without context, it typically suggests something positive. It means moving forward. It’s the future. The promise of what’s to come.
But use it alongside other terms, like tradition and history, and suddenly progress isn’t so simple. We all want to move forward. We don’t want to be left behind. But to get ahead, we can’t forget what we already have and where we’ve already been.
If you’ve had the delight of traveling through the JT Connell Highway traffic circle lately, you’ll see what I mean. It’s always been an area that appears to be in the midst of an identity crisis, spinning travelers in circles as they make their way to their various destinations — be it Naval Station Newport, the Pell Bridge or Walmart.
It’s a section of road that seems worlds away from the postcard image of Newport — the wharves, the cobblestone roads, the history — but it’s still a vital part of the city. These days, the view is dotted with orange safety cones, dug-up roads and slow-moving construction vehicles.
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We’re told it’s all for the better — part of the bridge ramp reconstruction and the North End Urban plans. It’s progress. But it isn’t particularly pretty right now.
In the midst of all the construction, situated just off the rotary, you’ll find the shining stainless-steel retro exterior of Bishop’s 4th Street Diner. Bishop’s has been there for over 50 years serving up classic diner food for thousands of locals, travelers and visitors.
If a restaurant survives for 50 years, you know they’re doing things right. Whether it’s a Portuguese omelette, a club sandwich or a turkey dinner plate with all the fixings, there’s something for everyone. It’s not fancy — counter service with cozy booths in the dining area — but it has all you need. It’s the classic diner experience with food that delivers on taste, comfort and value.
After five decades, Bishop’s run soon may come to an end.
For that, we can thank progress.
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East Side Enterprises, LLC, the owner of the property on which Bishop’s sits, has its own vision for the land. It includes an expansion of the gas station, the Seasons convenience store and a car wash.
With the increase in traffic and revised roundabout patterns, you can understand why super-sizing the gas station enterprise would make sense. More traffic means more business. But this expansion would mean the demolition of Bishop’s. In fact, East Side Enterprises is currently seeking a permit to demolish the diner.
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Is this progress? Is having a convenient spot to grab a Monster Energy Drink and a bag of chips worth losing a business that has been flipping Johnnycakes since the Johnson administration?
As outsiders, we don’t know all the details. Obviously there is a lease agreement between the East Side Enterprises and Bishop’s and we don’t know the terms or length of that deal. Landowners definitely have rights to act in their own best interest and a 50-year restaurant isn’t entitled to continue existing just because it has a long history. But the optics and public opinion on this are not great.
When we are given the promise of redevelopment, we are wooed with the possibility of new shopping centers, new businesses and new restaurants — all of which bring more people and money to the area. That’s great for the community. But in developing new businesses, are we making sure our established businesses are supported, too?
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Is a new restaurant built from the blueprint of 1,000 similar restaurants worth losing one with such unique character? For a developer, working with a restaurant chain with deep pockets and an established success rate is much less risky than working with a local family with a dream.
From a business perspective, it’s a no-brainer. But it also explains why so many new restaurants in these developments lack uniqueness and a genuine community connection.
The owners of Bishop’s 4th Street Diner are going to do what they can to fight the fight. The future will likely involve time and money spent on lawyers, arbitrators and bankers. There’s a chance they may be able to move the building, but that’s an extreme solution.
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Meanwhile they have to keep the diner running. What can we do? We can go get some Bish’s clam chowder. We can enjoy some of the maple cinnamon french toast. We can order one of the fresh meatloaf sandwiches to-go.
Any time there is a restaurant in trouble, eating there is the best way to give it a hand. Additionally, you can sign the petition asking the permit to demolish the building be denied. Support from the community is always meaningful.
I’m all for progress. I’m excited to see what it will look like after the bridge ramp reconstruction and the North End revitalization. It will be nice to see new businesses investing in our city.
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But to get there, we need to leave room for this businesses that have been there since the beginning. Our brighter future depends on it.
Dan Lederer is a Middletown resident with 30 years experience in the food service industry throughout New England. He continues to work locally behind the scenes within the industry and remains a devoted fan of all things restaurant and hospitality related. His column appears on newportri.com and Thursdays in The Daily News. Cheers!
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