BIPOC Entrepreneurs Transform Main Street in Pawtucket – Blackstone Valley Tourism

BIPOC Entrepreneurs Transform Main Street in Pawtucket

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BIPOC Entrepreneurs Transform Main Street in Pawtucket

When Leslie Moore entered the scene in Pawtucket, she and her business, Core Collaboratives, helped to turn around Main Street in the downtown district by transforming the Grant Building on Main Street into a hub of black-owned businesses that includes a food court, hair salon, vintage clothing store, and community meeting space. 

According to historic preservation records, the building was originally home to W. T. Grant department store that operated from 1934 until the late 60’s. Even then records show multiple tenants for the property.  The building had several names and owners over the years. However, according to the Still on Main website the building is known as the William Grant Still Building named for the accomplished American composer William Grant Still. 

He dreamed that his music would bring racial understanding and harmony.”

Affectionately known as Still on Main, it hosts a symphony of businesses and entrepreneurs who reflect the diversity of culture in the surrounding area.

Recently, the Main Street mall has seen a number of black- and brown-owned businesses/entrepreneurs take shape under Moore’s guidance, including EP Kitchen, Syroya’s Sweetsations and Waffle Hive. 

Core Collaboratives mission is to reserve space in downtown buildings for low-resourced entrepreneurs using a model of shared resources while supporting local economic development.  Moore certainly has seen success with Still on Main as more small businesses open their doors. 

Recently, we visited Still on Main for a taste of what they have to offer at Waffle Hive and Syroya’s Sweetsation as well as Island Taste. We also had a wonderful day exploring some of the shops including Nissi Naturals.  

The owners of Waffle Hive are a dynamic duo. They offer several types of waffles including chicken waffles and waffles with fruit — and they are delicious! The decor is hip with a painted mural of Nipsey Hussle that draws you in. Waffle Hive was instrumental in creating a drive-in experience on the rooftop of the nearby parking garage, showing holiday movies with food service to support the community and their fellow restaurants. 

Syroya’s Sweetsations is a custom dessert shop that offers a variety of cakes for all occasions and recently served up some sweet cupcakes and cocoa bombs for Valentine’s Day.

Island Taste has a fun atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re on an island with their choices in music and the colorful decor. The owner works hard to serve you a variety of the best empanadas including veggie and seafood, which are extremely flavorful and flaky. 

Nissi Naturals, located in “The Underground” section of the mall downstairs, specializes in natural soaps and shampoos and other beauty products. 

Visit Still on Main for more shops and services

 Check out some of our video content from Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s visit:

As Core Collaboratives focuses on supporting quality development in communities that embrace diversity, Moore continues to develop additional space in Pawtucket including “The Rail,” a collaborative work space at 50 Summer Street where entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers and other professionals can work, meet with clients and dream the possibilities while connecting with one another.  

She is also developing additional property on Main Street across from Still on Main and is helping to keep Main Street vibrant and economically active. We applaud her efforts and look forward to continuing to shop and eat on Main Street here in downtown Pawtucket. 

Speaking of which if you are looking for authentic Nigerian food be sure to visit The Village Restaurant on Main Street located diagonally across from Slater Mill or head over to Lorraine Mills on Mineral Spring Ave. (home of Mixed Magic Theatre) and visit some other black-owned businesses including White Dog Distilling for small batch whiskeys, rum, and moonshine as well as JA Patty for some tasty Jamican Patties. 

Written by:
Patti McAlpine & David Lawlor
Photo taken inside Island Taste by David Lawlor
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