East Greenwich restaurant highlights positive impact of outdoor dining tent

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WLNE)- A local restaurant is set to meet with the town’s zoning committee this week to determine whether or not their outdoor dining tent will be a permeant fixture.

The Patio on Main opened one month before the pandemic hit. Owner Angel Winpenny, told ABC6 removing the tent would mean less seating and getting rid of hardworking employees.

The tent currently holds dining tables, TV’s, provides space for live music and even outdoor yoga.

Winpenny told ABC6 the town’s concerns with the tent stem from the heavily trafficked street. The space would provide the restaurant with additional parking spaces, which Winpenny says is not worth the dining space the tent provides.

The business owner invested in the tent to provide warmth, space, and room for activities for those dining. Winpenny said she wants the tent to be a permanent fixture due to the number of patrons who want to remain distanced, while enjoying the summer weather.

“I just love sitting under this tent. It’s comfortable, I don’t like sitting in the sun, and I’ve got a beautiful breeze today sitting here I just love it,” Josie Alkis told ABC6.

If ordered to remove the outdoor tent, Winpenny said the business would lose dining space and employees.

The business is scheduled to meet with the town’s zoning committee on Tuesday, in hopes the tent will become permanent.

The virtual zoning committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m.