Coming Soon: Kin
Kin Southern Table & Bar owner Julia Broome
The countdown to fried green tomatoes and jambalaya is officially on!
We’re beyond thrilled that Kin Southern Table & Bar is opening this March in downtown Providence at 71 Washington Street, located in the Biltmore Garage.
The Southern soul food restaurant concept was born out of owner Julia Broome’s decade of experience in the hospitality industry, and a desire to create a space celebrating Black culture, where everyone is respected and welcome. After COVID hit and she was laid off from her job at a global events company, Broome got busy drafting her business plan and searching for the perfect location.
“This is the food I grew up on,” said Broome, of the Southern soul food focused menu. “It’s comfort food.” While Broome was born and raised in Providence, her mother was born in Norfolk, Va., and her great-grandmother grew up in South Carolina. Through the restaurant, she hopes to pay homage to her ancestors.
Julia Broome left Providence for Boston University, but then, “like a true Rhode Islander, I came right back after.” And now, she wants to create an inclusive restaurant environment in downtown Providence where people can come together, even when there’s angst outside the walls. “Kin is a name that means togetherness and family,” Broome said. “I want customers to feel welcome - like they’re part of our family.”
As a Black woman, Broome also said she wanted to create a space where she’s likely to see people who look like her. She’s excited that the downtown location is centrally located, so people from all parts of New England can access the restaurant and the majestic feeling of the neighborhood.
“I love the atmosphere downtown,” said Broome. “It’s kinda whimsical. You can stumble into any location and have the most amazing night.”
The menu at Kin will include offerings such as fried green tomatoes, kale salad, fried chicken sandwich, shrimp po’ boy, fried catfish, jambalaya, chicken and waffles, baked mac ‘n cheese, and chocolate beignets. The bar program will include beer, wine and mixed drinks, with a heavy emphasis on rum-based drinks.
To start, Kin will be open Tuesday - Saturday for lunch and dinner. The opening will focus on takeout with limited indoor dining, depending on COVID restrictions at the time. Broome hopes to eventually add Saturday brunch service as well.
Kin Southern Table & Bar will be neighbors to Tori Tomo, Urban Fellow Barbershop & Shave Parlour, Figidini Wood Fire Eatery, and Bolt Coffee, all located on the ground floor of the Biltmore Garage.
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