Bring Back Benny's: Bristol, Warren Misses These Businesses Most

BRISTOL-WARREN, RI — Patch wanted to know: what local businesses do Bristol and Warren residents miss the most? Whether it's a seriously nostalgic throwback or a recently closed favorite, here's a look at what Patch readers had to say.

Benny's, the quintessentially Rhode Island retail standby, was by far the favorite. Several people said it was a convenient, local place to shop, including one who said it "was so nice if you needed something close by." The Bristol store closed in late 2017, as part of the brand-wide liquidation process.

Someone else said they missed the Pastime Theater on Bradford Street. While it was operational, the classic movie-house facade remained mostly unchanged from 1934, when it was rebuilt after fire destroyed the original building in 1912. After it closed, the building was later demolished.

Here's a look at some other bygone Bristol and Warren classics:

• Jade Tree
• Wood Street Bakery
• The SandBar
• Sam's Pizza
• Bristol Motor Lodge
• The Golden Goose
• Topsides
• Bristol YMCA
• Maria's Gift Shop
• Tweets

Did we miss your favorite closed store or restaurant? Let us know in the comments.