Iconic Iggy`s Celebrating 25 Years

Iconic Iggy’s
Celebrating 25 Years
by Frank Chrupcala photos by Jen Wallace
David Gravino and Mary Ann Gravino-Soares (center) with some of the Iggy’s staff.
For 25 years, Iggy’s has made Oakland Beach in Warwick
a destination for locals and tourists hungry for a taste of the
Ocean State. Since 2000, the business synonymous with
doughboys, clam cakes and chowder has brought the same
quality food, service and prices to its popular location in
Point Judith, as well.
“My dad made me promise that nothing would happen to
the business,” Gravino said. “I’m driven and motivated by
making my father proud. I’ve never done this for money - it
is a passion and a promise.”
“We’re celebrating all summer.
The whole experience of
coming to Iggy’s is an event in
itself. It’s been a tradition for
Rhode Islanders for 25 years.”
Iggy’s has grown from its original 400-square-foot shack
to a state-of-the-art 5,000-square-foot facility and an additional location in Narragansett. Their once-limited menu
now includes fish and chips; shrimp, scallop and clam platters; stuffed quahogs; hamburgers; hot dogs; sandwiches;
salads; sides like nachos, chicken wings and mozzarella
sticks; ice cream; shakes and specialty sodas. Select Iggy’s
products can also be found at 220 markets across the region.
Owner David Gravino
In the late 1980s, Gaetano and Sally Gravino bought
Gus’s, a beach stand that had been in operation since
1924, and founded Iggy’s. Since then, the Gravino
family, including David and his sister Mary Ann, has
continued to offer great food at reasonable prices, making
their business a local favorite in the process.
Celebrating a quarter-century of delicious doughboys, clam
cakes and chowder, David has taken the Gravinos’ business
to unexpected new heights in recent years.
10 RI Local
“Quality food, service and prices is a recipe for success,”
Gravino said. “You have to feel good about what you do and
love what you do.”
Iggy’s staff, which began as a crew of 8, now reaches 110
at its peak. Gravino heads a nine-member management
team that has relentlessly pursued success for the iconic
local business. He credits his entire staff for the
business’s immense popularity and continued success.
“You’re as good as the people around you,”
Gravino said. “We’re hungry and aggressive as
a team. It takes dedication and sacrifice - it’s a
way of life.”
Iggy’s Famous
Clam Cakes
Gravino is a hands-on manager. No decision,
no matter the scale of its impact, is made
without his input. One major decision he has
made - with impacts that stretch well beyond
Iggy’s - has been to make his business a
generous and vital part of the community.
Iggy’s is involved with Toys for Tots, food drives
and charitable efforts for schools and non-profit
organizations. They also organize annual events
like the Iggy’s Doughboy Dash and a Polar
Plunge. Last year alone, the business raised
nearly $100,000 for charity.
“It’s important to give back to the
community that’s been so good to us,”
Gravino said. “Our loyal customers are
the best out there. They support us rain
or shine - even in the snow.”
New England,
Manhattan & R.I.
Clam Chowders
In addition to charitable causes and contributions, Iggy’s also serves the community by continuing to improve their products and service.
In 2008, the Warwick location was completely renovated, giving the original Iggy’s a new
look and feel while maintaining its traditional
dedication to quality food, service and prices.
Iggy’s in Warwick is at 889 Oakland Beach
Ave. A short distance from the beach, the line
for doughboys, clam cakes and chowder often
stretches to the sand. Take-out, indoor and outdoor dining options are available. Call 401-7379459 for more on the restaurant, which is
open year-round.
Iggy’s Delicious
Doughboys
Iggy’s in Narragansett is at 1157 Point
Judith Road. Just minutes from
Scarborough Beach, the second,
smaller Iggy’s location offers the
same menu and atmosphere as the
original Iggy’s. Call 401-783-5608
for more on the seasonal location,
which is open from March through
Columbus Day.
Stop by either convenient location for
lunch, dinner or a snack. For more
information Visit IggysDoughboys.com.
RI Local 11