5 minute read
A family meal
The Gorman family knows firsthand that a quality dining experience means more than just great food
by Sean McCarthy
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So when they opened the doors of the Palmer River Grille in Warren in July 2020, their recipe for success was a proven one: an enjoyable atmosphere, strategic location, reasonable prices, and a devoted team of employees offering top-notch service.
The Gormans know how a successful restaurant runs because the Palmer River Grille is the third card in their culinary hand. The family also owns and operates the Four Corners Grille and the Sakonnet River Grille, both in Tiverton.
The Gormans are a three-generation business, synonymous with excellence in casual dining and, depending what you want from your culinary experience, you can choose from their trio of local establishments.
“We’re hardworking people, but we’re social people, we enjoy entertaining,” says Chris Gorman, who owns the restaurants with her husband, Jim, and their sons, David and Jimmy. “It’s a lot of work, but when you see people smiling and having a good time it makes for some great memories.”
And there’s been a lot of great memories. All three restaurants are open seven days a week. While each menu offers popular favorites such as steaks, seafood, and pasta, each location provides unique offerings and different atmospheres.
Opened in 1998, Four Corners Grille has a rustic, country feel that includes an outdoor patio and, in addition to their regular menu, offers traditional pizza. Since 2015, Sakonnet River has offered a full bar with menu specialties such as prime rib, baby back ribs, and roast beef, along with specialty salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Palmer River Grille also has a full bar and seats more than 200 guests. It features an upstairs event room that accommodates 50 guests for celebrations ranging from birthdays to baby showers to anniversaries.
Each of the three locations offer daily specials in addition to their regular menus. “We have a passion for creating good experiences,” David Gorman says. “It’s in our blood and it’s something we enjoy doing. We love seeing people unwind and have a good time.”
Cooking up connections
Before it was the Palmer River Grill, the new restaurant was the location of the Country Inn for 30 years. Palmer River’s Head Chef is Rolando Reyes, who was the main chef at the Country Inn for 18 of those years. Chef Rolando brought with him many skilled and devoted employees from the previous establishment, and the Palmer River menu includes “Inn Favorites” that Reyes also brought with him.
“We felt that our formula worked well at Sakonnet and that we could make it work at another location,” Jim Gorman says. The Gormans purchased the Palmer River location in August 2019. They completely gutted and reconstructed the building, and they did all of their own interior design and decor. All three restaurants offer something for customers of all age groups. While the Four Corners Grille has a laid back, casual atmosphere, Palmer River and Sakonnet River welcome guests wearing t-shirts and jeans to jackets and ties.
Amongst the staff are Jimmy’s children, Alex, James, and Colby.
For the Gormans, creating a “family” of employees is vital to their mission. They have more than 100 people on their payroll between the three restaurants, and many of the staff members have been with them for many years.
“Our employees don’t work for us, they work with us,” Chris Gorman says. “We treat them with respect and we want them to be successful. We know that they have bills to pay.”
“We create a culture of respect among our employees,” Jim Gorman says. “Restaurants can be notoriously rough-and-tumble, and customers can sense when employees are disgruntled. Constant turnover is unsettling and expensive. Our staff is consistent. We want to maintain a certain level of quality through stability. We surround ourselves with good people who are hard-working, friendly, and courteous.”
Many of the Gormans’ customers are like an extended family.
“We’ve developed a community of customers who know us,” Chris Gorman says. “We’re on a first-name basis with many of our customers. We know their children and grandchildren. We also like seeing past employees who come back to dine at our restaurants and bring their families with them.”
Gorman says, “You can’t just open and successfully operate a restaurant because you know how to cook. It requires hard work, determination, and perseverance.”
“You can’t be an absentee owner with a restaurant,” David Gorman says. “You’re like a doctor. You’re always on call, ready all the time. You have to be willing to give yourself to it.”
“It’s enjoyable being your own boss – you do things the way you want them done,” Jim says. “You have your own vision and you make your own dream come true.”
For more information or to review a menu, visit: 4cornersgrille.com, palmerrivergrille.com, or sakonnetrivergrille.com.
