Building a Foundation of Trust

Richard Storti has the restaurant business in his blood. This coupled with years of success in the Real Estate and finance industry along with a phenomenal co-owner and general manager, Jennifer Freitas, meant that The District was bound to be a success.

Following in his Father's Footsteps

When you walk into The District, located in the Jewelry District of Providence, RI, you’re greeted by friendly faces, the smell of fantastic food and a bustling atmosphere. From locals working in the area on lunch to old friends meeting for a drink – The District is a hit, just as both had hoped.

Richard Storti - “I always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps,” he says when asked why he decided to make the leap into the food service industry. “It was the right timing, and a great opportunity to make an impact in a community I love. The surrounding area has improved in recent years, and we wanted to establish a restaurant that was comfortable, serving high quality, fresh food, and good portion sizes. The District is a place where you get great service, food and someone can come in a few times a week.”

Rising to the Restaurant Challenge

At 180 years old, The District was in rough shape when Rich purchased the property. The building was completely gutted, with only the walls, roof and some of the floor being salvaged. The site itself proved to be a challenge with its small footprint and renovations including a new addition to expand kitchen onto the back of the building. 

And what a kitchen it is. With a specially ordered custom brick-oven, the pizza and bread products are some of the best in the City. 

“There are so many moving parts to having a successful restaurant,” Rich explains. “It starts with food quality, location, the right pricing, and committed staff that provide the best service possible. Everything has to work together.”

Partnering for Success

When asked about what makes The District successful, he points across the room to Jennifer Freitas, his co-owner, and general manager. “Jennifer was a key in making this place a success. Jenn and I have clear roles and responsibilities, and we surrounded ourselves with like-minded people. Our staff are people that we know we can trust and that understand customer service. We had a vision, and we stuck to it. The customers adore Jenn. She understands the real meaning of hospitality.”

Rhode Island is a small state and its residents, including Rich and Jenn, are passionate about keeping things local. That’s one of the reasons he chose Savings Institute Bank & Trust as a partner for helping finance the construction phase of the renovations of the restaurant.

“I heard about Savings Institute and Ken Martin’s [Chief Commercial Lending Officer, Savings Institute] team through a few mutual professional associates.” Rich goes on to describe his experience with the Bank. “The process was streamlined, easy and efficient. Beyond that, we knew that the Savings Institute team was one we could faithfully rely on as trusted advisers for my business.”

As a member of the local community, Savings Institute Bank & Trust is proud to have supported Rich and Jennifer’s restoration of the property that is now The District. If you’re looking for a local bank that will be with you every step of the way for your business financing and beyond, we’re here for you. 

To learn more about how we can help your business, please give us a call, or visit one of our conveniently located branches.