Warren restaurant owner looking forward to TV makeover

All-volunteer effort at Perella's will run for two days in early October

By Ted Hayes
Posted 9/18/19

Lou Perella has been a busy man since news came out this week that the restaurant he founded 25 years ago will soon be featured on the Food Network’s show, “Restaurant …

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Warren restaurant owner looking forward to TV makeover

All-volunteer effort at Perella's will run for two days in early October

Posted

Lou Perella has been a busy man since news came out this week that the restaurant he founded 25 years ago will soon be featured on the Food Network’s show, “Restaurant Impossible.”

“Word got out, people have really been talking about it,” said the chef, who opened Perella’s on the site of the Old Venice Restaurant at 311 Metacom Ave. in 1994.

The restaurant, known for its Italian dishes and to many, the amazing roasted garlic, will get a two-day, $10,000 makeover with a new menu and renovation. Lou promises he'll keep the garlic.

The show is hosted by celebrity chef Robert Irvine and is different from other restaurant shows, in that the makeover, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 8 and 9, with a grand re-opening that night, will be carried out in large part by volunteer contractors and others who agree to help with the remodel. A long-time friend of Warren's Calenda family, Mr. Perella said he already received a commitment from Warren Town Council member Steve Calenda, who holds a contractor's license and volunteered for all three volunteer shifts.

Mr. Perella was contacted by Food Network officials a few months ago and has been talking with them ever since. He said the idea to get a makeover makes sense, and he's excited to see what the volunteers come up with.

"Why not?" he asked.

Here are the details, both for the remodel and the grand re-opening, should you want to attend:

Reservations for the grand reopening on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m., are first-come, first-served by email only and there is no guarantee everyone who responds will get a table. If you are selected, you will receive a confirmation email close to the date of the dinner. Guests younger than 8 are not permitted. Send an e-mail to restaurantimpossiblevolunteers.com by Friday, Oct. 4 at noon, using the subject line 1606 RI RESERVATIONS. Include contact information with full name, e-mail address and cell phone number, the number of people in your party and the name of each. Diners will be responsible for paying their own bill.

If you would like to help with the remodel, volunteers may be any licensed or certified individuals in painting, crafting, constructing, remodeling, cleaning and decorating. While they seek skilled contractors, electricians, plumbers, upholsters and painters to help out and donate their time, they also need all skill levels.

  • Shift 1: Tuesday, Oct. 8 from noon to 7 p.m.
  • Shift 2: Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Shift 3: Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

None of the jobs are paid but meals will be provided. You must be 18 or older to volunteer. All volunteers must sign an appearance release and volunteer agreement on site. Attire is sneakers or boots and work clothing with no logos.

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