Julia Broome has been in and out of the hospitality and event business throughout New England since her graduation from Boston University in 2009. But luckily for Providence, the restaurant that native daughter Broome always thought of as a retirement project came to fruition years earlier.

When Covid-19 hit in March of 2020, Broome began working on a business plan for her southern comfort food restaurant. To keep motivation high while starting a restaurant during a pandemic, Broome reminded herself that her soulful and nostalgic food would fill a need in the local Providence community. She wanted to build a welcoming, inviting, and safe space for customers of all backgrounds to enjoy each other’s company alongside great food and cocktails.

With the help of recipes passed down from her mother, who grew up in Virginia, Broome brought her vision to life.

In early April 2021, Kin Southern Table & Bar, officially opened in downtown Providence for takeout and dining in. The menu of comfort food features fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, and a slate of unique cocktails. Broome’s future plans for Kin include expanded outdoor dining, a potential Juneteenth celebration, and adding brunch to the menu.

With the assistance from Central Regional Director Amit Basnet and his team at the RISBDC, Broome had the guidance and reassurance to make her “retirement“ project a reality today. Broome stated she is proud to be from Providence, as a black-women owned business, and is appreciative of the RISBDC and Community Investment Corporation (CIC) for supporting her vision.

To learn more about Kin Southern Table & Bar, visit their website at https://www.kinpvd.com.