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Iggys
Doughboys and Chowder House is one of Rhode Islands famous landmarks as well
as the oldest beach stand in Rhode Island. It was built in 1924. The building has survived
two major hurricanes and it is still standing on its original structure.
The beach stand was originally called Guss. In
1989 our father and mother, Gaetano and Sally Gravino, founded Iggys Doughboys
& Chowder House. Our dad used to work to Guss. When they decided to open the
business they had to think of a clever name. We always use to refer to our dad as
"IG" because his license plate was IG-*. David said "how about
Iggys?" Iggys it was!
Over the years the business keeps growing. We started out in 1989 with a menu consisting of doughboys,
chowder & clamcakes. Presently, we have over 30 items on the menu such as: seafood
dinners, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, salads, ice cream and much, much more. We strive to make our special blends very unique from
others with our very own family recipes dont bother asking for them, they are
a secret! Everything is cooked to order and made with only the freshest ingredients. Our
mom, along with all of us kids, are still carrying on the family tradition.
Iggys customers are not only the locals
that come down regularly, but they also consist of individuals from all over. Many of
Iggys most loyal customers are the ones that have moved out of state. When they come
back to visit they make sure they make a stop to get a taste of Rhode Islands best!
Iggys Doughboys and Chowder House is
located in Oakland Beach, RI. The view of Narragansett Bay overlooking both Jamestown and
Newport bridges is absolutely magnificent. It is the perfect spot to relax on the beach
and have some lunch, to sit on the patio or in the dining room and watch the sunset, or even for just a snack. Recently, we expanded the building to include an
inside dining room accommodating seating for 40 people with panoramic views of the Bay.
The new addition is dedicated to our founder Gaetano Gravino, and Jason Naylor, a former
manager and dear friend of the Gravinos. These two loved ones are recognized with a
plaque, which is hung on the front entrance of the building.
We have had several write-ups in popular newspapers and magazines such as the Providence
Journal, the Warwick Beacon, and Rhode Island Monthly. The Providence Journal was
speaking with a woman while she was eating some of Iggys famous doughboys -
licking her fingers she said, "its like eating peanuts, you eat one and you
cant stop til you got the dozen gone!" Another man was quoted saying
"Ive had a lot of things in my life, but these doughboys to me are a delicacy,
a Rhode Island delicacy." Rhode Island Monthly stated in their August 1999
issue "Oakland Beach locals know that everything at Iggys is good from
the fish to the chips."
In the summer of 1994, the show Unsolved
Mysteries filmed an episode regarding the Emery case which was a very familiar
topic among native Rhode Islanders. Iggys was used as the beach stand where the
Emerys had chowder and clamcakes before their suicide off of the Newport bridge. We
had to close down the business for an entire day and we were all extras in the
film.
Oakland Beach is known for its many family
traditions. One of the most famous traditions is the fireworks display. Every year on the
4th of July there is a tremendous display of the most beautiful, colorful, and
breathtaking fireworks. Be sure to come visit, bring the family, and watch this amazing
display.
Iggys is open 7
days a week. Sally, David, Guy Jr., and MaryAnn Gravino invite you to stop down and enjoy
the clean, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere - have a bite to eat and view some of the
best sunsets overlooking Narragansett Bay. Dont forget - we are open year round!
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