Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Slattery .
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ellen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I feel in love with the cooking world when I was a child. I really enjoyed playing with food and creating. My favorite role playing as a child was creating a restaurant in my best friend’s basement and we would pretend we were waitresses. It was so much fun. I went off to college in Boston, didn’t really find my calling until I was 3 years in. A friend of mine got me a job in a restaurant in the North End making salads and grilled pizzas… I knew zero… and the chef really pushed me. My station was right outside the glass enclosed chef’s table, so I always felt like I was on stage and need to perform to my best, without showing my stress. I would leave there at 2 am and just cry the whole way home because I was so exhausted. I learned so much. After a year the chef talked to me about culinary school. He encouraged me to drive down to Rhode Island and check out Johnson and Wales University. I took a tour and got accepted that day. I was enrolled and began classes 3 weeks later. After finishing JWU Gracie’s was created. She was established in 1998 as a 30 seat establishment, built on hopes and dreams. In 2005 we relocated Gracie’s downtown to a larger location with many opportunities. We grew to a 75 seat location, private room that seats 50, and a wine room that seats 8. We have continually grown every year. This year Gracie’s will be celebrating her 20 birthday. In 2012 we opened Ellie’s Bakery, which is a French Parisian intimate bakery, right down the street from Gracie’s. Everyday I look forward to providing the best environment and growth opportunities for our teams, the most magical experiences for our guests, and happiness and joy for my family.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
From day one it has been a roller coaster that never ends. I enjoy the thrill of the ups and cautious and protective of the downs. The ride never ends and changes everyday. Each and everyday has been a learning experience that I grow in. When a challenge is thrown my way now – I thrive on solving that problem with dignity and resolve in the most positive form. A couple of phrases that are always tossed around in our leadership team is: 1 percent better day, and we have to be creative and resourceful.
Some of my struggles along the way: 1. not having a formal business education, 2. Understanding the culture in RI… I’m a Jersey girl, 3. Trying to wear so many hats in the beginning years, in an arena I was still learning about myself, 4. Being a small business owner for so many years and feeling so isolated, 4. Operating in the business instead of on the business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gracie’s Venture – what should we know?
Gracie’s is a fine dining establishment. We are directly across the street from Trinity Repertory Theater in downtown Providence. We are inspired by the seasons and change our menu 6 times a year. We are known for our 5, 7, and 9 course tasting menus, which change every other week. We provide a place for pre theater dining, celebrations, escaping, private events, weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners. We thrive on taking care of every single one of our guest and making them feel full of warmth and happiness. We want to fill their soul and create magical memories. We have created a team that is passionate about what they do, they inspire each other, and hold each other to the highest standards. It’s a beautiful thing to see. Their happiness is show on the plate and presented to the guest. Our guests can feel the love.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest advocate and cheerleader first and foremost is my mom. From day one she instilled in me that you can do anything you put your mind to. At a young age… I didn’t really understand that. I struggled thru school with sever dyslexia and learning disabilities which I was able to overcome thru positive reinforcement thru my mom. As I got older those few words – you can do anything you put your mind to – would always be my compass.
I knew I could work thru anything I put the time into. Thru the years my team has really been my driving force. They continue to grow and succeed in their craft, which pushes me harder to grow myself. I work side by side with them everyday, which makes me a very lucky person. I have the best seat in the house. Our guest’s feedback from their time with us… is the gas that keeps me going and growing. They let us know when we are doing things right… or wrong. We would not be where we are today, if it wasn’t for our guests being honest with us… and caring about our growth. We have established so many friendships and family members thru the years that are huge supporters that warm our hearts each and everyday.
Contact Info:
- Address: 194 Washington Street , Providence RI
- Website: www.graciesprov.com
- Phone: 401-272-7811
- Email: ellen@graciesprov.com
- Instagram: graciesprov
- Facebook: graciesprov
- Twitter: graciesprov
- Other: elliesbakeryri
Image Credit:
Jason Wessel Photography
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