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State of Rhode Island, Recovery Friendly Workplace , Helping employers respond to substance use and mental health conditions in the Rhode Island workforce

Welcoming Bodega on Smith: A New Chapter in Community, Compassion, and Recovery

Date
12-01-2025
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bodega on smith

We are thrilled to announce that Bodega on Smith has joined the ranks of Rhode Island’s newest Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative (RFWs) — a meaningful designation for a business deeply rooted in community, hospitality, and inclusion.

A Local Gem with Heart

Located at 373 Smith Street in Providence, Bodega on Smith is more than a restaurant; it’s a vibrant neighborhood gathering place that blends good food, warm vibes, and inclusive atmosphere. By day, it serves specialty and vegan-friendly sandwiches, paninis, and market items — including vegan Cubanos and other plant-forward options that reflect their commitment to diversity in taste and values. 

When night falls, the space transforms into a cozy, speakeasy-style lounge: craft cocktails, live entertainment, and a vibe that welcomes everyone — a place where community, culture, and connection come alive. 

What Being a Recovery Friendly Workplace Means

By embracing the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation, Bodega on Smith is doing more than simply operating a restaurant or lounge. They’re committing to a workplace culture that:

  • Recognizes recovery from substance use or mental-health challenges as a strength, not a liability.
  • Provides a supportive, stigma-free environment for employees and potential new hires — giving folks a real shot at stability, dignity, and growth.
  • Values wellness, inclusion, and empathy — qualities that align perfectly with their mission of hospitality and community.
Why This Matters

In a time when many businesses treat workers as part of the “machine,” Bodega on Smith is setting itself apart. They’re showing that success isn’t only about what you sell — it’s about how you treat people. Choosing to honor recovery, wellbeing, and inclusion speaks volumes about their values.

For employees, this means working in a place where mental health and recovery are taken seriously, where support and understanding are not afterthoughts, but part of the foundation. For the community, it sends a powerful message: that workplaces can — and should — be spaces of compassion, respect, and second chances. 

Join Us in Celebrating This Milestone

Join us in welcoming Bodega on Smith into the Recovery Friendly Workplace community. Their doors have always been open for good food and great company — and now, they are open for support, dignity, and real opportunity.

Visit them online at www.bodegaonsmith.com to learn more about their menu, hours, and what makes them such a special part of Providence.

Here’s to building stronger workplaces — and stronger communities — together.