With the grand opening of McShortagee’s already underway it’s called by Bill “The Marketing Market” a deli with local memorabilia. McShortagee’s plans to work with local chefs and restaurants, to bring the many tastes of East Providence under one roof.
LA: One of the most important questions “What exactly will you be selling at McShortagee’s” from the deli to local honey to fresh produce and products from the Body Bakery?
WH: Boars Head is going to be our staple. I carry Willow tree for our salads and eventually we’ll be making our own salads. We want to start handing out free samples of our products. I have so many amazing cheeses. We have pre-made sandwiches and custom sandwiches made to order. We get our rolls for the sandwiches from Scialo’s Bakery. We will eventually carry soups and seafood. We carry Hood packaged ice cream. We have hot weenies that sell incredibly well. The grocery items that will be selling are to complement our deli.
LA: You’re not a cook or a baker so what made you want to open a deli/market? Tell me how you came up with the idea of opening McShortagee’s market
WH: Growing up I always thought this would be a great “Arnold’s” from Happy Days. I always loved the idea of a community place to hang out with my friends. After I got out of the Telecom business I started growing microgreens. Then I looked into growing lettuce. I switched back to microgreens which was easier than lettuce, so I planned to move into here and was going to just do a vegetable place. I decided it would be great to carry sandwiches and deli meats and here we are…
LA: How did you come up with the name McShortagee’s and Riverside Randy ?
WH: I came up with the name because I’m a short Irish Portuguese person. When Facebook first started Punxutawney Phil the Groundhog was all over Facebook. I started posting “Don’t listen to Phil listen to Riverside Randy” I did it as a joke. I went and got a clam and put eyes on him. He is now part of our logo.
LA: You’re deli/market is more than that. It’s a 70s themed establishment with lots of memorabilia related to Riverside definitely a great way to show townie pride. Tell me about the different memorabilia you have
WH: We have a lot of Crescent Park stuff. Everyone went there. I have everything from a Go-Kart tire to tickets to a menu from their Shore Dinner Hall. Local Riverside football coach “Big Al”… I have his jacket and high school yearbook here. I have a candy case from the Gilbert Stewart movie theater, the “Bubblah” and I’m working a lot with local artists to carry their work including paintings, sculptures and welded pieces
LA: You also have local artists work on display and for sale as well as murals by Walter Canavan. Tell me about this and how someone get their work displayed
WH: I grew up with Walter and he painted the murals on the walls above the vegetable area. This gave me the idea of the paintings. There are so many local artists. I have four different window frames so that’s four different artists. I have a hundred different artists that want to do paintings in the windows. I reached out on Facebook to say I would be doing this and as soon as I did, every local artist sent me a private message. I also have room on the walls. I try to feature one artist at a time whose work is for sale. Just message me if you’re interested.
LA: I love the quote on your Facebook page someone asked you “You’re opening a food place and you’re not a cook” and you replied “Frank Lloyd Wright didn’t mix cement” going on to say just like a plant.. the right people in the right place and let them bloom. Tell me a little about your staff
WH: I’m on the 1st rung of the ladder here. I’m working for everyone in here. Whatever my staff is running out of, I go get. I clean the floors, I throw out the trash and wash the windows. I talk to my customers in line. I’m like the stock boy… I’ve run to Restaurant Depot at least three times a day
LA: Tell me about your unique idea for McShortagee’s. You have local businesses come in and sell their goods. Tell me about the different local businesses that would be coming in and what they would be selling.
WH: I reached out to Willow Tree, Cornerstone Bakery, and many other local providers, even local crafts persons.
LA: I love that you’re keeping everything local and local friends and family have helped you. Who would you like to thank for all their hard work and making sure McShortagee’s was ready to open?
WH: My father 1st and everyone in the community. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for my father. I was thinking a little produce stand but my dad encouraged me to do more. The only reason this is here is because of my father. He motivated me to do it. He’s the first person in and last person out every day and he’s 77 years old.
LA: Lastly when you’re not at McShortagee’s what do you like to do for fun? Sticking with East Providence, what is your favorite restaurant?
WH: I would have to say Town Pizza. I grew up going there. I love watching the Sabin Point sunset, I play in a band and spend time with Paige Elizabeth… she’s my world
FB: McShortagee’s Market
Address: 204 Willett Ave, Riverside
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7am-6pm
