Brockton-Based Vicente's Supermarket To Open Store In Pawtucket

PAWTUCKET, RI — The vacant Ocean State Job Lot building on Pawtucket Avenue will soon see new life as the home of the first Vicente's Supermarket in Rhode Island.

Vicente's, with two stores in Brockton, Massachusetts, offers specialty foods from Cape Verde, Africa, Central America, South America, Haiti, and beyond. Its shelves are stocked with typical American groceries as well as international items.

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"We look at ourselves as being leaders in the community, not only with the products and services we provide, but the impact on our community everyday life," remarked Vicente's owner Jason Barbosa.

"I believe that Vicente's will be a great addition to our city and will not only provide the grocery services that are necessary, but also new job openings for our residents," said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien of the family-owned grocer.

In a news release, Grebien said the city had identified the Ocean State Job Lot building as an ideal location for a supermarket to serve the city's diverse population. Ocean State Job Lot leasing director David Steinberg worked with all parties to help bring Vicente's to town, Grebien said.

"Ocean State Job Lot is pleased to see Vicente's Supermarket secure the lease of the building that housed our former store at 470 Pawtucket Avenue," said Steinberg. "While we still serve the community of Pawtucket from our store located at 50 Ann Mary Street, we couldn't be happier to see new life brought to this former space. We know that Vicente's Supermarket will serve the people of Pawtucket well, and we're proud to have helped the City identify the space for its new tenant.”

The mayor's office said that Vicente's plans to offer free rides to customers who make purchases of $100 or more. Vicente's plan to hire around 60 people, and a job fair is scheduled for June 5 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The job fair will be held at the store site at 470 Pawtucket Avenue.

The store was founded two decades ago by Manuel 'Nene' Vicente, who arrived in the United States from Cape Verde and pursued the American Dream.

"Twenty years ago, Vicente’s opened its doors as a small corner store and since then has evolved into the supermarket you see today," the company states. "The founder of Vicente’s, Manuel 'Nene' Vicente, had a vision and with time and effort has made his vision a reality."

The grocery store is currently under construction with plans to open this summer.