Boone Street Market: Bringing Neapolitan pizza to Narragansett
Sydney Broulliard is the co-owner of Boone Street Market, a newly opened food hall in Narragansett, Rhode Island. In just a few months, Boone Street Market has quickly become a local favorite, with its six food stalls, two bars, and a standout pizza stall offering a unique Neapolitan experience. Sydney shared insights into the journey of opening the market, their approach to marketing, and the sacrifices it takes to run a successful business.
A Unique Concept in the Coastal Community
Boone Street Market offers locals and tourists a diverse dining experience. Among the six stalls, the pizza stall has quickly risen to prominence, serving high-quality Neapolitan-style pies.
“Our pizza is all about using the best ingredients,” Sydney explained. “We source San Marzano tomatoes and other premium ingredients to craft about ten different pizzas, from classics to creative seasonal specials.”
Adapting to a Changing Demographic
Located in a coastal area with a college town vibe, Boone Street Market serves a dynamic demographic. During the summer months, the market attracts tourists and families, while the fall and winter months bring in students and local residents.
To cater to these different audiences, Boone Street Market adapts its marketing and menu strategies. For example, they launched a lunchtime program called Beat the Clock to attract college students and local industry workers. “Food starts at 50% off at 11 a.m., then decreases to 40% at noon and 30% at 1 p.m.,” Sydney shared. “It’s been a hit with students and workers looking for a great deal.”
Leveraging Social Media and Strategic Marketing
Social media has been a critical tool for Boone Street Market’s success. Sydney highlighted their use of Instagram and Facebook for advertising, as well as SMS and email marketing through their POS system.
“We’ve seen a significant return from SMS marketing,” Sydney said. “When we send out a special, we often see people come in the same day or the next. It’s been a game-changer for us.”
To keep their content fresh and engaging, Boone Street Market collaborates with a local agency, Honey Bun Social, based in Providence. “They help us manage our accounts and keep us up to date with the latest trends,” Sydney noted.
The Challenges of Running a Food Hall
Running a six-stall food hall with two bars is no small feat. Sydney shared that staffing has been one of their biggest challenges. “We have about 40 staff members, and it’s a daily effort to ensure everything runs smoothly and meets our standards,” she explained.
As a new business, first impressions matter. “You only get one opportunity to show people what you’re about,” Sydney said. “It’s crucial to have everything as close to perfect as possible from the start.”
Sacrifices and Dedication
Opening Boone Street Market has required immense dedication from Sydney and her husband, who serves as the general manager. “We’re here seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.,” she shared. “It’s a lot of long hours, and we’ve had to miss family events, like my brother’s football games, but it’s worth it to build something we’re proud of.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sydney offered practical advice for anyone looking to open their own pizza shop or food business:
Do Your Research: “Understand your market and find a niche that isn’t being fulfilled. For us, that meant offering Neapolitan-style pizza in a town filled with New York-style options.”
Be Patient: “Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, and a lot of hard work to build a loyal customer base.”
Adapt and Innovate: “Stay flexible and tailor your approach to the needs of your audience, whether that’s seasonal specials or unique promotions like our lunchtime program.”
With its creative menu, strategic marketing, and dedication to quality, Boone Street Market is well on its way to becoming a staple in Narragansett. Sydney’s passion and perseverance are evident in every aspect of the business, from the fresh ingredients to the welcoming atmosphere.
