Since 1989, Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House has become a beloved Rhode Island staple, synonymous with summertime and seaside dining. Founded by Gaetano "Guy" Gravino, Iggy’s has delighted generations with its exceptional seafood and welcoming atmosphere. In this brand deep dive, we’ll explore the rich history behind this iconic Ocean State establishment, from its humble beginnings to its rise as a local favorite.
We’ll explore the challenges of the early years, the evolution of its menu, and the deep community connections that have cemented Iggy’s place in the heart of Rhode Islanders. Find out what made Iggy’s a must-visit destination for seafood lovers and RI locals alike, but be prepared to get hungry.
From Trailer to Treasure
Guy Gravino’s journey to starting Iggy’s was built out of experience working in various restaurants. He learned the ins and outs of seafood cuisine, from perfecting clam chowder to crafting delicious doughboys. For the uninitiated, Doughboys are deep-fried pieces of dough dusted with sugar and hold a special place in Rhode Island’s culinary culture.
His dedication to the craft and deep love for Rhode Island’s seafood inspired him to open his restaurant. The name “Iggy” came from an affectionate nickname Guy's son (who would later buy the brand) used for him, and it perfectly suited the establishment. From the very beginning, Iggy’s was more than just a restaurant—it was a dream realized with a focus on quality seafood and a family atmosphere.
In the summer of 1989, a modest trailer-style seafood stand was born. This small stand would grow into a beloved local institution, offering a perfect spot to savor fresh seafood. The trailer was unassuming, but it was here that Guy Gravino’s vision of serving delicious, traditional seafood came to life.
Navigating Early Challenges
Starting a new business is never easy, and Iggy’s was no exception. The brand faced numerous challenges in the early years, from securing the perfect location to sourcing the freshest ingredients.
The first summer was crucial. Guy's commitment to quality quickly garnered attention, but maintaining a steady flow of customers in the early days is always a challenge. Word-of-mouth played a significant role in getting new faces in the door, the then satisfied customers spread the word about the delicious clam cakes and chowder, attracting even more customers. This grassroots marketing approach slowly but surely helped build a loyal customer base that would last decades.
Mastering the Menu
In its early days, Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House served a menu full of staple favorites, embodying their deep love for Rhode Island’s seafood tradition. The 90s saw a focus on a few key dishes that quickly became local legends: crispy clam cakes, creamy clam chowder, and of course, the famous doughboys. Made with the freshest ingredients, these dishes were the stars of the menu, celebrated for their outstanding quality. The clam cakes became an instant hit, as did the clam chowder, which offered a hearty and flavorful taste of New England. The doughboys, with their perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior, became a beloved treat for both locals and visitors. These classics were the cornerstone of Iggy’s identity, reflecting a commitment to delivering a high-quality seafood experience.
The Rise of Doughboys
Doughboys have a storied history in Rhode Island, tracing back to early 20th-century Italian-American communities. Originally a simple and inexpensive treat, doughboys became synonymous with beach days and summer outings. Families would enjoy them as a sweet indulgence after a day in the sun, often purchased from seaside stands and food vendors along the coast. Their popularity soared due to their delicious simplicity and the nostalgic connection to carefree summer memories.
At Iggy’s, doughboys quickly became a signature item. Guy Gravino perfected his recipe, ensuring that each doughboy was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. This attention to detail and commitment to quality made Iggy’s doughboys stand out. They became a must-have for visitors, adding to the restaurant’s growing reputation.
While clam cakes, chowder, and doughboys remained the stars of the show, Guy and his team introduced new offerings that kept the menu fresh and exciting. The early 2000s saw Iggy’s expanding its menu with a variety of new seafood dishes. As Iggy’s continued to grow, it solidified its status as a cherished Rhode Island institution. The restaurant’s success was driven by a blend of classic seafood offerings and innovative new dishes, delighting locals and visitors with every bite.
A New Chapter on Cranston's Point
By 2005, the undeniable success of Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House called for a significant transformation. The original trailer-style stand, nestled by the picturesque shores of Narragansett Bay, had been the heart of Iggy’s beginnings. With it's growing popularity, the stand could no longer meet the demand from enthusiastic customers.
Recognizing the need for expansion, Guy Gravino made the bold decision to relocate Iggy’s to a new, more permanent location on Cranston’s Point. This move allowed the restaurant to offer a larger space and an expanded menu, catering to the increasing number of loyal patrons and new visitors alike. The new location provided ample seating and better facilities, perfectly positioned to continue serving Iggy’s renowned clam cakes and chowder in a more accommodating setting. The move to Cranston’s Point marked a new chapter for Iggy’s, combining the beloved flavors and traditions of its original location with the benefits of a more expansive and accessible venue. This transition helped solidify Iggy’s status as a top seafood destination and set the stage for its continued growth and success in the Rhode Island dining scene.
By the mid-2000s, Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House had firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s seafood scene. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and tradition was recognized with several prestigious accolades. In 2002, Rhode Island Monthly honored Iggy’s with the title of “Best Clam Cakes,” followed by The Providence Journal’s “Best Seafood Chowder” award in 2005.
These early awards highlighted Iggy’s commitment to delivering exceptional seafood experiences. The restaurant’s reputation continued to grow with further accolades, including a coveted spot in Yankee Magazine’s “Top 10 Seafood Restaurants” in New England in 2007. In 2009, The Providence Journal named Iggy’s “Best Family-Friendly Restaurant,” underscoring its welcoming atmosphere and appeal to diners of all ages.
These honors celebrated Iggy’s standout clam cakes, chowder, and doughboys and played a crucial role in establishing the restaurant as a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts.
Community Connection
Iggy’s has consistently played a role in local events and charitable activities. Whether it’s holding a drive for a local food pantry in exchange for free doughboys or hosting Iggy's Doughboy Dash to raise money for the A-T Children's Project, Iggy's is committed to giving back.
Beyond specific events and sponsorships, Iggy’s has maintained a commitment to the community by being a welcoming gathering place for locals. The restaurant's friendly atmosphere and the personal touch of Guy and his family have made Iggy’s a beloved fixture in the neighborhood. By hosting community events, offering discounts to residents, and always being there for a friendly chat, Iggy’s has built a reputation as a place where everyone feels at home.
Keeping it Fresh: Iggy's Online and Beyond
While Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House began with a focus on classic seafood dishes, its success over the years has been driven by a commitment to innovation and growth. The Gravino family vision extended beyond preserving Rhode Island’s seafood traditions; Guy's son Dave sought to refresh their restaurant experience (both in person and online) to meet evolving tastes and expectations.
With a modern focus on capturing the delicious offerings and iconic atmosphere of Iggy's via photography and videos with Iggy's servers (as well as cameos from Dave Gravino himself), the brand has amassed a significant social media following that keeps audiences informed and engaged.
Expanding to Iggy's Creamery, pairing their award-winning doughboys with delicious ice cream, the brand has been able to delight an audience of people looking to grab a sweet treat, in addition to their usual seafood selection.
More than a Chowder House
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House is more than just a spot to grab a bite—it’s a Rhode Island staple that has maintained a strong foothold in the Ocean State's seafood scene for over 35 years.
From its early days in a small trailer to becoming a local favorite, Iggy’s has always been about serving up great seafood with a side of that unmistakable Rhode Island vibe.
Updating the menu and connecting with new customers via social media, Iggy’s has managed to keep things fresh while staying true to what made it special in the first place. If you’re in the mood for classic seafood and a touch of that local RI charm, Iggy’s is still the place to be. What's your favorite Iggy's treat? Let us know!
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