Red Stripe in Wayland Square is always hopping. But on the night of Tuesday, Sept. 16, it was THE place to see and be seen, as we celebrated the debut of the Providence restaurant’s new dining area, bar and function room.

Over 140 invited guests attended this VIP bash, happily standing toe-to-toe while noshing on creative appetizers (you outdid yourself, Chef Ryan!) and sipping wine and beer served by our cheerful wait staff and the ever-effervescent “Red Stripe Beer Girls.”

It also being the height of the 2014 campaign season, two political notables, Cranston Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Allan Fung and former Providence Mayor and current mayoral hopeful Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci, stopped by to take part in our ribbon-cutting (and do a little good-natured schmoozing).

Renowned Interior designer Judd Brown in conjunction with Jefferson Group Architects of Pawtucket, RI, designed the 1,650-square foot addition, which allows Red Stripe to accommodate an additional 74 diners. Besides the spacious second bar area, there are two dining rooms separated by a large sliding barn door to facilitate business meetings or private parties of various sizes. Done in stylish earth tones, the new space is warm and welcoming, yet distinctly modern, and blends seamlessly with the original restaurant area.

There was definitely a “buzz” created that evening and all of us here at Red Stripe and Encore Hospitality Group look forward to hosting many more successful parties at the roomier Providence location.