“Welcome to Moe’s!” will soon be heard on the streets of Wakefield, Rhode Island, when Moe’s Southwest Grill opens at 600 Kingstown Road in the Belmont Shopping Center on Friday, December 20. To celebrate the grand opening, all customers will receive a free burrito with any purchase on opening day.

The new restaurant, which is the first of a planned five locations in Rhode Island, is co-owned and operated by franchise partners Matt Rusconi and David Vorchheimer. The franchise partners opened their first Moe’s restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 2008 and now own eight locations throughout the region. Four additional Moe’s restaurants in Rhode Island are expected to open within the next three years.

“We are thrilled to open our first Moe’s in Rhode Island,” Rusconi says. “We’ve seen a lot of success growing the brand in the New England region, and we’re committed to developing in this state.”    

“Welcome to Moe’s!” is more than a greeting; it’s a way of life for the folks who customize each meal in front of guests. All meals, including signature menu items like the Homewrecker burrito, Close Talker salad, and John Coctostan quesadilla, are served with free chips and salsa. While Moe’s is best known for its burritos, packed with a choice of more than 20 ingredients, the menu also features kid’s items, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly options.

Guests can also try the new Coca-Cola Freestyle soda fountain. The new fountains are touch-screen operated, enabling consumers to select from more than 100 regular and low-calorie beverage brands, including more than 70 diet or low-calorie options; 90 caffeine-free beverages; 80-plus brands; and many varieties of waters, sports drinks, lemonades, and sparkling beverages that, prior to the arrival of Coca-Cola Freestyle, were not available in the U.S. 

Moe’s in Wakefield will offer weekly promotions such as “Moe Monday,” in which any burrito, chips, and drink combo costs only $6.99, and on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., kids eat free with the purchase of any adult entrée. 

Denise Lee Yohn: QSR's Marketing Guru, Fast Casual, News, Moe's Southwest Grill