A Providence bakery and bistro that's all things French is moving. Where you'll find it

Gail Ciampa, Providence Journal

Ellie's, the Providence bakery, pâtisserie and bistro inspired by the tastes and feel of Paris, will be moving. They aren't going far but will soon be in a new home at 250 Westminster St. That's the space vacated when Kleo's closed earlier this year.

Restaurateur Ellen Gracyalny, owner of Gracie's restaurant, opened Ellie's as a passion project for all things French back in 2012. It was in a small space on Washington Street known as the Biltmore garage. It moved in 2019 to 225 Weybosset St. for the larger space with more tables and a bigger kitchen plus baking space.

They hope to open in their new space with indoor and outdoor seating early this summer with the same breakfast and lunch service they currently offer. Plans are to expand with an evening wine bar in the fall.

When Ellie's Bakery opened in 2012, its sign was under the Biltmore Garage parking sign in Providence. A rooster has always been the logo for Ellie's, which is moving to 250 Westminster St.
When Ellie's Bakery opened in 2012, its sign was under the Biltmore Garage parking sign in Providence. A rooster has always been the logo for Ellie's, which is moving to 250 Westminster St.

It seemed kismet when Ellie's moved across from the Providence Performing Art Center. Gracie’s had also moved from its original spot to 194 Washington St., across from Trinity Repertory Company, in 2005. Ellie's opened with their signature pastries, lunch and dinner service. They switched to breakfast and lunch after the pandemic year of 2020.

Ellie’s will host regular classes and events in the new space and will be available for private events.

Ellen Gracyalny, owner of Ellie’s, and Executive Chef Matthew Varga, will continue to work together at Ellie's new 250 Westminster St. location, as well as at Gracie's restaurant. They took this photo together when Ellie's moved to 225 Weybosset St. in 2019.
Ellen Gracyalny, owner of Ellie’s, and Executive Chef Matthew Varga, will continue to work together at Ellie's new 250 Westminster St. location, as well as at Gracie's restaurant. They took this photo together when Ellie's moved to 225 Weybosset St. in 2019.

The new move was prompted by a change in building ownership, Gracyalny said in a news release.

“We were facing having to close Ellie’s,” said Gracyalny. “We noticed the 250 Westminster St. locationlisted for lease and began discussions with Cornish. We are so thankful to the Cornish team forsupporting us through this transition and are excited about returning to our original roots alongside theInDowncity community.”

Ellen Gracyalny will move her Ellie's bakery and bistro from 225 Weybosset St., across from PPAC, to 250 Westminster St., where Kleo's restaurant closed earlier this year. She also owns Gracie's, the fine dining restaurant.
Ellen Gracyalny will move her Ellie's bakery and bistro from 225 Weybosset St., across from PPAC, to 250 Westminster St., where Kleo's restaurant closed earlier this year. She also owns Gracie's, the fine dining restaurant.

The Weybosset building, owned by ASH NYC, also owners of Providence's Dean Hotel, is going condo, and the first floor, occupied by Ellie's, has been sold.

The new location is in the Alice Building and near the new Grant Block park space. The area is also home to Oberlin, Gift Horse and soon, Cielito Mexican Kitchen will open on the ground floor of the Alice Building at 186 Union St.

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"The team is filled with anticipation as we prepare to warmly welcome guests to our new home on Westminster Street," said Gracyalny.

Follow the progress of the move on their website at elliesprov.com or follow them on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ellie's bakery/bistro moves to Kleo's space in Providence

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