RI nightclubs
August 24th, 2010TonightInRI, has officially launched to the public. The site acts as an aggregator of information for RI restaurants, RI nightlife, and more. The website runs on an “invite only” policy, and provides participating venues with a customized interface that allows them to upload their nightlife and dining information – including pictures and menus
At this moment, more than sixty RI venues have active profiles on TonightInRI. While the number of bars may eventually be capped, according to the TonightInRI’s spokesman, currently, the site has no maximum number of RI venues.
“We listen to a lot of different people, and we learn about various places Rhode Islanders truly enjoy, and visit most frequently,” said Josh Unseth, Director of Online Marketing and one of the site’s creators “Our goal is to include the State’s top venues on our site, with the basis being grounded in a running conversation with Rhode Islanders. Our goal is to continuously please them by having their favorite establishments on the site. That’s what we mean by ‘premier.’”
Rhode Island is well known for its wonderful dining. TonightInRI provides a solution for people wishing to get a glimpse of the City’s best restaurants by allowing them to browse numerous menus, dinner specials, pictures, and hours of operation – all from the comfort of their own home, and the convenience of their laptop. “The site provides me with a very simple way to display my information, and push it out to people via the internet,” said Fred Goodwin, owner of Bravo Brasserie Restaurant in Downtown Providence. “It increases my web presence at a time when people are acquiring a lot of information from their laptops and cell phones.”
The dinner menus aren’t the only thing that restaurant owners have made available though. The site doesn’t just focus on RI’s dining scene though. The site, as its name suggests, has a strong focus on RI’s nightlife and bar scene too. TonightInRI has information on bars from Naragansett, Providence, and the rest of the state. The site arrives at a time when social media websites, such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter, are emerging as popular marketing mediums for businesses, including bars and restaurants. TonightInRI follows suit, combining its own unique form of marketing with a social media strategy.
“We utilize all the latest forms of social media to promote TonightInRI and our member venues,” said Kyle Rowley, one of the site’s creators. “And at the same time, our site allows the members to step out of the noise of Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, and into a space designed specifically for them and their target audience.”
In addition to menus and information, Rhode Islanders can find great deals at our participating venues. TonightInRI’s site founders report that the site’s most popular pages are those dedicated to specific venues where restaurants are encouraged to display their deals. Don Jose Tequilas, a Mexican restaurant on Federal Hill, boasts a three-course dinner special for only $19.99. Charlie O’s in Narragansett promotes free pool and $5 Bud pitchers.
According to The Nielsen Company’s data, the areas where people are primarily cutting back are gas, electricity, entertainment, and clothing. But they are also “shopping down” on food. People are eating at home more often than a year ago. And when they do eat out, they choose less-expensive restaurants, or places that offer some enticing deals. TonightInRI helps users select the right venue for them.
If you are looking for something to do tonight, consider checking out District Tavern.

