JOHNSTON – A former ice cream shop and longtime eyesore on Hartford Avenue is being transformed into a new restaurant.
The building at 2839 Hartford Ave., which was at one time PJ’s Ice Cream, and later Dairy Cream, is going to open as Willy’s Philly Cheese Steaks.
William Dreier, of North Providence, purchased the property on .41 acres of land for $119,000 in 2023, according to the town’s real estate records. It was first built in 1955, according to those records.
Bill Dreier told The Local Insider Wednesday that there are a a few “odds and ends” to get done before opening. He said he grew up in Lynn, Mass., where there was a sandwich shop on every corner, and wants to serve the best meals possible. Back when it was an ice cream shop, he said, the store did very well based on the volume of traffic on Hartford Avenue.
The restaurant owner said he retired from the U.S. Postal Service two years ago, and has always had an interest in restaurants. Back in 2000, he had a pizza shop in Danvers, Mass., and also later had a roast beef shop on Sandy Lane in Warwick.
He said he’s lived in North Providence since 2006.
Dreier lost his wife, Caroline Tschibelu, several months ago. He said he thought about selling the property, but he’s invested significant money into the building and property. He said he’ll be open part-time for at least a while, as his focus has to be on his daughter. Back in February, Sophie Dreier became the youngest North Providence student to ever win the District Spelling Bee, doing so as a 4th-grader.
Representatives from S&S Fire Safety said they had the privilege of working with with Willy’s Philly Cheese Steaks to get the commercial kitchen ready for business, partnering with Ventilation Direct.
“From initial delivery to final testing, keeping our local food scene safe and thriving is what we do best,” they posted. “Stop by Willy’s to support local and grab an incredible bite.”
The property is located across from Bishop Hill Road.
Passersby have expressed plenty of excitement that it’s not another chicken restaurant.
Willy’s Philly is not part of a larger chain, said Dreier.
