A Historic Building with Modern Challenges
Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Rogue Island is situated in an older building that stood vacant for years before being revived. While the historic charm adds undeniable character, its two-tier layout (with a kitchen both upstairs and downstairs) meant constant runs up and down the stairs. Ingredients, tools, and prep equipment had to be carefully organized—or risk hindering service.
Chef Ryan recalls the lack of storage as a major hurdle:
“We had a lot of things on the ground or stacked on top of each other… it made us spend way too much time just trying to store things.”
Transforming Rogue Island’s Storage
Wall Shelving - Before
Before the makeover, Rogue Island relied on outdated wire shelving that easily rusted and struggled to support the restaurant’s daily operations. Bottles and pans toppled over, items couldn’t dry properly, and the shelves themselves were tough to clean.
Now, with Cambro’s customizable shelving solutions—including longer shelves, dishwasher-friendly components, and wall-mounted stations—Chef Ryan says it’s like “playing Tetris.” The team can reconfigure shelves based on the season, menu changes, or new equipment:
- Downstairs Prep Station: A dedicated space for pastry tools, measuring cups, spatulas, and other daily prep essentials.
- Upstairs Dish Area: Wall shelving specifically designed to hold squeeze bottles upside down (for proper drying) and keep tongs, spoons, and more within arm’s reach.
Wall Shelving - After
Quality You Can See
Shelving & Storage - Before
For Chef Ryan, the value of Cambro storage isn’t just about aesthetics or ease of organization—it’s about maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and efficiency. In a fast-paced restaurant environment, having easy-to-clean, modular shelves helps the team focus on what matters most:
“When I hear ‘Cambro,’ I think quality… it’s like buying a Ferrari for food storage.”
By seamlessly integrating new shelving with existing workflows, Rogue Island has more time to concentrate on perfecting its chef-driven, New American menu.
Shelving & Storage - After
Looking Ahead: Food Trucks, Beer Gardens, and More
Rogue Island’s makeover marks just one milestone in the restaurant’s growth. Chef Ryan already launched a food truck—rolling out in early spring—and is scouting possible expansions in northern Rhode Island to create a larger seating area and beer garden. As they continue to evolve, Rogue Island plans to rely on Cambro’s adjustable, durable storage solutions to keep pace:
“As you change your menu, you can change your shelving, which I love the most about it.”
The Takeaway
Rogue Island proves that even historic, two-tiered spaces can become modern, efficient kitchens with the right storage solutions. By winning Cambro’s $50K Shelving and Storage Makeover, Chef Ryan Bassett and his team have set a new standard in organization, cleanliness, and functionality—without losing the charm that makes this Providence gem so special.
If you’re facing storage issues in a tight or unconventional layout, take a page from Rogue Island: invest in shelving that can adapt to your menu, your building, and your vision. Because in the restaurant business, smart storage is the foundation for outstanding food and service.
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Author: Felix Bazgan is the Director of Digital Marketing at Cambro.
