Leading Ladies 2020

Leading Ladies 2020: Pamela Rapport

Restaurant Co-owner

Posted

Pamela Rapport has been a fighter all her life. “She’s an incredible inspiration to us all,” says her staff at the THIRSTY GULL. “Pam is the heart and soul of the Thirsty Gull. Without her dedication and determination, it would have been impossible to be where we are.”

Having survived tragic personal losses, Pamela rebuilt her life in a truly remarkable way. A graduate from Springfield College with a degree in Art, Pamela helped to create one of the first “Paint and Sip” companies in southern New England. She moved to Narragansett in 2017 and soon thereafter met her now fiance and business partner, Joey Madeiros.

 

Hands On Leader

Both Pamela and Joey, a respected chef with 25 years of experience, always dreamt of owning their own business. “We started our pub from literally nothing except our own two hands,” says Joey. “With absolutely zero money or help, Pam transformed a dungy pizza parlor into the amazing space that is the Thirsty Gull.”

Described by her staff as hardworking, upbeat and supportive, Pam threw her heart and soul into opening their business. “She painted, hammered, moved equipment, and assisted with the electrical and plumbing,” says Joey. “She built and stained the bar. She has an incredibly rare work ethic, and exemplifies what it means to be a leader.”

Pam is not only a co-owner, she’s also a bartender and front of the house manager at the Gull. “This business can be cruel, hard, and scary but through it all Pamela maintains a smile and vibe you can’t help but admire,” says her staff. “She’s super supportive of her staff, down to earth, caring, and just a great person in general.”

 

The Gull Expands

“The Gull is a major part of her life, especially the staff that works for us. They love her as much as her bar customers do,” says her fiance and business partner Joey. “She simply brings out the best in people. She’s truly an amazing woman.”

The Thirsty Gull serves elevated pub fare in a relaxed setting. The gastropub is proud to source most of their ingredients from New England – from the farm-fresh produce and seafood to the locally-brewed craft beer.

“We work hard to give each customer what they want – a great experience. We do it by being good to people and staying humble... and without cutting corners.”

Pam and Joey have an exciting year ahead of them: they are opening two brand new Thirsty Gull locations. Their second location, based in East Providence, recently opened in February. The second location, scheduled to open later this fall, is up north in Vermont. “Above all, I can’t wait to marry the love of my life this May,” says Chef Joey.

“It’s easy to become the face of an establishment as the chef of a restaurant. I want people to know the success of the Thirsty Gull hinges on Pam’s dedication to excellence, knowledge of craft beers, and her way with guests and staff. She deserves the spotlight time and time again,” he says.

“I want everyone to know how strong of a woman she is, what a great leader she is, and what she means to her friends, family, our staff but more importantly me.”

 

Thirsty Gull • 9 East Avenue, Unit F, Westerly • 401-596-1936

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