Little Sister in Providence closing later this year

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Popular Providence restaurant Little Sister is closing later this year, ending the run of one of the city’s best-known brunch destinations.

Owner Milena Pagán announced the decision Wednesday, saying the closure is based on personal priorities rather than business challenges. She said she wants to spend more time in Puerto Rico with her 78-year-old father and focus on her family’s farm and other opportunities.

Before closing, the restaurant will stop taking brunch reservations and switch to first-come, first-served service beginning this weekend. A final closing date has not been announced.

Located on Hope Street, Little Sister earned a loyal following for its Puerto Rican-inspired comfort food and gained national recognition when Pagán was named a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2023.

The restaurant also became a favorite of actress Jamie Lee Curtis while she was in Rhode Island filming the movie Ella McCay, with the Oscar-winning actress making multiple visits during her stay.

Pagán encouraged customers to visit during the restaurant’s final months, saying she hopes to make the remaining time “the maximum expression of the restaurant” before it closes its doors for good.