Willie's Place in Wakefield

A Small Place Serving Up Big Flavor

Chef William Johnson, a Narragansett tribal member, says he is best known as “Willie” around the Wakefield area so he named his new eatery Willie’s Place. He works alongside two other talented chefs: Glendaliz Cotto, a native of Puerto Rico, and her daughter Nina Smith Cotto (in photo). Nina is a Narragansett tribal member and graduate of Johnson & Wales. (Willie and Nina have known each other since childhood and worked together for URI Dining Services.)

Each chef offers his or her own unique talents; Willie and Glendaliz cook traditional foods, Native American and Puerto Rican, respectively. Nina is a pastry chef who bakes fresh cinnamon buns and other treats daily.

It’s clear that Willie is part of Wakefield’s close-knit community. While I ate at Willie’s Place one day with my mother, a local farmer brought in fresh vegetables. He then sat next to us and praised the quality, flavor and convenience of Willie’s food.

When Willie’s Place first opened earlier this year, the locals showed up! People stood in line to taste what Willie was serving. The good food reflects the work of passionate chefs and guests are returning again and again. Willie, who was inspired by his own father’s good cooking, says that he is not serving fast food—everything is made to order and fresh. Willie’s Place is so busy that what was intended as a seasonal restaurant will now be open year-round.

On the menu, Willie honors his heritage by including numerous nations in the naming of his Native American Tacos. Narragansett, Mashantucket, Navajo, Shinnecock, Mashpee and Mohegan nations are represented, each served with its own unique toppings, and guests receive a taste of history along with the food. My mother, a Narragansett Elder, praised his Native clam chowder, saying, “It is the best!”

Glendaliz says that southern Rhode Islanders no longer need to drive to Providence for great-tasting Puerto Rican food: Pastelillos, tostones, tres leches and street corn are available at Willie’s Place. Glendaliz, who manages the business, loves to share her Puerto Rican heritage through original great-tasting dishes.

Willie’s Place is the new place (and possibly the only place, locally at least) where you will find Native American/Puerto Rican food fusion. Willie’s is now located on Kingstown Road in Peacedale, close to its former location. Willie says guests can call ahead to have food ready for pickup. 

Willie’s Place
1283 Kingstown Rd.
Peacedale RI, 02879
Willie’sPlace.com