Former ‘Chapman’s’ property on track to become community hub, gathering place for veterans and first responders

BURRILLVILLE – John Cianci has a vision for how to utilize the 3.5 acre Bronco Highway property that once served as Mr. Doughboy’s in his ongoing mission to help area veterans – and he has the resources to make it happen.

Cianci is president of the Rhode Island division of Italian American War Veterans of the United States Incorporated, which bought the property this week from Chapman’s Inc. for $580,000. The purchase was financed with the help of an anonymous donor and the club now fully owns the expansive property, which features a full restaurant, mini golf and batting cages.

The lot once held Mr. Doughboy’s and served as a fun destination for northern Rhode Island families – a place to grab a cone, drive a go kart and maybe hit a few balls.

But in the years since that popular business closed in 2013, new owners have struggled to find their footing, with a series of restaurants setting up shop but then lasting no longer than a few years. The property was last opened as “Chapman’s” in 2022, but then closed in 2023 amid struggles that included a major bridge repair project that diverted traffic from the busy highway in front.

Now, it will be operated as a non-profit, with space used to support Cianci’s outreach mission of No Veteran Left Alone, and to host community events, coffee hours, public dining days and more. With a fully-equipped commercial kitchen and space to support a number of ongoing veterans initiatives, the property is on track to become a club for the community, where former service members can find camaraderie, partner organizations can collaborate, and locals can occasionally grab some grub while supporting a great cause.

“We want to be community-based,” said Cianci. “We’re looking to become a hub for a new generation of veterans and first responders.”

A North Smithfield native who served his country for 22 years, Cianci has spent the past four focused on veteran outreach, with a program bringing food and friendship to those living in local nursing homes, such as Burrillville’s Bayberry Commons.

“They’re like the forgotten group,” Cianci said.

In an effort that began amid widespread isolation of both veterans and other groups during the pandemic, Cianci now visits seven facilities across Rhode Island and Massachusetts at least once a month, bringing with him meals and volunteers to offer local seniors who served some socialization. Some of his recipients, he notes, don’t leave their rooms except to attend the events, which have included everything from coffee hour to lobster night.

He also hosts special dinners and events for veterans at other restaurants across the region, including Toast & Tap in West Warwick.

The kitchen at 1950 Bronco Highway, he notes, will make the job easier.

“I enjoy cooking and serving,” Cianci explained.

While some details are still in the planning phase, the property will also hold resources for local veterans, from a fleet of motorized scooters available for loan, to a toolshed where members can borrow resources for various projects. The expansive outdoor grounds will also hold a bocce court, cornhole and igloos for dining, Cianci says.

He hopes to open the space to the public two days a week for weiner nights, and pasta and meatball dinners, to offer free meals nights and other events for veterans and first responders, and to continue his visits to the isolated veterans who need it the most.

“Now I can prep the food here,” he said.

Trails on the property lead to the Burrillville Middle School, and Cianci imagines working with local teachers as well, with events educating students about POWs. The upstairs apartment will serve as his office for tasks such as helping former service members access their benefits. For the batting cages, he imagines partnering with local little leagues to establish nights where kids can use the facilities.

He notes the Bronco Highway club will become its own organization – separate from the Italian American Veterans Club he now leads – with a membership-based community that offers resources, such as uniforms for former service members who wished to be buried in military gear.

He notes the IAVC has more than 150 volunteers, and the resources to help bring his vision to life.

For now, he’ll start small, with hopes to launch coffee hours two days a week within the next 30 days. With a long term vision, years of planning and significant network of veterans and those who support them, he believes there’s much more on the horizon.

“I used to come here with my son when it was Mr. Doughboy’s,” Cianci said, “I’ve had my eye on this for a long time.”