Car smashes into Providence restaurant

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Providence Italian restaurant sustained heavy damage Saturday when a car crashed into the building.

Crews were called to Mainellis Restaurant at 1366 Chalkstone Avenue after a car drove into the restaurant's dining room and the owner is grateful no one was harmed.

“We usually have elderly people here on a Saturday, cause it is so wide open, sitting inside in the sun…’mglad no one was there, it would definitely have been some heart attacks or someone hurt bad,” said Mainellis Owner Jerry Porcaro.

Porcaro told Eyewitness News he remodeled the establishment just one month ago. Mainellis was previously featured on the Food Network.

At the scene of the crash the driver said he attempted to stop but his brakes were not working.

Porcaro said somebody told him the driver had been text messaging before he crashed into the restaurant.

Police have not said if any charges will be filed in connection with the accident.

Their investigation to the matter is still ongoing.

However, Porcaro and his employees managed to keep the restaurant open for business on Saturday evening.

Customers were served in a separate part of the dining room, away from the wreckage.