Bill Clinton visits Tommy's Pizza

By Daniel Kittredge
Posted 4/15/16

A local eatery last week added a very high-profile visitor to its list of patrons.

Former President Bill Clinton made a stop at Tommy’s Pizza in Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston Thursday after speaking …

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Bill Clinton visits Tommy's Pizza

Posted

A local eatery last week added a very high-profile visitor to its list of patrons.

Former President Bill Clinton made a stop at Tommy’s Pizza in Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston Thursday after speaking at the Community College of Rhode Island in support of his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as she campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Gov. Gina Raimondo, House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello of Cranston, and Deputy Speaker Charlene Lima of Cranston were among those on hand to greet the former commander-in-chief and potential first gentleman.

Clinton shook hands and took pictures with local officials, supporters, and their families before sampling a spread of dishes prepared by the eatery. He shared a brief meal and conversation with the governor and speaker before departing.

Tommy Sacco, owner of Tommy’s, said the visit – arranged by Mattiello – was kept secret from even his staff until shortly before Clinton’s arrival. He said hosting the former president was an “honor and a privilege.”

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m just thrilled to death,” he said.

Sacco praised Mattiello, who is a frequent patron at Tommy’s.

“He’s a dear friend … He’s dear to my heart,” he said.

Sacco and his staff took special steps to provide vegan options for Clinton, who altered his diet after a 2010 surgery.

“We wanted to get something in his belly. I know he had a busy day,” Sacco said.

Comments

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  • Justanidiot

    They were going to go to the Cozy Grill for a taste of the real Rhode Island, but it was closed for the day.

    I bet Bill would have had a good time there.

    Saturday, April 16, 2016 Report this

  • RISchadenfreude

    I hope they counted the utensils after he left...

    Monday, April 25, 2016 Report this