Birch restaurant sits across from Trinity Rep on Washington Street in Downtown Providence. Photo credit: David Dadekian/Eat Drink RI.

By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News

You may have noticed a new restaurant and bar nestled between the elegant Gracie’s and the brasserie Bravo on Providence’s Washington Street. Birch is owned and operated by husband-and-wife-duo Benjamin and Heidi Sukle, and what the micro-restaurant lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in flavor. Owner and chef Ben Sukle gave us some insight into what it's like to operate a restaurant in the heart of Rhode Island:

Kim Kalunian: Tell us about Birch.

Ben Sukle: We've taken the name birch from childhood nostalgia. Pennsylvania Dutch-style birch beer was something we both loved growing up. In the same way a birch tree starts from its roots, we take a "from the roots up" approach to food, drink and our guests.

The intimacy of the restaurant provides a relaxed, comfortable environment with warm, professional service, paired with a cuisine that is creative and modern; expressing the best of New England's seasonal environment.

Kim: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a business owner?

Ben: As of right now, being just under a week old, we are learning something new every day. Every single challenge we've encountered is an opportunity for us to learn from and adapt to. So if anything that has been learned thus far is to be more and more and more adaptable.

Kim: What’s your favorite thing about being a Rhode Island-based business?

Ben: The people that take time out of their day to come in and dine with us, aka customers. Meeting new people that are super excited about what you're doing and support you has got to be the "fountain-of-youth" of some sort. No matter what type of day we're having someone who is having an awesome time at your restaurant makes you feel good.  

Kim: What’s the most rewarding part of your business?

Ben: Creating an environment in which our employees want to work with/for us and feel like they belong here. Teamwork makes the dream work.    

Kim: What are your goals and aspirations for Birch?

Ben: Refining, refining, refining. We've got a lot of work to do and we're going to work like crazy to achieve what we feel is an incredible restaurant and one that we feel our customers deserve.      

Kim: What is your favorite tool for effectively running your business?

Ben: Our words! Communication and dialogue between our customers and our employees is just so important. We do it for them, our customers and our employees.

Kim: What advice would you give to others looking to start a business locally?

Ben: It's going to seem like some days that no one else goes through what you are, but we have and you've just got to stay confident in your goals. Also, be adaptable!

Birch is located at  200 Washington Stree in Providence, and is open Thursday-Tuesday from 5 p.m. to midnight. Find out more about Birch at www.birchrestaurant.com