JWU Renames Signature Building in Honor of Food Service Pioneer

JWU dedicated the historic Paramount Building, a signature facility located on the Harborside Campus in Providence, as The Friedman Center in honor of the Rhode Island entrepreneur and food service industry pioneer, David Friedman. He influenced JWU to expand beyond its position as a local business school into a provider of professional culinary education and he envisioned the University’s development of close to 100 acres known as Harborside-former brownsfields-to serve as the location for part of the Providence Campus.

In 1971, Friedman noticed a critical shortage of food management professionals and chefs. As owner and operator of Paramount Restaurant Supply Corporation, a successful provider of restaurant equipment, furnishings, general supplies, financing and even retail construction and design, Friedman accurately predicted the expansive growth of the restaurant and food service industries, and the need for well educated and trained professionals to manage this growth.

Friedman’s business was located in the 203,467 square foot building that now carries his name. Today, it is a multi-purpose facility that is home to the Graduate School and School of Education, Residential Life, Student Academic Services, Career Development Office and the university’s Culinary Arts Museum.

“He was a true pioneer in every sense of the word—as a successful businessman who recognized the industry’s growth would create the need for a whole new category of well educated and trained professionals,” said JWU Board Chairman Dr. John A. Yena.