By: Margaret Kelly | Staff Writer
Everywhere you look these days, people are talking about how bad social media is for the world. Every wellness site you look at is likely to include some version of “taking a social media cleanse” with hopes of health benefits. It’s true, social media can become incredibly damaging if used incorrectly. However, for every negative story, there is a story of how social media can change a life positively. One of these stories is that of The Nitro Bar, a Rhode Island staple. Founders Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster used social media to help launch their small coffee cart, allowing it to blossom into an incredibly successful business. The Nitro Bar has collected not only three store locations, but also nearly 270 thousand followers across TikTok and Instagram—a number which continues to rise daily.
In the businesses’ TikTok videos, owners and employees of Nitro frequently explain just how far the business has come since its founding in 2016. Once, it was a tiny coffee cart that rolled around all of Providence, where owners Audrey and Sam put a lot on the line to continue their business and dream. As 2016 continued and winter approached, they knew that the coffee cart days were slowing. Instead of giving up, they reached out to businesses across the state of Rhode Island with their ideas, resulting in over 50 tap locations for their product by the next year. Newport residents will know how prevalent Nitro Bar has become in their coastal town, with people coming from all over to visit Nitro’s three locations: one in Providence and two in Newport. The cafes are constantly bustling with activity, and posts on social media are made daily by the business, rapidly amassing likes and followers. Personally, I followed Nitro Bar on TikTok almost three years ago, before I even committed to Salve. I remember being excited to go for the first time after starting freshman year. I still love to visit the cafes and experience the bright and friendly environment.
So, how exactly did Nitro become the Newport staple that it is today? I think it’s because their inspiring story made the impossible seem doable. If you cared and were determined enough not to give up on a dream, much like Audrey and Sam, you, too, could achieve your goals. Their videos are funny and relatable, as they discuss navigating mental health and business enterprises while simultaneously advertising their new breakfast sandwich, which apparently can make even the worst hangover disappear. Nitro has become a landmark location in Rhode Island, and only continues to grow. And although most of this success is due to the founder’s determination and hard work, there is also an important element of social media usage involved. Yes, social media can hurt. But it can also help turn dreams into reality.
In stories like Nitro’s, individuals were able to understand how to use social media in a positive way, spreading a message and creating a platform of positivity and fun. I look forward to seeing how far Nitro will continue to grow, and I’ll be missing their iced vanilla latte until I return to Newport in September!
Follow Nitro Bar on TikTok @thenitrobar, or on Instagram @thenitrobar_
Photos from The Nitro Bar’s website.
