The Real Housewives of Rhode Island may be bringing major attention to the state, but according to Dolores Catania and Liz McGraw, not everyone was on board.
While appearing on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live, the two revealed that many Rhode Island businesses were hesitant — and in some cases outright refused — to allow filming.
“I would say that originally Rhode Island in general as a whole did not want this. Did not want the filming there,” Liz said.
Despite the pushback, she made it clear the state itself has plenty to offer.
“And it really — it truly is,” she added, agreeing that Rhode Island is a beautiful place.
Dolores, however, didn’t hold back when it came to how businesses handled the opportunity.
“They should have been thanking these girls. They didn’t let them film,” she said. “You won’t even see in the nicer places because they wouldn’t let them film there.”
Jeff Lewis pointed out what many fans were likely thinking — that the exposure could have been a huge win.
“That is so ridiculous because I was thinking about this tourism is about to explode,” he said. “Someone like me… it was never on my bucket list to go to Rhode Island and after I saw it I’m like this looks like a beautiful place to go and stay.”
Dolores agreed, adding that there’s often an unfair stigma attached to the Housewives franchise.
“Well, there’s a stigma. I don’t know why that comes with this show, but businesses explode. Are you kidding me?” she said.
She even pointed to past examples, referencing iconic Real Housewives of New Jersey moments that turned filming locations into fan destinations.
“People go to Rails as a New Jersey tour. They used to go where Teresa flipped the table all the time. They used to book that room.”
Liz echoed the concern, suggesting business owners may have been worried about drama — but missing the bigger picture.
“I mean, they’re afraid of tables being flipped in their restaurant, but would ultimately actually bring them more.”
Jeff agreed: “Oh it absolutely would be.”