The idea was for Red Stripe to open quietly – a “soft” opening – to get their restaurant legs, so to speak. But the secret got out fast and instead of soft, they’ve been slammed. The refrain, “When is Red Stripe opening?” has been replaced by, “How long is the wait?”

The restaurant, which took over the former Caprice location at 455 Main St., is known to many because of its other location, off Wayland Square in Providence (the menus are identical, by the way). It plans a grand opening on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Billed as “an American brasserie,” Red Stripe joins what is an already bustling street for restaurants – from Filippou’s right across the street, to Besos a block north, and further on, Cathay Garden, Fresco, La Masseria, Rasa, Frank & John’s, Kon, the Grille on Main, Greenwich Bay Oyster Bar, Raku Sakura . . .

So, if you don’t get a table at the new place, don’t worry – there are plenty of spots to choose from!

Red Stripe, 455 Main St., East Greenwich, (401) 398-2900.