White Electric reopens as Rhode Island’s only cooperatively run coffee shop Ella Fassler © John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The White Electric Coffee shop is a busy place -- and it's now owned by the people who work there. A view through the pickup window. PROVIDENCE — A steady stream of customers poured into White Electric, Rhode Island’s only cooperatively run cafe, during its grand re-opening on May 1, International Workers Day. Familiar faces congratulated the new co-owners while ordering the shop’s beloved coffee, bagels, sandwiches, and desserts. A $5 bill, given by ...