As the rush of the holiday season envelops everyone, those celebrating are discovering there are many changes taking place in restaurant rows throughout the Ocean State.
It’s quite possible we are heading for another restaurant renaissance in Rhode Island. It is a great time to dine out. Our chefs and restaurateurs are attracting national attention, most recently with James Beard award winner Sherry Pocknett, owner and chef of Sly Fox Den Too in Charlestown, being named among USA Today’s “Women of the Year.”
Food writers and bloggers have spent all fall in the state dining and touring. In a recent interview, Yankee Magazine food writer Amy Traverso named Providence-based Gift Horse – the newest concept by Ben Sukle and Bethany Caliaro – as Restaurant of the Year. She also named James Beard finalist Foglia, of Bristol, as trending for vegan dining.
What makes this restaurant boom different is the small number of restaurant owners who are quietly acquiring multiple restaurants across varied concepts. It is happening in Newport, where The Heritage Restaurant Group of the Audrain Hospitality Group has brought an impressive number of eateries under its umbrella, from Brick Alley Pub to Flo’s Clam Shack. Heritage now owns and operates fine dining venues LaForge Casino and The Reef, casual concepts Wally’s Wieners and Cluck House, four food trucks, catering and has the rights to Easton’s Beach concessions in Newport.
Also coming soon to Newport is another location of the successful burger concept Chomp, opening in the former Fifth Element space in 2025.
This restaurant board game is nothing new to Newport. The employee-owned Newport Restaurant Group has been the standard bearer throughout New England, with a selection of dining choices from Castle Hill Inn, Bar ’Cino and The Mooring in Newport to Avvio in Cranston, the new Celeste in Narragansett, as well as Papa-Razzi and additional locations of Bar ’Cino in the Boston area.
One of the first multi-concept restaurateurs is Chow Fun Food Group in Providence, founded by the legendary John Elkhay, who was there at the beginning of the first restaurant boom. Elkhay co-owns the food group with Rick Bready, and his son, Harrison Elkhay, serves as president. The company owns and operates some of the most critically acclaimed and popular restaurants in the state, including Ten Prime Steak & Sushi, Xaco Taco, Oz Tacos & Tequila and two Harry’s Bar & Burger locations. Chow Fun Food Group continues to set the trend in design, style and cuisine in Rhode Island.
[caption id="attachment_482772" align="alignright" width="362"]
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: Bartender Jayana Gomes mixes a drink at Harry’s Bar & Burger on Atwells Avenue in Providence. The restaurant, which has two Providence locations, will be going all out for the Christmas season, including daily specials, holiday decor, trivia, karaoke and giveaways.
COURTESY HARRY’S BAR & BURGER/LAUREN LEONARDO[/caption]
At Harry’s Bar & Burger, a casual restaurant known for its sliders, extensive craft beer list and boozy milkshakes located at 121 North Main St. and 301 Atwells Ave., both in Providence, Harrison Elkhay is creating no less than a magical winter pop-up that he said is “unlike anything else in the city.” In addition to decking the halls for the holidays all December long, guests who bring in a new, unwrapped toy for a local child in need by Dec. 18 will receive a special “Harry Christmas” gift.
Both restaurant locations will be decked from floor to ceiling with bright, sparkling lights, garland, wreaths, Christmas music, holiday movies and more. Each location will also feature holiday cocktails, along with daily holiday specials, deals and giveaways to celebrate the season and spread holiday cheer. Harry’s 12 Days of Christmas will kick off on Dec. 12 with holiday trivia, spin-wheel giveaways, Christmas karaoke and an ugly sweater contest.
“Dining Out With Bruce Newbury,” syndicated weekly on radio, is heard in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and Indiana. Contact Bruce at bruce@brucenewbury.com.
