FatFace, a UK-based company that specializes in lifestyle clothing and accessories, hosted an opening party on August 10 at the company’s new location in Newport at 172 Thames Street. Guests enjoyed fish and chips with mustard slaw, crispy mushroom purses, zesty duck pies and house made charcuterie and cheeses, all provided by The Wharf Pub. The Pour People served English ales and Pimm’s cups while musician Putnam Murdock performed British tunes as well as his originals.

Steve Berry, Head of International of FatFace, welcomed the crowd of Newport locals while Evan Smith, CEO of Discover Newport, spoke about the opportunities that Newport provides for new businesses.

Founded in 1988, the FatFace name was inspired by a ski run called ‘La Face’ in Val D’Isere, France. In addition to the Newport location, FatFace currently operates two other stores in the U.S. in Portland, Maine and Lynnfield, Massachusetts, and also operates over 200 stores throughout England and Ireland.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...