140 Broadway, formerly home to Salvation Cafe, sold on March 10, 2022, for $2.2 million, according to Rhode Island Statewide MLS records.
The sale included the building, restaurant and liquor license, plus two residential apartments.
According to City of Newport real estate records, Sue Lamond, the sole member of Star Nation, LLC, sold the property to 140 Broadway LLC, a Rhode Island Limited Liability Company, with a mailing address of 66 Ocean Avenue, Newport.
According to the Rhode Island Secretary of State, 140 Broadway, LLC was established on September 14, 2021, and the limited liability company is managed by its managers – Howard G. Cushing and Wirt D. Blaffer, both of 66 Ocean Avenue.
The Mortage Security Agreement, easement agreement, and Right of First Refusal Agreement are signed by managers of 140 Broadway, LLC.
Wirt Blaffler and Howard Cushing, who also do business as Bloody Bull LLC, are the co-owners of the Manchester House, a soon-to-be-built 21-room hotel and restaurant at 24 Lees Wharf in Newport.
Immediate plans for the property at 140 Broadway are not known at this time.
140 Broadway LLC did sign an easement with SOBRO, LLC, owners of 77-79 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd. to continue the use of the parking lot at the rear of the restaurant and has first right of refusal on the property.
Salvation Cafe opened in 1993 and has been credited with pioneering the Broadway revitalization. The restaurant permanently closed on December 31, 2021.
This is the second restaurant sale on Broadway in the last year. In September 2021, The Fifth Element sold for $4.5 million.
Joseph Fitzpatrick from Fitzpatrick Team Remax brokered the sale.
This story is developing and will be updated.