Heritage Restaurant Group closes on Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen Restaurant 

The Heritage Restaurant Group today (April 17) announced that it has completed its acquisition of Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen restaurant on Federal Hill in Providence.

The deal was announced earlier this year. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

According to The Heritage Restaurant Group, the historic building will house two new dining concepts: Wally’s on the ground floor and the Copper Club on the second level.

“The Old Canteen holds a special place in all our hearts, and we are dedicated to honoring its history by preserving many elements, including the iconic neon sign, while revitalizing this important Federal Hill landmark,” said Michael Anderson, spokesperson for The Heritage Restaurant Group. “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to creating exciting dining experiences that respect and celebrate the heritage of Rhode Island’s culinary institutions.”

The Heritage Restaurant Group says in a press release that “The Old Canteen, long treasured for its rich history and traditional atmosphere, will be thoughtfully reimagined under Heritage’s stewardship. The new concepts will acknowledge the Italian-American community that has been fundamental to Federal Hill’s cultural identity while introducing fresh culinary offerings to the area”.

“This transition represents the ongoing evolution of Federal Hill,” added Anderson. “It demonstrates how businesses can adapt to changing market trends while preserving the neighborhood’s distinctive character.”

Wally’s is scheduled to open on the ground floor in early summer 2025, with the Copper Club on the second floor to follow at a later date.

The Heritage Restaurant Group’s portfolio of restaurants, and businesses through Heritage Hotel Group and Audrain Hospitality, now includes A Mano Pizza & Gelato, Audrain Automobile Museum, Audrain Motorsports Clubhouse, Audrain Park Place, Brick Alley Pub, Caleb & Broad, Cluck House, Cluck Truck, Copper Club, Easton’s Beach Concessions, Flo’s Clam Shack, Hilltop Inn, La Costa Lobster Rolls and Tacos, La Forge Casino Restaurant, Newport Craft Brewing, Newport Lobster Company, Old Canteen, Olneyville New York System, The Red Parrot, The Reef, Vanderbilt hotel, Wally’s Wieners, and Wiener Wagon.

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...