Newport City Council has voted 4-3 against Chomp Kitchen and Drinks’ application for outdoor seating on Broadway. The decision comes amid concerns about pedestrian safety and what some council members view as excessive capacity.
Chomp, a new restaurant at 111 Broadway, wanted an 8-foot by 48-foot sidewalk cafe with eight tables and 46 seats. This expansion would have allowed them to serve alcohol outdoors under their Class BV license.
Councilor David Carlin led the opposition, calling the 46-seat request “a bit absurd” and unprecedented for Broadway. He pointed out that he couldn’t recall any previous business at that location or elsewhere in Newport having such extensive outdoor seating.
A local resident raised concerns about pedestrian access, especially around a tree near the proposed seating area. He described the spot as “a nightmare for pedestrians” where people often have to yield to each other to pass.
Sam Glynn, Chomp’s owner, defended the application. He explained that the 46-seat figure represented maximum capacity for beer garden-style tables, which typically seat fewer people. Glynn noted that in his 12 years of experience, they’ve never had 100% of the seats filled.
Councilor Charlie Holder shifted the focus to sidewalk space rather than seat numbers. He highlighted that city regulations require a certain distance between tables and the curb for pedestrian and ADA access.
The council also rejected a separate sidewalk cafe license application that permitted outdoor food service.
Councilors Stephanie Smyth, Ellen Pinnock, and Xay Khamsvoravong joined Carlin in voting against the applications.
Councilor Carlin suggested that the restaurant come back with a revised plan reducing the seating capacity.
City records show that the previous tenant, The Fifth Element, had approval for 20 outdoor seats at this location in recent years.
