Newport Restaurant Group opened J.T. Commons on Thursday, a new pizza-focused restaurant in the former Foodlove Market space.
The restaurant features two signature pizza styles — Roman and focaccia — alongside shareable appetizers, sandwiches and a soft-serve ice cream bar with house-made toppings.
Named after J.T. O’Connell, the legendary Newport businessman and founder of what is known today as Newport Restaurant Group, the eatery includes an expansive bar, dining room, al fresco patio seating and a private room that accommodates up to 30 people. A dedicated takeout section offers pizza by the slice, sandwiches and desserts.
Executive Chef Walter Slater, who has trained many of Rhode Island’s pizza chefs, leads the kitchen. The restaurant offers Roman-style pizzas with a crispy, airy crust made from Caputo flour imported from Italy and Maine Grains whole wheat flour. The focaccia-style pizzas include options like the RI Red with signature red sauce and grated parmesan, and sausage, peppers and onions with hot Italian sausage and sweet-pickled peppers. The dough is cured for 48 hours.
“This inspiration and vision for this restaurant is all about community — creating a space that everyone will enjoy,” said Nicole Christie, regional general manager for Newport Restaurant Group. “It’s the perfect spot for a great family meal on a busy school night, a stop for a sweet treat and slice after a baseball game, or to enjoy a burger and a beer at the bar.”
The menu also features shareable appetizers including roasted chicken wings with charred onions and white barbecue sauce, and grilled focaccia bruschetta with ricotta, feta, roasted grapes and pistachio.
Entrees include slow-roasted chicken with house-cut tallow fries, steak frites with red chimichurri, and shrimp cavatelli with roasted tomato pesto. Sandwich options include a backyard burger with Cooper’s sharp American cheese and a crispy hot chicken sandwich.
For dessert, the restaurant serves chocolate marshmallow layer cake, lemon blueberry layer cake and soft-serve ice cream with toppings like hot fudge, coffee caramel and peanut brittle. Adult “Scout Cups” feature soft serve with liqueurs.
J.T. Commons is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit jtcommonsrestaurant.com.