The Heritage Group announced Monday the formation of Heritage Hospitality through the acquisition of Glorious Affairs Catering and its combination with Audrain Hospitality, creating a full-service catering and event planning company serving Southern Rhode Island.
The deal brings together Glorious Affairs, a boutique caterer with more than 25 years of experience in Newport County, and Audrain Hospitality, which has been operating for five years executing events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.
Barbara Behan Howlett purchased Glorious Affairs in 2007 and built it into an award-winning operation serving the region’s most prestigious venues and exclusive private events throughout Aquidneck Island. The company has established itself as Rhode Island’s leading boutique caterer, building long-term relationships with discerning clientele over its quarter-century of operation.
All existing staff from Glorious Affairs will be retained and integrated into the new operation. Howlett will continue with Heritage Hospitality alongside Executive Chef Stephen Donovan, who has three decades of fine dining experience. Mitchell Laurienzo, who leads the Audrain Hospitality platform, will also remain with the company. Behan Howlett and Laurienzo will lead sales and operations for Heritage Hospitality going forward.
“For over 25 years, our commitment at Glorious Affairs has been unwavering. Every client deserves the most exacting standards and personalized attention, regardless of the event,” Behan Howlett said in a statement. “Joining the Heritage Hospitality platform allows us to elevate that commitment even further. We now have greater resources to serve our clients while maintaining the boutique, detail-oriented approach that has always defined us.”
Glorious Affairs has served the region’s venues and private events throughout Aquidneck Island, building relationships with discerning clientele over its quarter-century of operation. The company has earned industry recognition including The Knot Best of Weddings for eight consecutive years, WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice award for four years, and Newport Wedding Magazine’s Best Caterer of Newport in 2018.
Audrain Hospitality has handled events including Audrain Concours and Motor Week, The Ocean Race, St. Michael’s Gala, Newport Art Museum Gala, the 12 Metre World Champions Award Dinner and multiple events for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, as well as events for prominent Newport families and organizations.
The combined operation will offer services ranging from gourmet food truck catering for backyard weddings to formal multi-course plated dinners for galas of up to 500 people. Heritage Group Executive Chef Carmine Mottola and his culinary team from Audrain Hospitality will work alongside Donovan’s team from Glorious Affairs, with both focusing on locally sourced ingredients and customized menus.
“This combination creates something truly unique for our region, a catering company with the versatility to execute any vision, at any scale, with the same commitment to excellence,” said Matthew Lyons, spokesman for Heritage Hospitality. “Whether you’re planning an intimate family celebration or a 500-person gala with premium plated service, Heritage Hospitality has the experience, creativity, and resources to bring your vision to life.”
Glorious Affairs has demonstrated community involvement through its annual catering of major fundraisers for newportFILM and Aquidneck Land Trust, along with support for Child and Family Services, Salvation Army and local public schools.
Heritage Group’s portfolio now includes restaurants, food trucks, retail operations and catering services across Newport and Providence counties. The company operates La Forge Casino Restaurant, The Reef, Caleb & Broad, Brick Alley Pub, The Red Parrot, Scales & Shells, Flo’s Clam Shack, Wally’s Wieners, Olneyville New York System, Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Union Station Brewery, Newport Lobster Company and Newport Seafood Market, among others.
Heritage Group describes itself as dedicated to preserving and revitalizing heritage and iconic establishments. The company said it aims to sustain the histories and community connections of acquired businesses while enhancing experiences and expanding capabilities.