Jo’s American Bistro reopened its doors Thursday evening under new ownership after Heritage Restaurant Group completed its acquisition of the beloved Memorial Boulevard restaurant.
The restaurant, which has been a staple of Newport’s dining scene since 2013, welcomed guests back at 4:30 p.m. on January 22. Heritage Restaurant Group, which owns a growing portfolio of Rhode Island restaurants, announced the deal had closed earlier that day.
“Jo’s is still Jo’s,” founder Joann Carlson assured loyal customers in a statement.
A Newport restaurant family legacy
Carlson’s roots in the Newport restaurant business run deep. Her grandparents owned a fish packing company on the wharfs of downtown Newport, and her family operated the legendary Dry Dock Seafood on Thames Street for 23 years. She started as a waitress at her aunt and uncle’s Mack’s Clam Shack at age 16, co-owned Percy’s Bistro, and served as restaurant manager at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille before opening Jo’s American Bistro.
After more than four decades in the restaurant industry, Carlson made the decision to step back.
“This business has been in my heart for over 40 years, and Jo’s American Bistro represents everything my family taught me about hospitality and treating guests like family,” Carlson said. “After 12 wonderful years serving Newport and beyond, it’s time for me to step back and spend more time with my children and grandchildren.”
“I needed to find partners who would preserve what we’ve built here and continue the traditions that have made Jo’s special,” she added. “Heritage Restaurant Group understands what makes Jo’s unique, from our award-winning burgers to our gluten-friendly offerings to the freshest seafood. I have complete confidence they will honor our legacy.”
Leadership team remains
The restaurant’s culinary and service leadership will stay in place:
Chef Brian Ruffner, who has led the kitchen since 2014, will continue as head chef alongside Chef Matt Holmes, who has served as co-executive chef for years. Ruffner, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, earned “Best New Chef” recognition from Rhode Island Monthly and is known for applying classic French and Italian techniques to American ingredients.
General Manager Jimmy Herren, who has been with Jo’s since 2013 and previously worked alongside Carlson at 22 Bowen’s, will continue to lead day-to-day operations.
“Thanks to our absolutely outstanding staff, including Chef Brian Ruffner and General Manager Jimmy Herren, Jo’s became more than I ever imagined,” Carlson said. “And to all our loyal guests — you’ll see the same servers, hosts and bartenders when you walk through the doors.”
What stays the same
Jo’s signature dining experience will remain unchanged, including:
- The popular prix-fixe dinner menu
- Scratch cooking with locally-sourced ingredients
- Extensive gluten-friendly offerings and dietary accommodations
- Menu favorites including hormone-free steak frites, Statler chicken, scallops, peppercorn-crusted tuna, Frutti di Mare, and house-made ravioli
- The same fish and chips recipe that Carlson’s aunt and uncle made locally famous at Mack’s Clam Shack nearly 50 years ago
The restaurant’s two-floor layout — featuring a first-floor community table and long bar ideal for gatherings, plus an intimate upstairs dining room with a striking onyx feature wall and outdoor porch — will continue to offer distinct dining experiences.
“We’re committed to honoring what Joann has built while ensuring Jo’s American Bistro continues to serve the Newport community for years to come,” said Matthew Lyons, spokesperson for Heritage Restaurant Group. “Jo’s embodies everything we value — exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and deep community roots.”
Gift cards honored
All Jo’s American Bistro gift cards will continue to be honored under the new ownership. Guests may use their Jo’s gift cards as usual or choose to exchange them for a Heritage Restaurant Group gift card, which is valid at all Heritage Restaurant Group locations.
Heritage Restaurant Group’s growing portfolio
Jo’s American Bistro joins Heritage Restaurant Group’s portfolio of Rhode Island establishments, which includes:
- La Forge Casino Restaurant
- Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
- Red Parrot
- The Reef
- Caleb & Broad
- Wally’s Wieners
- Cluck House
- Flo’s Clam Shack
- Olneyville New York System
- Scales & Shells
- Providence Coal Fired Pizza
- Union Station Brewery
Heritage Restaurant Group, headquartered at 186 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, specializes in acquiring and revitalizing heritage and iconic restaurants.
