The Heritage Restaurant Group announced Thursday that it will acquire Scales & Shells, the seafood restaurant at 527/537 Thames St., which has been a downtown Newport fixture for nearly 40 years.
The transaction is expected to close within 90 days, subject to due diligence and approval processes. Heritage Group, a Newport-based restaurant and hospitality operator, will take over the property from Nautilus Restaurant LLC, which acquired the business and buildings in 2022 when founders Debra and Andy Ackerman retired after 35 years.
Founded in 1987 by the Ackermans, Scales & Shells will continue current operations through the end of 2025. The restaurant will close temporarily in January 2026 for renovations before reopening as what Heritage Group described as “an elevated seafood concept.”
The existing management team and staff will be integrated into Heritage Group’s workforce of more than 1,000 hospitality professionals, according to the announcement.
“We’re pleased to announce the transition of Scales & Shells to The Heritage Group,” said Colin Kane, principal of Nautilus Restaurant LLC. “We’ve long admired what Heritage Group has accomplished with historic properties throughout Newport, and we’re confident that both the property and our talented team at Scales & Shells will be well positioned for continued success as part of their growing portfolio.”
“We’re thrilled to expand our presence along the iconic Thames Street restaurant corridor, joining our Heritage Group family of concepts, including Wally’s, The Reef, The Red Parrot, Brick Alley Pub, and The Cluck House,” said Matthew Lyons, spokesman for The Heritage Restaurant Group. “Thames Street represents the heart of Newport’s dining scene, and we’re honored to operate alongside the many other iconic restaurants that make this corridor so special. We’re equally excited to work with the talented team currently operating Scales & Shells to bring an enhanced vision to this central downtown location while staying true to what has made it a Newport staple.”
Heritage Group’s portfolio includes restaurants, food trucks, and retail operations. In addition to its Thames Street locations, the company operates La Forge Casino Restaurant, Caleb & Broad, and Olneyville New York System, along with several food trucks and retail businesses, including Newport Lobster Company and Newport Seafood Market.
The Ackermans opened Scales & Shells as one of the first restaurants on Lower Thames Street, bringing a cooking style inspired by their time in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. The restaurant became known for simple, fresh seafood dishes and received accolades from national media and local diners over its decades in business.
Heritage Restaurant Group describes itself as dedicated to preserving and revitalizing heritage and iconic restaurants. The company said it aims to sustain the histories and community connections of acquired establishments while enhancing dining experiences.
Additional details about the renovated concept will be announced closer to the reopening date.
