Heritage Restaurant Group announced Monday it has entered into an agreement to acquire Jo’s American Bistro, the Memorial Boulevard restaurant that has served American cuisine with Italian influences since 2013.
The acquisition is expected to close in approximately 90 days, subject to customary closing conditions.
Jo’s American Bistro, located at 24 Memorial Boulevard, was founded by Joann Carlson, whose family’s restaurant legacy in Newport spans generations. Her grandparents owned a fish packing company on the city’s wharfs, and her family operated the Dry Dock Seafood on Thames Street for 23 years.
Carlson, who began working in the restaurant industry at age 16 at her aunt and uncle’s Mack’s Clam Shack, has spent more than 40 years in Newport’s dining scene. Before opening Jo’s, she co-owned Percy’s Bistro and served as restaurant manager at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Carlson said she sought a partner who would preserve the restaurant’s legacy and maintain its commitment to quality and community.
“Heritage Restaurant Group understands what makes Jo’s unique, from our award-winning burgers to our gluten-friendly offerings to the freshest seafood,” she said. “And to all our loyal guests — you’ll see the same servers, hosts and bartenders when you walk through the doors.”
The restaurant’s culinary program is led by Chef Brian Ruffner, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who has been with Jo’s since 2014. Chef Matt Holmes serves as co-executive chef. General Manager Jimmy Herren, who has been with the restaurant since 2013, will continue to lead operations.
“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. “The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients, scratch cooking, gluten-friendly options, and treating guests like family aligns perfectly with Heritage Restaurant Group’s mission.”
The restaurant features a two-floor layout with a first-floor community table and bar, and an upstairs dining room with an outdoor porch. It is known for its extensive gluten-free menu and popular prix-fixe dinner offerings.
Jo’s 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 Fire Pizza and Union Station Brewery.
The acquisition comes one week after Heritage Group announced the formation of Heritage Hospitality through the acquisition of Glorious Affairs Catering and its combination with Audrain Hospitality.
