The biggest burger contest in the region has done it again! The 7th Annual Newport Burger Bender, which took place February 16 – 25, 2024, broke last year’s record by more than 1,000 additional burgers sold than in 2023. This year’s contest sold over 7,300 burgers across Newport and Bristol Counties, with over 2,000 votes. In 2023, the contest […]
Business
A look at What’s Up in business in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inBusiness
FabNewport cuts ribbon at First Tee Facility donated by A1 Roofing & Construction
FabNewport has opened Rhode Island’s First Tee Youth Learning and STEM Center at A1 Roofing & Construction on West Main Road in Middletown. The donated facility at A1’s headquarters includes a golf studio and two launch monitors for practice and simulated play. FabNewport was awarded the Chapter due to the vision and commitment of First […]
Posted inBusiness
Best-performing Rhode Island stocks last week
Stacker compiled a list of the best-performing stocks in Rhode Island last week using data from IEX Cloud. Stocks are ranked by the highest percent price change from Feb. 16 to Feb. 23. Stocks headquartered in Rhode Island, listed on the Russell 3000 membership list, and a market cap over $5.0 billion on April 14th […]
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RIPTA raises bus driver wages to $25.33 per Hour
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) voted to raise the starting wage for bus drivers from $21.71 to $25.33 per hour, effective immediately. The change also includes a $1.00 increase for top-paid drivers, other than van operators. The new wages take effect this week. The union representing 488 drivers also includes paratransit drivers. “This […]
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Social Enterprise Greenhouse appoints two new board members
Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors, former SEG CEO Jim Cohill and Kelly(Ramirez) Stone, who were previously active members of the organization’s leadership team. Cohill is a Director of Business Banking for New England at Citizens and has served as a member of SEG’s Loan Committee since […]
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Rhode Island lawmaker proposes phasing out meal and beverage tax
A new bill introduced by a Glocester/Smithfield representative would gradually drop the state’s meal and beverage tax, eventually phasing it out. Rep. Brian Rea (D) said the effort is aimed at helping families and small businesses struggling under the weight of surging inflation. He said the 1% tax on restaurant food sales adds to the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Farm Fresh Rhode Island to partner with DoorDash to offer resources for local culinary students
PROVIDENCE – Farm Fresh Rhode Island, which works to build a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and consumers in New England, has announced a new partnership with DoorDash that provides support for the nonprofit’s culinary job training program. As part of its Community Credits program, DoorDash […]
Posted inBusiness
Hilton Group named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list
The Hilton Group, an advisor team located in Newport, has been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2024. This marks the second consecutive year that the team has made the list. The team, led by Private Wealth Advisor James Hilton and financial Advisors Kara Museler and Anthony Cerino, works with ultra-high-net-worth […]
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Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina’s Jason Bjerk appointed to RI Hospitality Association Board of Directors
Jason Bjerk, General Manager at The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, has been appointed to the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) Board of Directors. Bjerk is a seasoned industry leader with expertise in both revenue generation and employee engagement. Bjerk has also served as a Management Consultant during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic where he […]
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Newport International Boat Show’s New Chapter: South Florida Ventures takes helm
A new partnership between South Florida Ventures and the Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) will result in the expansion of the historic event and enhanced value for exhibitors and attendees. With a 53-year history deeply rooted in Newport, R.I., the NIBS has been a crucial part of the Northeast boating community. The show, which runs […]
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Social Enterprise Greenhouse is accepting applications for 2024 programs
The Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) is now accepting applications for its 2024 programs, which provide mentorship, education, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs working to launch and grow their social enterprises. The two programs, the Incubator and the Impact Accelerator, are designed to help entrepreneurs at all stages of development achieve their goals through a combination […]
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Newport Beach Hotel & Suites begins phase one of guest room update
Newport Beach Hotel & Suites, located directly across from Easton’s Beach on the Newport/Middletown line, has begun a significant guest room refresh project on the historic property on its campus. The considerable makeover, which will include a reimaged interior design replete with new bathrooms, furnishings, carpet, and wall coverings, will mark Phase One of a comprehensive multi-phase […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Plant City X closing its Middletown location, moving to Barrington
Plant City X announced today that it would soon close its location at 619 West Main Road in Middletown. “On behalf of the entire Plant City X team, thank you Aquidneck Island for the support, love, and community over the past 3 years,” Plant City X shared on its Facebook page.” You have taught us […]
Posted inBusiness
How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week
The national average cost for a gallon of gasoline has risen several cents over the past month as oil prices have gone up. In some Midwestern states, prices at the pump have been pushed up this week by a BP refinery outage in Indiana. Price increases lately have been tempered by a historically high domestic […]
Posted inCity & Government
A bill encouraging post-pandemic outdoor dining in Rhode Island is served up to governor
By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press A bill that would set standards for cities and towns to regulate outdoor dining has landed on Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee’s desk. The bill approved by the General Assembly on Thursday would let communities limit the capacity of outdoor dining but would not allow municipalities to ban outdoor dining […]
Posted inBusiness
Rhode Island General Assembly votes to make outdoor dining permanent
The Rhode Island General Assembly on Thursday approved a bill that would make outdoor dining permanent, a practice that gained popularity during the pandemic. The legislation would allow towns and cities to adopt ordinances that limit outdoor dining on public property, capacity or hours, but would not allow municipalities to prohibit outdoor dining or restrict […]
Posted inBusiness
Rhode Island restaurant owner joins National Restaurant Association Board of Directors
Bill Kitsilis, owner of Angelo’s Palace Pizza in Cumberland and Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice in several other locations, has been named to the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors. Kitsilis, a graduate of Providence College and Boston College, began as an apprentice in the pizza industry at his parents’ restaurant. He later rose through […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Chamber of Commerce launches 2024 Founders’ Dinner Program to support local startup founders
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce has announced that it is launching its 2024 Founders’ Dinner program to support local startup founders. The program aims to provide an exclusive platform for startup founders to collaborate and thrive. This is the second consecutive year that the program will be offered. The Founders’ Dinners are a confidential […]
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Ragged Island Brewing brews ‘Hanging Rock IPA’ for Norman Bird Sanctuary’s 75th Anniversary
On February 7, the Norman Bird Sanctuary welcomed over 60 supporters and friends at Ragged Island Brewing Company for a celebratory toast with a special edition of “Hanging Rock IPA” brewed in honor of the nonprofit organization’s 75th anniversary. A partnership between the local brewery and nature center, the release of the Hanging Rock IPA […]
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Innovate Newport launches Industry Spotlight Series
Innovate Newport announced the launch today of its new Industry Spotlight Series, a bi-monthly event series designed to connect early-stage companies with industry leaders. “As the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I am excited to introduce the Industry Spotlight Series, which aims to empower and catalyze the growth of our local businesses,” said Mollie Frazer […]
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Rhode Island House of Representatives votes to advance legislation making outdoor dining permanent
The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted Tuesday to advance legislation allowing local governments to make outdoor dining permanent, a practice that gained popularity during the pandemic. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Carol McEntee, would empower local municipalities to adopt ordinances that limit outdoor dining on public property capacity, or that require barriers for […]
Posted inBusiness
Two Newport restaurants land on OpenTable’s ‘Top 100 Romantic Restaurants’ list
To help diners discover the perfect backdrop for any celebration of love, OpenTable is sharing tips and resources, including date-night and city guides and its just-debuted list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America for 2024. The list includes two restaurants in Rhode Island, which are both located in Newport – Chanterelle (formerly named Bouchard’s Restaurant and Inn) and […]
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Embrace Home Loans announces promotion of Ryan ‘Buddy’ Hardiman to president
The national mortgage lender, Embrace Home Loans, which is based in Middletown, Rhode Island, has promoted Ryan ‘Buddy’ Hardiman to the position of president. Hardiman was previously senior vice president of retail and direct sales and will now oversee the company’s lending and fulfillment operations as well as continue to head the financial services division. […]
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CVS Health grows more cautious about 2024 as it deals with rising Medicare Advantage costs
By MICHELLE CHAPMAN and TOM MURPHY Busy Medicare Advantage businesses have CVS Health and other insurance providers spooked about the new year. The health care giant said Wednesday that it was scaling back already cautious expectations for 2024 as it tries to understand why costs keep rising from the privately run version of the government’s […]
Posted inNews
Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce announces Conversations with Women of Distinction series
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is launching its new Conversations with Women of Distinction series, featuring a fireside chat with Erin Donovan-Boyle, CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, as well as a woman of distinction from the Greater Newport Region each month. The series, sponsored by Newport This Week, will take place […]