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 […]
Business
A look at What’s Up in business in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
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 […]
Posted inBusiness
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 […]
Posted inBusiness
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 […]
Posted inBusiness
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 […]
Posted inBusiness
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. […]
Posted inBusiness
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 […]
Posted inBusiness
GFree Fest to bring gluten-free food to WaterFire Arts Center on March 23
The only gluten-free food festival in the state, GFree Fest, is taking place on March 23 at WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. Presented by 110 Grill, the festival will feature over a dozen restaurants, bakeries, and food and beverage producers showcasing their gluten-free products. Attendees will be able to shop, eat, sample, and learn more […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center appoints new executive director
The Jamestown Arts Center has appointed Christine Cocca as its new executive director, effective immediately. A resident of North Scituate, R.I., Cocca has served in leadership roles at cultural institutions in Providence, R.I., and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Cocoa’s career in the arts spans more than two decades. She has served as director of Black Goat Studios, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Black History Month Newport: A look at 19th century black-owned businesses, business owners
February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, an annual time to celebrate the achievements, and a time for recognizing the central role, of African Americans in U.S. history. During the month of February, What’s Up Newp is using our platform to highlight and recognize the achievements by local African Americans. Keith […]
Posted inBusiness
Theo Epstein to return to Red Sox as advisor and part-owner of parent company, Fenway Sports Group
BOSTON (AP) — Theo Epstein, who as Red Sox general manager was the architect of two World Series championships, is returning to the organization as a minority owner and part-time senior adviser to its parent company, Fenway Sports Group. Epstein, who also helped the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 title — their first in 108 […]
Posted inBusiness
MVYRADIO awards 10th round of ‘Business Diversity Initiative’ grants
MVYRADIO announced this week that it has awarded its latest round of quarterly ‘Business Diversity Initiative’ grants to four local businesses.This round, Boxed in Black, Boutique on the Buy Way, Legacy Week on the Vineyard, and Shored Up Digital were selected to receive a grant of sixty underwriting messages each on MVYRADIO to be used […]
Posted inBusiness
Castle Hill Inn introduces ‘Aurelia’, a new fine dining restaurant
Castle Hill Inn today announced that Aurelia at Castle Hill, Newport’s newest fine dining restaurant, is now open. “With its sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, there is no better location for a celebration, whether it be a special milestone or anniversary or for celebrating family, friends, or, simply, life,” shares Castle Hill Inn […]
Posted inBusiness
People’s Credit Union supports Newport Lions Club’s Eye Health Program
People’s Credit Union has announced a $750 donation to support the Newport Lions Club’s Eye Health Program. This donation will help the organization continue to provide eye screenings for children on Aquidneck Island and distribute collected eyeglasses to needy children, adults, and the elderly. The Newport Lions Club’s Eye Health Program serves as a critical […]
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 Jan. 19 to Jan. 26. Stocks headquartered in Rhode Island, listed on the Russell 3000 membership list, and a market cap over $5.0 billion on April 14th […]
Posted inBusiness
TikTok and Martini’s, Pop-Ups, & Lots of Fried Chicken: How the team at Wally’s Wieners has stayed busy this Winter
The team at Wally’s Wieners has been busy lately. From its daily routine as a popular downtown dining spot cherished by locals and tourists alike, the restaurant has seen increased activity lately, thanks to the digital world that we live in. Their now viral giant espresso martini has become a sensation, drawing customers from near […]
Posted inBusiness
SBA shifts Biz Recovery Center to East Providence City Hall
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will relocate its Business Recovery Center from the Weaver Library to East Providence City Hall to better assist Rhode Island businesses affected by the Washington Bridge closure. The center, which provides assistance with applying for disaster loans, is moving up the street to help business owners complete their applications for […]
Posted inCity & Government
Politics & Pancakes: Gov. McKee kicks off 2024 Speaker Series
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce has announced the return of a series of events, Politics & Pancakes, featuring four guest speakers in 2024. The series begins with Gov. Dan McKee on February 5. The series, sponsored by Bally’s Corporation, will take place quarterly and will be held at the Pell Center at Salve Regina […]