Last week, The Bodhi Spa co-founders and sisters Cedar Hwang and Harmony Oschefski opened the doors of a new location at 186 Broadway in Providence. In the midst of a pandemic, the path to launching the hydrotherapy spa – known for its unique Water Journey – in historic Federal Hill was long, hard-fought, and put […]
Business
A look at What’s Up in business in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inBusiness, Real Estate
Former Newport Daily News property on Malbone Road sells for $3.6 million
The former long-time home of Newport Daily News at 101 Malbone Road sold for $3.6 million on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, according to Rhode Island Statewide MLS. According to The Property Buying Company, the property spans 20,101 sq. ft on 4.98 acres. The new owner of the property is James Leslie Hildebrand of Newport, according […]
Posted inBusiness
$14.2 million in new funding will help parent company of Dockwa expand from water to land
The Wanderlust Group (TWG), a Newport, R.I. and Cambridge, M.A.-based technology leader in the marine and outdoor lifestyle industries, today announced that it has closed $14.2 million in Series B funding. As COVID-19 has led millions to trade airlines and hotels for boats, RVs, and campgrounds, travelers are finding an outdoor travel industry that is […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Experience ‘Fall Festivities’ at Hotel Viking
Hotel Viking is kicking off the week with some fun happenings, including a new cocktail series with Newport Craft, all-new offerings from newly opened Spa Fjor, and deep discounts for locals looking for a fall getaway. Below are the details; Cozy Cocktails with Newport Craft: To celebrate the season, Hotel Viking’s expert mixologists have teamed up […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
RI Hospitality Association’s #BYOBlanket Campaign kicks off as restaurants pick up thousands of blankets, hand warmers, and heaters
On Wednesday, October 14th, The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) kicked off its #BYOBlanket campaign, geared toward helping Rhode Island’s restaurants extend the outdoor dining season, with the first distribution of more than 12,000 blankets, thousands of hand warmers, 370 outdoor heaters and thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) taking place at the Providence Marriott Downtown at […]
Posted inBusiness, News
NUWC Division Newport hosting virtual Industry Day to engage private business
Story by Public Affairs Office, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport NEWPORT, R.I. — Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport’s Office of Small Business Program will host virtual Industry Day webinars over several days in October to network and invite industry representatives to learn about ways they can do business with the Navy and Division […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Middletown-based Rhed’s Hot Sauce wins big in Annual 2020 NYC Hot Sauce Expo
Rhed’s Hot Sauce, a locally-owned boutique hot-sauce company, recently announced that is has won two ‘Screaming Mi Mi’ awards in the prestigious 2020 NYC Hot Sauce Expo, reportedly taking first place in the Asian category with its ‘Déjà vu’ sauce and third place in the Jalapeño category with its ‘Club Jalapeño’ sauce. Each year, hundreds of hot sauce companies from around the globe […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Plant City X slated to open in Middletown in December 2020
The creators of Plant City, the popular vegan food hall in Providence, are bringing their innovative plant-based food to Aquidneck Island with a new restaurant concept called Plant City X. The eatery – a smaller version of the Providence location – is slated to open in December and will focus on re-imagining fast food in […]
Posted inBusiness
Potter League for Animals acquires Pets In Need Veterinary Clinic
The Potter League for Animals announced today the acquisition of the Pets In Need Veterinary Clinic, Rhode Island’s only 501(c)3 nonprofit full-service veterinary clinic that offers low-cost, high quality medical and surgical services for pets of eligible low-income Rhode Island pet owners. The merged business will operate under the name Potter League Pets In Need Veterinary […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government, News
City of Newport | Applications now open for Take It Outside Grant Program
Newport businesses interested in applying for the City’s Take It Outside grant program are being encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible in order to secure reimbursement for the procurement of tents, propane heaters, and jersey barriers. Eligible restaurants and retailers can now apply for the program directly from the City’s website at www.CityofNewport.com/TakeItOutside. […]
Posted inBusiness
WPRI | New spin studio in Portsmouth designed with social distancing in mind
Two Tiverton women have made the best out of a bad situation by opening their own spin studio. WPRI has the story here – New spin studio in Portsmouth designed with social distancing in mind
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Jamestown Fish will be sold by receiver on October 19
Jamestown Fish will be sold by the receiver on Monday, October 19 at 11 am at the Kent County Superior Court, according to Kirby Properties. The award-winning restaurant permanently closed and was put on the market for $1.6 million in June 2019. It currently has a sale price of $1,250,000. At that time Jamestown Press […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Local high school student entrepreneur launches pop-up shop with own funding
By Nicole Nicoletta Jee Holden (17) of Middletown is a prime example of how hard work, passion, and dedication can accomplish great things. With the help of Adam Powers (16) of Jamestown, another reseller, they are funding and running their very own streetwear and sneaker pop-up shop this weekend at 181 Bellevue Ave (Bellevue Plaza) […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring: 80+ job opportunities available in and around Newport right now
If you’re looking for a job in or around Newport, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a look at who’s hiring right now. All jobs posted are within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted/available in the last week. This week’s job opportunities are presented by; 22 Bowen’s – Line Cooks – 22 Bowen’s4M […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Plant City looking to open location in Middletown
The owner of Plant City, the popular vegan food hall in Providence, is looking to open a scaled-down version at 619 West Main Road in Middletown (formerly Papa Gino’s). The restaurant would have a drive-thru and would focus on take-out/to-go. What’s Up Newp caught up with Kim Anderson, owner of Plant City, on Monday night. […]
Posted inBusiness
Rite-Solutions appoints Portsmouth resident to VP of Human Resources, Tiverton resident to VP of Corporate Infrastructure & Standards
After years of sustained growth, including six contract awards with the potential of hundreds of millions of dollars in new business, Rite-Solutions has appointed two new Vice Presidents. Susan Borden, a Portsmouth resident, was promoted to VP of Human Resources. Dan Raposo. a Tiverton resident, is the new VP of Corporate Infrastructure & Standards. The […]
Posted inBusiness, Real Estate
Historic Martha’s Vineyard hotel, The Kelly House, acquired by a Boston-based real estate private equity firm
Martha’s Vineyard, MA – One of the 5 oldest hotels in the United States has a new owner and operator. Boston-based real estate private equity firm Blue Flag Capital, part of Blue Flag Partners, today announced that it has acquired The Kelley House, a historic 57-room boutique hotel on Martha’s Vineyard. Blue Flag Capital is partnering with […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
City of Newport, Town of Middletown each receive $75,000 grant to help businesses ‘take it outside’ this fall
The City of Newport and the Town of Middletown have each been awarded $75,000 from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help local restaurants “Take it Outside” this fall. The two municipalities were among 41 awarded intermediary organizations that will use the funds to cover the cost of purchasing items such as chairs, tables, heat […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
$3 million awarded to municipalities, chambers of commerce, intermediary organizations to help businesses ‘Take It Outside’
Governor Raimondo and Rhode Island Commerce today announced recipients of awards totaling more than $3 million to help businesses Take It Outside. The awardees, which include municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, and other intermediary organizations, will receive funds to encourage and increase outdoor commerce in an effort to reduce the transmission rate of COVID-19. The 41 […]
Posted inBusiness
Neon Marketplace opens second store location on Aquidneck Island
Neon Marketplace announced today the opening of its second store location at 3302 East Main Road in Portsmouth. Neon Marketplace, a proprietary brand of Procaccianti Companies, opened its first store at 533 E. Main Road in Middletown earlier this year. “Our family has been in the convenience store business for decades and it’s truly exciting […]
Posted inBusiness, Real Estate
Former Cluny School sells for $1.6 million
The former Cluny School and its surrounding property, located at 75 Brenton Road were sold on September 25, 2020, for $1,600,000, according to records available through Rhode Island’s statewide MLS database. This is the second time that the property, which includes 2 buildings on a 4.63 acre parcel, has sold since the school closed in June […]
Posted inBusiness
BankNewport names Newport resident Kate Sanderson-Upham Vice President, Branch Sales Manager at EG Location
BankNewport today announced that Kate Sanderson- Upham has been promoted to Vice President, Branch Sales Manager for the East Greenwich branch located at 1000 Division Street. In her position, Kate is responsible for branch operations, customer service, and team development. “We are proud to announce Kate’s promotion to Vice President,” said Amy Riccitelli, BankNewport Senior […]
Posted inBusiness
Over 1,000 small businesses receive Restore Rhode Island Grants, funds still available
Rhode Island Commerce today announced that over 1,000 Rhode Island small businesses have already received Restore Rhode Island grants totaling nearly $9M. Over $1.5M of the money already dispersed has gone directly to minority owned enterprises. “We’re pleased that over 1,000 businesses have already received funding through the Restore R.I. grant program,” said Rhode Island […]
Posted inBusiness
‘Tech Boosts’ program from Cox Communications seeks nominations for $30K in grants to local nonprofits
Despite the important work nonprofits and community organizations do in the communities they serve, many are lacking the modern technology tools needed to perform their missions to the fullest. To bridge this technology gap, Cox Communications today announced the call for nominations for its “Tech Boosts” program, which awards grants to nonprofit groups committed to […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
With only weeks to go until Election Day, Yacht Club “Soda Pop Poll” delivers an update
By David Dadekian, Eat Drink RI Yacht Club Bottling Works, The Official Soda and Water Company of Rhode Island, is releasing some preliminary results from this year’s Soda Pop Poll, and depending on your taste in candidates, the results may be shocking. You might cry, “FAKE NEWS!” but as of mid-September, Donald’s Big League Punch holds a commanding 52% lead over Joe’s […]