Rhode Island’s economy showed weakness in several key indicators in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Rhode Island Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Quarterly Briefing, released today by The Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies at Bryant University and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC). Rhode Island-based jobs (non-farm employment) continued to rise […]
Business
A look at What’s Up in business in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inBusiness
Centreville Bank breaks ground on new full-service branch in Middletown
Centreville Bank held a groundbreaking ceremony today (April 21) for its first full-service branch in Middletown, Rhode Island, at 160 East Main Road, marking the Bank’s planned 23rd location andits first ground-up construction since 2020. This new full-service location is expected to open by late fall 2025. Centerville Bank already serves customers on Aquidneck Island […]
Posted inBusiness
Pivotal Brewing Company announces soft opening in Newport
Pivotal Brewing Company is expanding to Newport with a soft launch this Easter weekend. The new taproom, located at 140 Broadway in the former Salvation Cafe space, opens its main bar area starting Friday at 5 p.m. The brewery shared the news on Facebook, inviting customers to “come grab a beer with us” during the […]
Posted inBusiness
Heritage Restaurant Group closes on Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen Restaurant
The Heritage Restaurant Group today (April 17) announced that it has completed its acquisition of Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen restaurant on Federal Hill in Providence. The deal was announced earlier this year. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. According to The Heritage Restaurant Group, the historic building will house two new dining concepts: Wally’s […]
Posted inBusiness
Heritage Restaurant Group completes acquistion of Flo’s Clam Shack
The Heritage Restaurant Group today (April 17) announced it has completed the acquisition of Flo’s Clam Shack. The sale was initially announced late last year. “We are pleased to announce the successful closing of this acquisition,” said Michael Anderson, spokesperson for The Heritage Restaurant Group. “As we officially welcome Flo’s Clam Shack into our family […]
Posted inBusiness
Gardiner House welcomes Stephanie Nelson as its new Director of Sales
Luxury Newport hotel, Gardiner House, has tapped local hospitality veteran Stephanie Nelson as its new Director of Sales. Nelson, who’s called Newport home for years, brings over 10 years of industry experience and deep local knowledge to the role. “I am beyond thrilled to join the incredible team at Gardiner House to affirm the hotel’s […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Bike Newport launches contest to boost bike rack availability
Bike Newport is leading a push to increase bike rack options across Aquidneck Island. The organization is giving local businesses a chance to win up to three new racks through a contest. The nonprofit has secured 18 new bike racks with support from 11th Hour Racing. Now, they’re calling on island businesses and other spots […]
Posted inBusiness
Heritage Restaurant Group completes acquisition of Caleb & Broad
Today (April 16), the Heritage Restaurant Group announced that it had officially completed its acquisition of Caleb & Broad. The transaction, previously announced earlier this year, has now closed. “We’re excited to officially welcome Caleb & Broad into our family of restaurants,” said Michael Anderson, spokesperson for The Heritage Restaurant Group. “The integration process has […]
Posted inBusiness
Heritage Hotel Group completes acquistion of The Vanderbilt
Today (April 15), the Heritage Hotel Group announced that it has completed its acquisition of The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection. The transaction, which was announced earlier this year, transfers ownership of Newport’s historic 33-room luxury hotel while maintaining its operations under the Auberge Resorts Collection management. “We are delighted to finalize this acquisition and officially […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Posted inBusiness
Charlie Enright appointed CEO of US Sailing
US Sailing today announced Charlie Enright, an accomplished leader in the sailing industry and Bristol, Rhode Island native, as the Association’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Enright will take the helm of US Sailing, the sport’s National Governing Body (NGB), following an extensive national executive search. “We are extremely proud to welcome Charlie to US […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Michele Gallagher: Rhode Island women are investing their power and principles back into Mother Earth
This statistic more than doubles the national trend of women owning businesses at approximately one-third the rate of men, or 22%. Rhode Island has approximately 105,000 small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees); 90% have 10 or fewer employees; Nearly all are micro-businesses with just one person at the helm. This dovetails well with Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group enhances sustainability journey through partnership with Greenplaces
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) has announced the growth of its partnership with Greenplaces, a leader in the sustainability space, to enhance its sustainability strategy and to measure its carbon footprint better. “This partnership with Greenplaces is our most substantive effort to date to measure our carbon footprint and develop a strategy to maximize our ability […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Posted inBusiness
UTIC hosts international defense and technology leaders for conversations on national security
Middletown, RI- The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) hosted two important events last week: the biannual Consortium Industry Day and a Conversation on National Security – AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, and United States security partnership) event. UTIC CEO Molly Donohue Magee provided opening remarks on both days – highlighting the opportunities to communicate, collaborate and ultimately innovate undersea technology […]
Posted inBusiness
Sweet Berry Farm announces new ownership after 45 years
Sweet Berry Farm is changing ownership, but its core values and community ties remain intact. Jan and Michelle Eckhart, who founded and have long owned the farm, shared the news on Facebook Saturday. They’re handing over the reins to a new team that shares their vision for the 100-acre property. “We’ve got some exciting news […]
Posted inBusiness
More space, more coffee, No Vacancy
What started as a coffee-infused dream turned into a small pop-up success for cousins and Tiverton-natives Tom Amaral and Colby Machado. Now, their small business, No Vacancy, is expanding in size and in permanence; no longer at Mission, they’ve moved next door to Mission’s sister shop, Utility, for expanded space and hours. “I got into […]
Posted inBusiness
Helly Hansen to open flagship store in Newport
Helly Hansen, the well-known sailing brand, is opening a new flagship store in Newport this week. The store, spanning 6,400 square feet at 124 Thames St., is set to open on April 4, 2025. It will offer a wide selection of technical sailing gear, shoes, marine lifestyle products, and outdoor equipment. Paul Gillen, VP of […]
Posted inBusiness
Grand Banks Yachts to acquire Casey’s Marina in Newport
Grand Banks Yachts Limited is expanding its U.S. footprint by buying a marina and facilities in Newport for $21 million. The luxury yacht maker, based in Singapore, has signed a deal to purchase two properties in Newport from Casey’s Marina Inc. and related parties. According to its website, Casey’s Marina lists 128 Logn Wharf and […]
Posted inBusiness
Two Newport businesses shine in U.S. News Best Bed & Breakfasts rankings
The Chanler at Cliff Walk and the Francis Malbone House have been ranked among the best bed and breakfasts in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Bed & Breakfasts rankings. This year’s list showcases over 350 bed-and-breakfasts, inns, and small hotels across 17 U.S. destinations. “Bed-and-breakfasts offer local immersion, providing travelers […]
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Queen Anne’s Social: New public dining experience in downtown Newport
Queen Anne’s Loft, a boutique event venue in Newport, is branching out. The venue is now opening its doors to the public as Queen Anne’s Social. The announcement came via social media on Thursday. They’re introducing a DJ brunch on weekends and transforming into a cocktail lounge with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. […]
Posted inSports
NBA champion Boston Celtics to be sold for a record $6.1 billion to group led by Bill Chisholm
By TIM REYNOLDS and JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writers BOSTON (AP) — Private equity mogul William Chisholm agreed to buy the Boston Celtics on Thursday in a deal that values the NBA’s reigning champions and the most-decorated franchise in league history at a minimum of $6.1 billion — the largest price ever for American professional […]
Posted inBusiness
Fishermen want to go green but say DOGE cuts prevent that
BREMEN, Maine (AP) — Commercial fishermen and seafood processors and distributors looking to switch to new, lower-carbon emission systems say the federal funding they relied on for this work is either frozen or unavailable due to significant budget cuts promoted by President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. The changes are designed to replace old diesel-burning […]
Posted inBusiness
IYRS School of Technology & Trades to host ‘Early Bird Earth Day Cleanup’
IYRS School of Technology & Trades will host an “Early Bird Earth Day Cleanup” from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. This community initiative aims to beautify lower Thames Street and the surrounding areas, reflecting IYRS’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The event will commence at the IYRS campus, located […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day may be known for a boozy good time, but more are opting to forgo the buzz
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI, LEAH WILLINGHAM and RODRIQUE NGOWI Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Tommy McCarthy’s Irish bar just outside Boston’s city limits pours more Guinness than almost anywhere in the U.S., yet come this St. Patrick’s Day, the longtime owner of The Burren is stocking up on plenty of nonalcoholic options too. “It’s come a long […]