Our Story

We are…

A collection of unique restaurants and experiences, guided by a group of employee-owners in the front and back of house, who bring it everyday.

30 Years of EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

Employee ownership is not part of our culture — it is our culture

For 30 years, employee ownership has been at the heart of Newport Restaurant Group.

Going above and beyond for our guests, and for each other is truly part of our DNA. We’re proud of this historic milestone and the long-term benefits it affords our team members. Do your best everyday and reap the rewards!

Every team member has a personal stake in our long-term success and the experiences we create for our guests. This shared ownership fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and pride, helping us attract, develop, and retain exceptional hospitality professionals. By investing in our people, we’re also investing in our communities and the future of Newport Restaurant Group.

our success is shared

Celebrating 30 Years of Employee Ownership

100%

Employee owned

$33m

Distributed to employee-owners

$600k+

Average balance after 20+ years

1,100+

Year-round employee-owners

Lower turnover

than the hospitality industry average.

The 100% Difference

The only way to stand out in a crowd? Be outstanding. That’s the approach we’ve taken since the get-go. We began with a few restaurants in stunning locations and a truly one-of-a-kind inn. Since then, we’ve focused on creating distinct culinary concepts that reflect the areas they call home.

What unites us? We’re all committed to building strong communities around fresh, honest food. But we also know the devil is in the details. So everything, from the light fixtures down to the table legs, is picked with thought and care as to how it will enhance your experience.

But food is about more than a meal—it’s at the core of our communities. So know that when you dine with us, in addition to enjoying a great experience, you’re also supporting our employee-owners and the farmers, fishermen and artisans that live and work close by.

We hope to see you soon!

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Our History

1925

Historic photo of a vehicle with wooden wheels delivering oil

Our roots trace back to the Newport Oil Co., founded by Newport’s most famous businessman, civic leader and philanthropist, J.T. O’Connell.

1930’s – 1970’s

Throughout the ensuing decades, Newport Oil Co. served the community. As the 1970’s progressed, Newport transitioned from a working waterfront and a Navy town to a tourism-driven economy.

1980

Now known as Newport Harbor Corp., we enter the hospitality space with the opening of The Mooring in the heart of downtown Newport.

1990’s

A bright, sunlit room featuring large windows with ocean views and a cushioned window seat.

Once the home of famed biologist Alexander Agassiz and later owned by J.T. O’Connell and his family, we begin to run Castle Hill as an inn.

1995

We become an employee-owned company, setting us on the path to reward the hard work of our employees.

2001

We open 22 Bowen’s, marking our commitment to hospitality growth.

2005

We make our first foray off island with the opening of the Boat House in Tiverton and launch the Newport Restaurant Group as a collection of unique dining experiences.

2007 – 2018

A breakfast spread featuring avocado toast topped with a fried egg, a skillet dish, and a white mug of coffee on a wooden table.

We continue with responsible growth throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts with acquisitions and openings of new concepts.

2018

Newport Restaurant Group becomes 100% employee-owned.

2018 – Now

A group of chefs and kitchen staff wearing aprons standing together inside a commercial kitchen.

We have grown to be one of New England’s leading hospitality companies with restaurants throughout Rhode Island and greater Boston.

I like working for NRG because of the management team, and the professionalism. Plus, all of the great perks being an employee-owned company.
Mizrrain Rojas, Server

Smiling man with dark hair and a beard wearing a black collared shirt and dark grey apron.

NRG is special because we don’t have company leadership making every decision. Most decision making still lives in the individual businesses that we own. Creative ideas and that spirit drives exciting offerings to our guests. We own the decisions, the results, and the pride.
Tobey Sanborn, General Manager

Smiling bearded man wearing glasses and a suit jacket.

My opinion matters. I am very lucky to have a support system that trusts my decision making. I love having support from my peers and being able to learn and grow. I also love having the freedom to make decisions within my business unit. It empowers me to keep being better!
Christine Coogan, General Manager

Smiling woman with long dark hair in black and white striped shirt

When we asked what he loves about Newport Restaurant Group and being an employee-owner, Andy shared “the sense of teamwork and pride in everyone’s work!”
Andy Stanne, Bartender