Newport Harbor Corp. Issues Papa Razzi Statement

The following was submitted by the Newport Harbor Corporation.

Newport Harbor Corporation (NHC) is pleased to announce the acquisition of seven Papa Razzi restaurants, including the Boston, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Concord, Framingham, and Wellesley, MA locations, as well as the Garden City location in  Cranston, RI.

NHC, an employee-owned hospitality company founded in 1925 and based in Newport, RI, owns and operates the Newport Restaurant Group, a collection of award-winning restaurants throughout the Ocean State including: The Mooring, 22 Bowen’s, Smoke House, The Boat House, Trio, Hemenway’s, Waterman Grille and Castle Hill Inn.

“We are so pleased to announce this targeted expansion of our company,” said Paul O’Reilly, Chief Executive Officer, Newport Harbor Corporation.  “The Papa Razzi brand aligns with our organization’s strategic plan for expansion based on the concept, culinary philosophy, and the geographic market served.”

NHC purchased Papa Razzi from Charles Sarkis, founder of the Back Bay Restaurant Group, which until 2011 also owned and operated Abe & Louie’s, Atlantic Fish Company, Charley's, Coach Grill and Joe's American Bar and Grill. 

“Papa Razzi is a dynamic addition to our hospitality portfolio,” said Ken Cusson, Director of Business Development at Newport Harbor Corporation.  “We are excited to expand into the Boston market, bringing more than 30 years of expertise in hospitality to an already strong brand.  We are looking forward to welcoming the existing staff to the NHC family and to bringing the Papa Razzi concept to the next level of distinction.”

Cusson will lead the Papa Razzi restaurants with support from NHC’s Chief Operating Officer, Casey Riley.  "I am excited to return to my roots in Boston and to bring our philosophy to the Papa Razzi concept,” said Riley, who began his culinary career at Boston’s renowned L’Espalier.                        

Riley’s influence will ensure that the food experience at Papa Razzi, classic Italian preparations based on fresh ingredients and scratch cooking, is sustained and enriched.