Kleos closes; new owners in the works at Bayberry Beer Hall: Latest RI restaurant news
Changes in the Providence hospitality scene include the closing of a second Greek restaurant on Providence's Westminster Street in less than a year, and the city's first beer hall changing hands.
Kleos closes
Closed is Kleos, a modern Mediterranean restaurant owned by Lauren Lynch and Tom Bovis. The restaurant was opened in 2017, a homage to Bovis' Greek roots. The couple also own and still operate Rosalina, an Italian restaurant at 50 Aborn St.
Earlier this month, Kleos was one of a handful of establishments barred by the city from serving alcohol as they failed to meet the requirements for a renewed liquor license.
The property at 250 Westminster St. is being offered for rent by landlord Cornish Associates as being "in turn-key condition, a unique opportunity for a restaurant to quickly move in and begin operating."
The space was run as Tazza Caffe for a decade before closing.
Last March, Yoleni's, a Greek restaurant and market at 292 Westminster St. in the iconic Tilden-Thurber building, closed after five years. Owner Alexander Philippides said their lease was up and the family decided not to renew.
New owners in the works for Bayberry Beer Hall
Last November the owners of Providence's Bayberry Beer Hall, Natalie and Tom Dennen, announced they would sell the business. They closed over the weekend, saying they had found an owner. They opened the business in 2017, the first beer hall in the city.
Plans are for Russell Morin's Catering & Events, a family business with corporate headquarters in Attleboro and an office in Newport, to take over the space on West Fountain Street.
There will be a temporary shutdown as they renovate and refresh the restaurant. They do not have exact details on the duration.
"At this stage, we're in the process of finalizing our plans, and while the details are still taking shape," said Randy Nason, COO of Morin's Hospitality Group.
"Concerning the name, we're exploring several options but haven't settled on a final decision yet," he said. "We want to choose a name that not only aligns with our concept but also resonates deeply with the community we serve."
"As for the space itself, we're aiming for a magical transformation as guests cross the threshold," he said. "We want our establishment to be warm, welcoming, supportive and inclusive of the diverse neighborhood and its growth.
"We envision a place where any troubles our customers may have are washed away upon entering. This transformation will be brought to life by our caring, smiling staff and a menu offering delicious, fun food and drinks with just the right amount of edge to meet customer expectations," Nason added.
Morin's is a diversified company that also operates restaurants in Attleboro, Morin’s Hometown Bar & Grille and Morin's Diner; and Cru Cafe, a neighborhood spot in Newport. In 2020, Russell Morin expressed his desire to add more restaurants to the company portfolio.
The Dennens will continue to operate their other restaurant, Bayberry Garden, in Providence's Innovation District.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Kleos in Providence closes; Morin's Hospitality eyes Bayberry Beer Hall
