Iconic Old Canteen sign officially replaced

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — On Wednesday afternoon, the iconic sign for Joe Marzilli’s The Old Canteen, a culinary landmark in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood for decades, was officially replaced with a sign for the location’s new restaurant, Wally’s.

The Old Canteen, known for its pink interior and classic Italian fare, was purchased earlier this year by the Heritage Restaurant Group of Newport.

The acquisition, finalized in January, is part of the group’s ongoing expansion across Rhode Island.

Over the past few years, Heritage has acquired several well-known Newport establishments, including La Forge Restaurant, Brick Alley Pub, Newport Craft Beer, The Red Parrot, Flo’s Clam Shacks, Audrain Automobile Museum, Audrain Motorsport, Audrain Park Place, Audrain Hospitality, La Costa Lobster and Tacos, Wally’s Wieners, Newport Lobster Company, Hilltop Inn, The Cluck House, The Cluck Truck, Amano Pizza, Newport Life Magazine, The Reef, and Caleb & Broad.

The group recently expanded into Providence and Cranston with its purchases of The Old Canteen and both Olneyville New York System locations.

The Old Canteen is the only restaurant in the group’s portfolio where the menu and theme were not retained, leaving locals outraged.

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