Newport Creamery sold to Cape Cod developer; chain will remain open

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — One of Rhode Island’s most iconic restaurant chains is changing hands, as Newport Creamery has been sold to a new owner with plans to update and expand the brand.

The longtime local favorite has been purchased by Massachusetts businessman Mark Bogosian, who is expected to take over operations and guide the next chapter of the company.

New owner eyes upgrades and expansion

Bogosian, a Cape Cod-based developer, has indicated plans to modernize the restaurants and potentially grow the chain. 

Newport Creamery is currently owned by the Jan Companies, which has operated the business since acquiring it out of bankruptcy in 2001. 

Restaurants expected to remain open

Despite the sale, the existing locations are expected to remain open.

The chain currently operates eight locations across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. 

However, the company has seen some recent changes, including the closures of locations in Garden City and Barrington. 

A Rhode Island staple for decades

Newport Creamery has been a fixture in the state for generations.

Founded in 1928 as a dairy business, the company opened its first restaurant in 1940 and became widely known for its signature “Awful Awful” milkshakes. 

At its peak, the chain expanded to more than 30 locations across New England before scaling back in the early 2000s. 

What’s next

A timeline for the full transition has not been finalized, but the deal is expected to close soon.

The new ownership signals a potential turning point for the brand, as leaders look to build on its long-standing popularity while adapting to a changing restaurant landscape.