EXCLUSIVE: Old Canteen Under Agreement to Be Bought by Newport’s Schorsch Group

EXCLUSIVE: Old Canteen Under Agreement to Be Bought by Newport’s Schorsch Group

Nicholas Schorsch — the Newport-based businessman whose companies have gobbled up many of the best-known Newport-based restaurants — is looking to expand to Providence.

GoLocal has learned from sources with direct knowledge that the Marzilli family has an agreement, yet to be finalized, that would sell The Old Canteen restaurant on Atwells Avenue on Federal Hill to Schorsch’s group.

Schorsch and his collection of companies have primarily acquired local family-owned businesses in Newport.

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His portfolio now includes 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 Weiners, Newport Lobster Company, Hilltop Inn, the Cluck House, the Cluck Truck, Amano Pizza, Newport Life Magazine, The Reef, and Caleb & Broad.

Most recently, he purchased the Vanderbilt Hotel in Newport.

Schorsch has had his controversies.

In Philadelphia, his company was cited repeatedly for health and environmental violations. Workers at one of his facilities were found to be lead poisoned. Schorsch's company was fined by OSHA.

In New York, his real estate company became embroiled in legal issues — sanctioned by the Securities and Exchange Commission for millions and sued by investors.

 

The End of an Era

For Sal Marzilli and his family, if the deal is finalized, it would be the end of an era.

In an interview with GoLocal in 2021, recognizing the restaurant’s 65-year history, Marzilli discussed the role of his father and the family’s legacy.

 "[Joseph Marzilli] opened the Old Canteen in 1956 with a vision to serve exceptional Italian food, provide top-notch service and do it all in a romantic and sophisticated setting here on Federal Hill,” said Marzilli.

“I think he would be proud that we have continued the traditions he started all those years ago,” Sal Marzilli added in 2021.

According to the FBI files of Raymond Patriarca, he was an Old Canteen regular and held top-level meetings at the restaurants.

 

This story was first published on Tue, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:16 pm