The Reinvention of One of Newport’s Favorite Restaurants

The Reinvention of One of Newport’s Favorite Restaurants

One of the most important players in enhancing Newport in recent years has been Colin Kane.

A lifelong Rhode Islander and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Georgetown, and Harvard, Kane hit a home run with the development of Hammetts Hotel in Newport.

Now, he is at it again, with the reinvention of the popular Scales and Shells restaurant.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

In 2022, the property located at 527 Thames Street was sold by owners Debra and Andy Ackerman to Kane’s Peregrine Group. 

Now, Peregrine, along with the Ackermans, is launching “UpScales” — a private dining experience on the second floor of the establishment well known for its fresh seafood, pasta, and cocktail menu. 

"For dinner, we chose a place called Scales and Shells, and I can hardly imagine Newport offers better," wrote New York Times food critic Robin Progrebin, in a prior review.

 

 

Meeting a Dining Demand

Scott Williams, the Director of Marketing for Main Street Hospitality, which oversees both Hammets Wharf and Scales and Shells — and now UpScales — spoke with GoLocal about the opportunity. 

“At Hammetts, we’re partners with [the restaurant] Giusto, which is very popular,’ said Williams. “Peregrine looked at this expansion opportunistically. We have a lot of meeting space at the hotel, but people might want to get out and try another dining experience in Newport.”

Elena Dwyer, who is the Brand Director for Main Street Hospitality, said UpScales will build upon the business model that has made Scales and Shells so popular. 

“It’s about top Mediterranean seafood and what they can get as fresh as possible,” said Dwyer. “With UpScales, you can plan ahead and set the menu for what you want ahead of time. “

According to Dwyer, there are a number of options for people looking to book space for private functions. 

“[Seating capacity] for UpScales is 30, plus around 10 bar seats, or 60 standing,” said Dwyer. “There are both food and bar packages that can be structured to suit the specific needs of any celebration.”

And there are additional options at Scales and Shells. 

“People can also book 1/2 Shell, the oyster room for events, which has a capacity of 28 seated and 40 standing,” she added. 

The restaurant will be hosting a soft opening for UpScales at the end of May — for more updates, go to Scales and Shells website here.