Stoneacre Brasserie in Newport

The Next Chapter

When David Crowell, David Sturgeon and Christopher Bender first set out to create a neighborhood brasserie in Newport, the trio had their eyes set on Washington Square, but as fate would have it, they ended up on lower Thames Street.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” says Bender, who, with his team, built a loyal customer base from the sense of community Stoneacre Pantry has emanated since opening in 2013.

But when an existing restaurant space unexpectedly became available in Washington Square in 2016, the team revisited their original plans, and soon put the wheels in motion for a bigger, grander Stoneacre Pantry that would maintain its intimate neighborhood vibe.

Bender says the “cute, cozy space on Thames Street” gave the team the appropriate plat-form to build the new Stoneacre’s concept and reputation.

“We felt it prudent while designing the larger Washington Square space to break the space up and provide a welcoming, homey feel.

“We wanted to repurpose as much as we could and be true to the building and history itself,” says Bender. They preserved the original mosaic tile floor that was iconic to the previous tenant, Yesterday’s restaurant, which operated there successfully for more than 40 years. Reclaimed old pine joists were turned over to Jeff Soderbergh, a Newport-based artist known for custom sustainable furnishings.

Then there is the food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, takeaway and a late-night menu will be available, all with the local sourcing and creative preparation customers have come to expect from Stoneacre.

Of the improvements at the Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, housed in a building dating back to 1834, as well as the years-long renovation of the Newport Opera House Theater and Performing Arts Center, says Bender: “Washington Square has been the heart of the community for hundreds of years. While it’s ascending through an amazing revitalization, we are excited to offer our best and play a positive role for many years to come.”

At press time construction was still in the final throes but Stoneacre should be open by early autumn for folks eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Visit them at StoneacrePantry.com