Kléos closes; new owners in the works at Bayberry Beer Hall: Latest news from the RI restaurant

Changes in Providence’s hospitality scene include the closing of a second Greek restaurant on Westminster Street in Providence in less than a year and the first change of hands of the city’s first brewery.

Kléos closes its doors

Closed is Kleos, a modern Mediterranean restaurant owned by Lauren Lynch and Tom Bovis. The restaurant was opened in 2017, a tribute to Bovis’ Greek roots. The couple still owns and operates Rosalina, an Italian restaurant located at 50 Aborn St.

Earlier this month, Kleos was one of a handful of establishments banned by the city from serving alcohol because they did not meet the requirements for a renewed liquor license.

The property at 250 Westminster St. is being offered for lease by owner Cornish Associates as being “in turnkey condition, a unique opportunity for a restaurant to quickly move in and begin operating.”

The space was operated under the name Tazza Caffe for a decade before closing.

Last March, Yoleni’s, a Greek restaurant and market located at 292 Westminster St. in the iconic Tilden-Thurber Building, closed its doors after five years. Landlord Alexander Philippides said their lease was up and the family had decided not to renew it.

New owners in the works for Bayberry Beer Hall

Last November, the owners of Providence’s Bayberry Beer Hall, Natalie and Tom Dennen, announced they would sell the business. They closed this weekend, saying they found an owner. They opened the business in 2017, the city’s first brewery.

Russell Morin’s Catering & Events, a family-owned business with headquarters in Attleboro and an office in Newport, is expected to take over the West Fountain Street space.

There will be a temporary closure while the restaurant is renovated and refreshed. They do not have specific details on duration.

“At this point, we are finalizing our plans and the details are still taking shape,” said Randy Nason, chief operating officer of Morin’s Hospitality Group.

“As for the name, we are exploring several options but have not yet made a final decision,” he said. “We want to choose a name that not only fits our concept, but also resonates deeply with the community we serve.”

“When it comes to the space itself, we aim for a magical transformation when guests walk through the threshold,” he said. “We want our establishment to be warm, welcoming, supportive and inclusive of the diversity of the neighborhood and its growth.

“We envision a place where any problems our guests might have are erased upon entry. This transformation will be brought to life by our attentive, cheerful staff and a menu of delicious, fun food and drinks with just the right amount of edge to meet needs. customer expectations,” Nason added.

Morin’s is a diversified company that also operates restaurants in Attleboro, Morin’s Hometown Bar & Grille and Morin’s Diner; and Cru Cafe, a neighborhood spot in Newport. In 2020, Russell Morin expressed his desire to add more restaurants to the company’s portfolio.

The Dennens will continue to operate their other restaurant, Bayberry Garden, in Providence’s Innovation District.

This article was originally published in The Providence Journal: Kleos in Providence closes; Morin’s Hospitality plans Bayberry Beer Hall