Heritage Group Introduces Refined Coastal Cuisine and a Warm, Approachable Spirit to the Heart of Newport's Waterfront District
NEWPORT, R.I. , April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Heritage Group, the acclaimed hospitality company known for investing in the future of iconic restaurants and hospitality venues, is proud to announce the opening of a new elevated seafood concept, Claw & Hammer, which debuts on April 4, 2026.
Located along the historic restaurant and shopping corridor of Thames Street in the heart of Newport, Claw & Hammer introduces a fresh take on coastal dining in one of New England's most prominent seaside destinations. The restaurant places a focus on reimagining the New England seafood experience with an emphasis on its signature stone crab program, a robust raw bar, and thoughtfully composed seafood dishes that reflect both the region's traditions and a chef-driven sensibility.
"Claw & Hammer represents an exciting next chapter for our group," said Nicholas Schorsch, founder and CEO of Heritage Group. "We wanted to honor the building's culinary legacy as the former home of Scales & Shells, and build something that feels like it's always belonged here. The restaurant showcases the area's renowned seafood heritage while offering a curated yet relaxed dining experience."
Led by a team with deep roots in fine dining and luxury hospitality, Executive Chef Carmine Mottola, formerly of Villa D'Este in Lake Como, helms the kitchen with an international perspective and a reverence for premium ingredients. General Manager Paul LaFleur brings nearly 20 years of experience across luxury resorts and nationally recognized restaurants throughout New England and beyond.
The menu is built around Claw & Hammer's signature stone crab program, sourced seasonally and served in large, jumbo, and colossal preparations, alongside a tiered raw bar anchored by the Ocean Throne, an 18-oyster, whole-lobster showpiece designed for the table. Beyond the raw bar, Chef Mottola's kitchen moves from coal-fired octopus and crab-encrusted halibut to hearth-friendly dishes like lobster pappardelle in saffron cream and a spicy seafood linguini built around a half lobster tail, whole clams, and grilled shrimp. A curated caviar service with Prosecco pairing and three Ocean Feast tower options give the menu a celebratory edge without losing its coastal soul. The dessert program centers on a selection of house-made pies baked daily, including a take on key lime pie and a coffee milk pie inspired by Rhode Island's beloved state beverage.
The beverage program pairs house-branded craft beers with an inventive cocktail menu inspired by Newport's landmarks, the Cliff Walk Collins, The 1887 old fashioned, and a Thames Street Spritz among them. The wine list leans into California's Napa and Sonoma regions with selections from Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, and Robert Sinskey, complemented by French Champagne and a focused by-the-glass program. A dedicated mocktail menu rounds out the offering.
Claw & Hammer occupies the building at 527 Thames Street across two levels. The ground floor pairs a full dining room and bar with a raw bar and a kitchen pass-through that offers a glimpse into Chef Mottola's team at work — all set within a space defined by brass fixtures, cream leather banquettes, and street-facing windows that capture the energy of one of Newport's busiest corridors. The second floor features its own dining room and full bar in a more intimate setting, well-suited for private events, private dining, and guests seeking a quiet retreat above the bustle of Thames Street.
With its prime location near the harbor and a menu designed for both celebrations and everyday enjoyment, Claw & Hammer is poised to become a must-visit dining destination in Newport.
Open daily for dinner beginning April 4, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. To make a reservation, visit clawnhammer.com.
About Heritage Group
Heritage Group is a visionary hospitality company preserving the past while embracing the future and anchored in a culture of exceptional service at every level. The company's mission is to preserve and grow beloved restaurants, inns and other local institutions. Founded in Newport, Rhode Island in 2021, Heritage Group is quickly expanding across New England and beyond. With 17 restaurants, two inns and other businesses, the company offers a lifeline to longstanding local institutions through financial backing and strategic growth tools that help them thrive while staying true to their roots. For more information, visit heritagehospitality.co.
Media Contact
Murphy O'Brien
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540-460-9399
Media Contact
Megan Spink, Murphy O'Brien, 1 9494360480, [email protected], clawnhammer.com
SOURCE Heritage Group
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