Newport restaurant damaged after burst pipe floods dining room
NEWPORT, R.I. (WJAR) — While many were hunkered down during last weekend’s snowstorm, a disaster was developing inside a Newport restaurant.
The Vieste Simply Italian restaurant on Thames Street would normally be bustling, but on Friday night, the only sound filling the dining room was that of industrial fans.
Co-owner Will Bard said a burst pipe is the culprit behind the devastation.
“As of right now, there will be no paycheck next week,” Bard said. “About 7 a.m., I walk into the restaurant and it's just flooded with water, very chaotic."
The business originally opened in 2019 after Bard encouraged his best friend, Tony Lorusso, to pay tribute to his upbringing.
“I always thought one day he might own a restaurant or something that would bring a little bit of homage to the way he was raised for Italian food,” Bard said.
It has been a successful endeavor for the pair until this latest setback, which Bard expects to be “pretty extensive.”
The pipe burst on the second floor of the building in an area completely separate from the restaurant, but the water poured down into the bar area and the dining room.
Tables and chairs were left in complete disarray, and the ceiling itself will have to be totally replaced.
"The whole place was just somewhat hectic and devastated, really,” Bard said.
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After the initial shock, Bard’s thoughts immediately turned to his employees and the locals who frequent the establishment year-round.
“They keep our employees employed though the very, very darkest time of year in Newport, which is the January through March time,” he said.
Fortunately, Bard has two other spots open, including Vieste’s sister restaurant right next door, Hooked Seafood Bar and Grill.
He said the staff has rallied together during the crisis.
“A lot of our employees and those who work for us have stepped back and said, hey, look, let's all just share the load, share the burden,” Bard said.
For community members wondering how they can help, Bard suggested that patrons visiting his other locations keep the staff in mind.
“Maybe consider leaving a little tip for the kitchen in the back of the house, because a lot of those guys who were working 40 hours a week, are now going to be working 15 to 20,” Bard said.
While Bard admits it will take time to get the doors open again, he is currently aiming for a reopening at the end of March.
