About Us
Nearly a century of Good Mood Food, family traditions, and the flavors that make Rhode Island special.
Where Memories Meet
At Newport Creamery, we believe food should be as fun as the dining experience. We offer a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere and tasty traditions — like our Big Beef Burgers, our very own locally made ice cream, and the classic Awful Awful.
Generations have come to love our Good Mood Food, exceptional value and attentive customer service. We are the place where families, friends and memories meet. Newport Creamery is where we make the tasty traditions and you make the memories.
Our History
A rich tradition spanning nearly a century
1928
The Beginning
Samuel Rector, already in the milk business, took over a dairy on Van Zandt Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island and became a wholesale milk distributor.
1932
Family Business Grows
Mason Rector (Samuel's son) joined the business. The Company entered the retail business, delivering milk house-to-house on Acquidneck Island.
1940
The First "Milk Bar"
The Rectors opened what was described as a "Milk Bar", serving ice cream at 208 West Main Road in Middletown — the exact location of today's Middletown restaurant.
1948
Expansion Begins
After the war years, the Company opened its second restaurant in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
1953
Full Menu Debuts
The third restaurant, featuring for the first time a broader menu offering food, was opened in Providence.
1960s-90s
Growth Era
Under Mason Rector and his son Peter, the Company expanded throughout Rhode Island and surrounding areas including Massachusetts and Connecticut.
2001
The Jan Companies Era
After Newport Creamery filed for bankruptcy, The Jan Companies acquired the brand in December 2001 and spent the next 25 years stabilizing operations, preserving the classic menu, and keeping the restaurants at the heart of their communities. Under their stewardship, the Awful Awful recipe was protected, ice cream production continued, and the brand regained stability.
2026
Waterside Group Acquires Newport Creamery
In March 2026, the Waterside Group purchased Newport Creamery from The Jan Companies, beginning an exciting new chapter for the nearly 100-year-old brand. With a commitment to honoring the traditions that made Newport Creamery an icon while investing in modernization, new locations, and an enhanced guest experience.
Today
8 Locations & Growing
Newport Creamery continues its legacy with 6 locations across Rhode Island and 2 in Massachusetts, now with new ownership committed to growth and expansion. Same Good Mood Food. Same traditions. An exciting new chapter.
What We Stand For
Family First
A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels at home.
Quality Always
From our locally made ice cream to our Big Beef Burgers, we never compromise on quality.
Community Roots
For nearly 100 years, we've been a proud part of the Southern New England landscape.