Avvio Ristorante is the latest restaurant to join the Newport Restaurant Group. Avvio, an Italian eatery slated to open in spring 2016, will occupy the former Papa Razzi space in Garden City, Cranston. Chef Greg Coccio, former Executive Chef at Papa Razzi, will remain in his role at Avvio, along with Chef Kevin DiLibero, Director of Culinary Arts, Newport Restaurant Group. Avvio’s menu will feature classic Italian dishes, Neapolitan pizzas and wood-fired grill offerings.

“When Newport Harbor Corporation purchased seven Papa Razzi restaurants in 2012, it gave us the opportunity to grow our footprint into Massachusetts,” said Paul O’Reilly, CEO and President of Newport Harbor Corporation. “The Cranston location has been successful, but with the growth and expansion of Garden City, we saw an opportunity to refresh the space and enhance its offerings to align with Newport Restaurant Group’s culinary philosophy. These changes will allow us to add Avvio to the portfolio and to provide guests in the West Bay and statewide the experience they have come to expect from our restaurants.”