Kevin and Nikki Garabedian are set to open Ocean & Fifth Cafe on March 1 in Newport's Fifth Ward, transforming the former Sig's building into a neighborhood gathering spot. The 50-seat venue will offer elevated breakfast and lunch options daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The couple aims to foster community through collaborative menu development and local events.
The opening of Ocean & Fifth Cafe marks a return to community-focused dining in Newport's Fifth Ward. Located at the intersection of Ocean and Fifth, the cafe occupies a property recently purchased by Kevin and Nikki Garabedian, including an adjacent dry-cleaning structure. Kevin, a Newport native, met Nikki eight years ago while working at The Pelham. After moving to Massachusetts to build a real estate business flipping homes, they saved to realize their dream of opening a restaurant back in Newport.
"We dove head first into it and found we worked really well together," Nikki said. "We had big dreams with the end goal of moving back to Newport. Kevin’s dream was always to have a restaurant, and I grew up working in them and loved the atmosphere. But you can’t just do that on a whim."
The menu will feature upscale breakfast and lunch items, including pressed juices, smoothies, specialty coffee drinks from Down East Coffee, a bagel bar with house-made flavored cream cheeses, and creative handhelds. An in-house baker trained in France will produce breads and confections, while two Rogers High School culinary alumni—both Johnson & Wales graduates—will lead the kitchen. Kevin noted, "I took that class 20 years ago myself."
Guests will order at the counter, with food delivered to tables in the 50-seat space, which includes seasonal outdoor seating. The Garabedians have renovated the former Kings Lens art space into a warm, wood-accented dining room, with build-out assistance from local carpenter Charles Cooper of Rusted Wood.
To build a collaborative culture, chefs and baristas will be encouraged to create their own dishes and drinks. "We want them to put together things they’re proud of and grow with us," Nikki said. "We want Ocean & Fifth Cafe to become part of them because they helped create it."
The March 1 opening precedes the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade by under two weeks, with the AOH Pipe and Drum Band performing on the day. "As a kid, Sig’s was where we’d go to watch the parade," Kevin said. "This area means everything to me."
Inspired by Boston’s North End and old-school Newport camaraderie, the couple stated, "We’re aiming to be the best." Plans include guest chef pop-ups and community events to tap into the neighborhood's artistic energy.