Chelo's of Rumford

In the early 1950's, mill worker Hysen Chelo purchased a piece of property as an investment. Hysen's four children thought that land investments were unwise and envisioned a restaurant on that site to support their growing families. Thus, Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille was started in 1955. The restaurant has since grown into one of Rhode Island's largest family-owned restaurant chains. Headquartered in Cumberland, R.I., it operates more than 10 restaurants, including one in Rumford, R.I. The restaurant chain operates a commissary in Warwick, R.I., which supplies all locations with fresh baked breads, soups, sauces and desserts on a daily basis. The commissary follows secret family recipes and prepares guests' dinner selections in the Warwick banquet facility, as well as offers off-site catering. Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille's menu includes a variety of soups, salads, burgers, fajitas, sandwiches, pasta and desserts. It also offers special children's and banquet menus. The restaurant chain also provides gift cards, which are redeemable for food and beverages. Its banquets and catering division offers services for special occasions, private events and business meetings. It can accommodate groups of 50 to 200 guests and also provides outdoor dining. Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille supports various charities and sponsors neighborhood youth athletic leagues.