Billy Goodes Parts With Liquor License, TSK and Jo's Approved

It is the end of an era for Newport bars.

Billy Goode, the original owner of Billy Goode's bar on Marlborough Street, purchased the first Newport liquor license, after he operated his bar as a speakeasy during prohibition.  

The most recent owner Kevan Campbell sold his liquor license which was officially transferred after Wednesday's Newport City Council meeting.

The council unanimously approved the bittersweet transfer that marked the end of the Goode legacy, but new beginnings for Thames Street Kitchen and Jo’s American Bistro, which purchased Puerini’s last December.

Billy Goode’s transferred it’s Class BV license to Jo’s American Bistro and Jo’s American Bistro transferred it’s limited beer and wine license to Thames Street Kitchen.

Resident John Finn asked that Thames Street Kitchen be required to close the windows if council approved the license.

"[Noise] has been a problem since they have been there,”  said Finn.

Turner Scott, the attorney for Jo’s American Bistro, spoke on behalf of the Thames Street Kitchen owners. “These chefs are probably the best chefs in town,” said Scott. “They stop serving at 10:30 at night.  It is dinner conversation,” he added.  

Michael Jenkins, the father of the owners, pointed out there is not a proposed change in operation since customers already bring their own wine and beer.  

“Getting this license is just to have another income stream,” said Jenkins.  

The council unanimously approved all of the transfers.