For 20 years, John and Rose Tagessian of Watertown, Mass. spent a lot of time in, or on their way, to Warren, where they have owned a popular establishment since they bought the then-Tuscan Tavern on Metacom Avenue in 2001.

“We had two little boys then — they’re 31 and 28 now,” said Rose.
They ran their business as Tuscan Tavern for 12 years, then leased to Fatbelly’s. Though that business signed a 20-year lease, they only remained for about 3.5 years.

“We never closed the doors,” said Rose. “We came back in 2017 as Hometown Tavern.”

Accustomed to running a fine dining restaurant, the pub scene was different. Though they never had any real problems or concerns, they did find the late nights more challenging — especially with the long commute to Watertown.

“We learned along the way, and we were so grateful for the support of the Warren and Bristol community,” said Rose.

Then Covid hit.

“We closed for a month and a half, then we came back in to fight for our business. It was our heart and soul.”

Their two sons were always one call away to come help when needed, and Rose and John are both so thankful to everyone who saw them through, from their employees who stuck around to their loyal customers to the government PPP loan that helped keep their doors open.

“We made it work and I’m proud of that,” said Rose.

Recently, however, the Tagessians decided that they had enough.

“We aren’t getting any younger, and the boys have their own work outside the restaurant industry.” They are looking forward to a little travel before deciding what their next endeavor will be. “I will always love the food business but I’m ready for a change,” said Rose.

The new owners, Jay Cardosi and Sharon McCarthy, who took over from the Tagessians on Feb. 28, own a couple of other well-known local establishments: the 133 Club in East Providence and the Irish American Athletic Club in Newport. In both of those locations, they have made some reenergizing upgrades and changes.

As for the Hometown Tavern, Cardosi and McCarthy have not made any significant changes to date. They’ve added a pool table and lottery, and they plan to open for lunch and brunch, and bring in live music more nights. But the staff is staying intact, as is the vibe its longtime regulars have come to know and love.

“We wish Jay and Sharon the best of luck,” said Rose.