Swampscott’s Red Rock Bistro sold to new owners

SWAMPSCOTT – North Shore staple Red Rock Bistro will be coming under new management, but the new owners say they won’t be changing anything – yet.The transition at Red Rock, a restaurant known for its views of the ocean and Boston skyline from its location off of King’s Beach, became public Wednesday when it was approved for a liquor license transfer at a Swampscott Board of Selectmen meeting. Management will be taken over by Robert Hoffman, Wellington Augusto and Martin Bloom. Bloom is the founder of chain Vinny Testa’s, where Hoffman was his business partner. Augusto is the owner of Newburyport restaurant Mission Oak Grill.”We will take Red Rock as it is at the moment,” said Augusto. “We will enhance the dishes they have and work from there. We have no plans for any changes.”Their attorney, Martin Pomeroy, said the Humphrey Street establishment would not be closed during the transition and would operate under the same name. The three owners planned to start as soon as the liquor license transfer was cleared.Hoffman said he hopes to keep the same staff and take some time before making any changes.Current Red Rock owner Erica Petersiel wouldn’t disclose any reason for selling the restaurant. “We wish them nothing but the best,” was all she said.Red Rock Bistro has been in business for about 14 years.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].