Rio Tequila Cantina closing on Portsmouth waterfront. New restaurant is coming.

Ian Lenahan, Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read

PORTSMOUTH — Rio Tequila Cantina is permanently closing its doors on Bow Street after a two-year stint, though plans are in motion for its owners to debut a new restaurant concept this spring.

The Labrie Group, owned by brothers and entrepreneurs Michael and Peter Labrie, confirmed Thursday the waterfront Mexican restaurant, shuttered for the winter, won’t return to downtown Portsmouth in the coming months. Plans have not been announced yet for what will go in its place.

Rio Tequila Cantina on Bow Street in Portsmouth is permanently closing and will not reopen this spring, according to Labrie Group. However, its owners are planning a new restaurant concept that will take its place and open this spring.
Rio Tequila Cantina on Bow Street in Portsmouth is permanently closing and will not reopen this spring, according to Labrie Group. However, its owners are planning a new restaurant concept that will take its place and open this spring.

Ken Lingle, director of operations for The Labrie Group, shared a statement about Rio’s closure in an email on Thursday afternoon.

"For the last two years, we've taken great pride in operating a contemporary Mexican restaurant on the waterfront,” the statement says. “However, we're excited to announce that we'll be embarking on a new chapter in April by debuting a fresh concept. Our revamped approach will prioritize local ingredients, along with a lively atmosphere that complements the stunning views of the Piscataqua River and tugboats."

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The Labrie Group did not share any reasons for Rio’s closure.

Signs posted outside the closed Bow Street business state that Rio’s staff “flew south for the winter,” while sheets of paper with block letters taped on the windows from the inside left a message for passerby: “Something new is coming soon.”

Change coming to menu at former home of Poco's

It appears the 37 Bow St. brick building will have something other than a Mexican-themed menu for the first time in decades.

In November 2021, the Labries purchased the business from John Golumb and Marlisa Geroulo, who operated the beloved Poco’s Bow Street Cantina from that spot for 32 years.

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Golumb and Geroulo’s announcement they were selling Poco’s came after continued staffing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the spring of 2022, Rio, a waterfront “taco cocina,” opened to customers with a menu offering street and specialty tacos, enchiladas, rice bowls, nachos, a variety of appetizers, an extensive tequila list and a number of alcoholic drinks.

The Labrie Group owns a family of restaurants and entertainment venues, including the downtown Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club and the nearby River House, in addition to the Atlantic Grill in Rye.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Rio Tequila Cantina closing in Portsmouth NH: New restaurant coming