Iconic Wareham restaurant finds new owner and name

Vel’s Restaurant that served up good Italian eats and long lasting memories for many years has been purchased and will see a rebrand in the near future.

Owners and brothers Steve, Carl and Brian Bump have had Vel’s Restaurant in the family for over 50 years. Aiming for retirement, the restaurant was listed for $1.3 million shocking longtime patrons in early Feb. 2025.

Robert Harriman Jr. of Hanover purchased the property and will retire the Vel's name. With plans to rebrand the business as C-Stones Tavern, Harriman said he wants to keep the charm of the former restaurant. 

"We're going to keep a lot of the same recipes, the old favorites and then I'm going to bring a twist" he said. "Like the other restaurant that I own."

With many years in the restaurant business, Harriman currently owns Cornerstones Tavern in Carver. He said he aims to mimic the style of Vel's Restaurant keeping the "casual bar concept."

Harriman said he plans to redo the septic system and update interiors in the future.

Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside gave praise to Harriman for his community business effort. The C-Stones Tavern received approval from the board for alcohol and food service licenses at the Tuesday, June 17 Select Board meeting.

"Thank you for doing business in Wareham," she said,

There is no current closing date for Vel's and no opening date slated by Harriman.