In the early 1950s, mill worker Hysen Chelo purchased a piece of property on Mendon Road in Cumberland, Rhode Island, as an investment.

At the time, the town of Cumberland was experiencing a rapid period of economic transition from industrial manufacturing-oriented production towards post-war suburbanization, in turn increasing demand for affordable dining establishments in the region.

By 2005, Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille had become the largest family-owned restaurant chain in Rhode Island by number of locations and collectively employed over 1,000 individuals.

Jay Chelo, a family member who had previously been involved in the business, opened an Italian-themed restaurant called Mozzarella's in North Providence.

The court ultimately denied the preliminary injunction against Jay Chelo, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate irreparable harm, which was necessary to enforce the non-compete clause.

The commissary in Warwick supplies all locations with pre-prepared soups, sauces, baked breads, and desserts to maintain consistency in food quality.