O’Rourke’s Bar and Grill, a popular Pawtuxet institution specializing in Irish dishes and atmosphere, is headed into an ownership change.

Laurie O’Rourke confirmed in a call with the Beacon that the business has been sold, although a closing date has not yet been set. O’Rourke, however, expressed confidence that that date would come “in the near future.”

The business has been sold to John and Shannon Brito, O’Rourke said. The Britos are the owners of Wickford on the Water in North Kingstown and JB’s on the Water in Jamestown, fine-dining establishments with views of Narragansett Bay and a specialization in seafood.

O’Rourke confirmed that other than ownership, there will be no changes to O’Rourke’s regular operations, emphasizing that she had heard rumors otherwise and that those rumors were inaccurate.

“They’re keeping it as O’Rourke’s, they’re keeping the name, they’re keeping the Irish part of it,” O’Rourke said. “They’re not making any changes there.”

The menu and current staff at O’Rourke’s will not change, according to O’Rourke, who said she had met with the Britos and that they were planning to keep things “business as usual.”

The new owners, she said, are excited to become a part of the Pawtuxet community, telling her they loved Pawtuxet Village and the surrounding area.  

“It’s an exciting time and I wish them the best,” O’Rourke said.

The Britos could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

A hearing on the transfer of O’Rourke’s liquor license to 23 Peck Lane Restaurant LLC is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 in the Board of Public Safety meeting room of the city’s Police Department, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive.