Heritage Restaurant Group has caught a big one. The ever-expanding local chain will acquire Anthony's Seafood Market & Restaurant at 963 Aquidneck Ave. in Middletown. Sandor Bodo/The Providence Journal, File

The country's first "diner" opened in Providence in 1872, when Walter Scott began serving sandwiches, coffee and pies to factory and newspaper workers from a horse-drawn wagon. If this is news to you, here's more on Rhode Island's tie to the first diner. David DelPoio/The Providence Journal

The country's first "diner" opened in Providence in 1872, when Walter Scott began serving sandwiches, coffee and pies to factory and newspaper workers from a horse-drawn wagon. If this is news to you, here's more on Rhode Island's ties to the start of diners. Bob Thayer/The Providence Jou

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