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Regatta opens
Built in mid-1970s, opened by David Freedman in 1976 during Bicentennial celebration as “The Gangplank” at site of the Old Staples Warf. Restaurant is first capital investment in cove area in more than a quarter century. -
"Leone's on the Waterfront"
1980, the restaurant becomes “Leone’s on the Waterfront,” opened by Dominic and William Leone. -
Foreclosure
In 1996, Leone’s suffers a bank foreclosure. It would not repoen under the same name and owner. -
The Regatta is born
In March 1997, Joseph Ruggiero Sr. buys the property at auction for $505,000, naming the pub and eatery “The Regatta at Battleship Cove.” -
Strip club a no-go
In 2008, an effort by Regatta owners to expand the facility and open a strip club on site was rejected by city officials. Story Link: Strip club bid rejected -
Too much crime, out of time
In 2009, the Regatta is shuttered after being home to a few criminal incidents over several years. -
Property changes hands
In December 2012, city businessmen Peter Cabral and Thomas Richardson Jr. buy the Regatta property from Ruggiero for $3.5 million with plans for seafood restaurant, pub and function hall after major renovations this winter and spring. Story Link: Fall River's waterfront Regatta sold to new owners Reporting by Herald News staff writer Michael Holtzman.
