Coffee, ice cream, and book boutique to open soon at Fall River Carousel with update on former Lincoln Park staple

In January, Fall River Reporter issued positive developments for Fall River’s carousel at Battleship Cove and on April 1st we have more exciting details that are no April Fool’s joke.

According to the Fall River Carousel, beginning Memorial Day Weekend, with the support of Bristol County Economic Development, Red Oak Hospitality will begin operating the historic Fall River Carousel.

Red Oak Hospitality is owned by Kyle Pelletier who also owns Canned Heat Craft Beer, The Old Grist Mill Tavern, and The Tipsy Toboggan.

The following statement was issued.

“This beloved piece of history—just like all of our Red Oak venues—is not only worth preserving, but worth visiting, celebrating, and sharing. From the mills that shaped New England to Fall River’s Carousel that has brought joy to generations, preservation is the foundation of everything we do at Red Oak Hospitality. And now, we couldn’t be more honored to help write the next chapter of the Fall River Carousel’s story—a chapter filled with light, life, and lasting memories.

“Let’s be honest—she needs a little TLC. A deep clean, some fresh bulbs, a bit of polish. But that’s what we do best: breathe new life into treasured spaces and invite the community to fall in love with them all over again.

“The first floor of the building will soon be home to Red Oak Hospitality’s second Gathering Grounds Cafe — a rustic Americana-inspired coffee, ice cream, and book boutique. Our first location is opening this weekend in Seekonk, alongside our Grist Mill Tavern in the historic Four Echoes Vintage Shoppe building. Gathering Grounds will offer the very best in fair-trade, organic coffee from Indigo Coffee Roasters in Western MA, locally-made ice cream from Warwick Ice Cream Company, and an expertly curated selection of books for readers of every age.

“At the Fall River Carousel, guests can expect everything from large-scale events to intimate birthday parties and milestone celebrations. Thanks to our collaboration with Bristol County Economic Development, we’re working on transforming this landmark into a year-round destination at Battleship Cove—complete with a magical month-long holiday celebration each December and other unique winter experiences.

“In a city that rests on one of the most beautiful bays in the country, we are beyond excited to be a part of Fall River’s present—and to help ensure the carousel remains a living, spinning piece of its future.”

Mass Development announced in January that Jobs for Fall River had received a $40,000 grant concerning the carousel in Fall River.

Fall River Reporter contacted Bristol County EDC at the time concerning the grant and the future re-opening of The Carousel.

According to Kenneth Fiola, Jr., Executive Vice President of Bristol County EDC, the “office applied for and secured $40,000 in grant funding from MassDevelopment as part of its TDI Equity Investment Grant program to partially offset the cost of 20 windows and associated work at the Fall River Carousel.”