O’ Gil’s Portuguese Restaurant in Fall River issues update, clarification, after real estate listing, apartment proposal

A Fall River restaurant placed on the market late last year and recently proposed turning the building into apartments has issued an update.

O’ Gil’s Portuguese Restaurant at 915 County Street was established in 1991 and named after Gil Fagundo the founder of O Gil’s and creator of their famous Portuguese Steak, a recipe widely used today brought from Ponta Delgada, Azores.

Gil’s Portuguese/Azorean soul food has lived on through his family at O Gil’s Restaurant & Bar, but the restaurant has been put on the market with ownership retiring.

Jeff Tolman of Northeast Engineers and Consultants representing restaurant co-owner Victor Fagundo went in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals last month for a proposal to convert the restaurant into 2 apartments and to waive lot coverage, setbacks, number of units allowed, and parking requirements. The building includes 2 upper-level apartments that would stay as is.

The proposal has 2 off-street parking spots where the current loading area is. There is also the potential of installing a 2-car garage.

The Board granted Tolman’s request.

A variance was also granted to divide the O Gil’s parking lot into two lots. One will be a 6,700 sq. ft. lot with 68.39 ft of frontage on Earle Street and 90.33 ft. of frontage on County Street on which a three-family townhouse would be built waiving lot area and lot coverage. Lot 2 will be a 5,000 sq. ft lot with 50 ft of frontage on Horton Street and 11.05 ft of frontage on County Street on which a single-family dwelling will be built.

On Sunday, O’ Gil’s issued the following statement due to an array of questions they have received.

“Dear Valued Customers,

“We want to address a recent misunderstanding regarding the future of our beloved restaurant. Contrary to rumors, **we are NOT immediately closing our doors.** Our restaurant remains open and fully operational, providing you with the same great food and excellent service you’ve come to love.

“We are actively seeking a new owner to carry on our tradition of culinary excellence. While our restaurant is up for sale, rest assured that we will continue to serve you with the utmost dedication until we find the right person to take over.

“Additionally, there has been speculation about our property being converted into apartments. We want to clarify that **no decisions have been made**. We are simply exploring all possibilities to ensure the best outcome for our future.

“We appreciate your continued support and loyalty. Please stop by and enjoy your favorite dishes—we look forward to serving you!”

Warm regards,

Victor and Phil