Freestone's City Grill closes its doors. Here's everything we know so far.
NEW BEDFORD -- After reopening in Dec. 2022, Freestone's City Grill has announced on Monday that it is closing its doors indefinitely, effective immediately.
"To all of our valued guests, it's with a heavy heart that we are announce that we are closing down Freestone's City Grill effective immediately," stated a Facebook post on Monday night.
"We appreciate each and every one of you that have visited and continued to do so over the past few years. To our staff, we apologize that we weren't able to keep things going, you've all worked really hard and we appreciate all that you've done. Thank you all."
With 110 comments on the official post within the first hour, most commenters were sad to also hear the news as well as other shocked reaction.
"Been going there since the 1980s...very sad news," wrote ML Rioux.
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Freestone's was a staple for over 40 years in New Bedford
Located at 41 William St., the building was constructed in 1870 by Caleb Hammond and Sons. After being utilized by the Citizens' National Bank, the building served as a bank and warehouse before its transformation into a restaurant and bar.
It first became known as the popular Haskell's Cafe, featuring the unique attraction of Go-Go Girls in cages, and later became the Pequod Lounge.
Debbie Seguin, along with her late husband Kerry Mitchell, established Freestone's in March 1979. They were the sole owners until they sold the business in Feb. 2006, to Jack Wetherbee and Russ Kandalaft.
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In October 2021, Freestone's closed and underwent renovations including an update to its bar and dining room area. It reopened again under new management in Dec. 2022, with Seguin returning as a manager alongside co-owners Al Peters, Pat Long and Howie Mallowes.
"As of right now, we're still working to figure a few things out. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding gift cards. Thank you for your understanding and patronage throughout the years," the Facebook post also stated.
Co-owner Long did not respond to Standard-Times' requests for comment at this time.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Freestone's City Grill closes its doors