(This story was updated to meet our standards.)
FALL RIVER — When the horses at the historic Fall River Carousel come alive this spring, they’ll be ushering in an exciting new era at the city landmark.
Fall River businessman Karl Pelletier, owner of Tipsy Toboggan and Canned Heat Craft Beer Co. just down the road on Ferry Street, will be expanding his Spindle City presence as he prepares to take the reins at 5 Water St.
Pelletier and his team from Red Oak Hospitality — his parent company that runs operations at his Fall River establishments as well as the Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk — will be reviving the building that’s long served as a centerpiece at Heritage State Park, right across from the Big Mamie along the Taunton River, while putting a different spin on the waterfront spot.
“It’s dead center in the middle of the waterfront with great restaurants and businesses flanking the left and right of it and it really just needs to be the ultimate hangout,” Pelletier said.
“I’ve always thought that it was an iconic building in the city that should be flourishing,” said Pelletier, who’s looking to bolster its draw as a community hub with a unique concept.
What’s brewing at Fall River Carousel
When the doors reopen Memorial Day weekend, visitors will be greeted with a revamped first-floor space to complement their beloved carousel.
Inside will be transformed into a second home for Gathering Grounds Cafe, another new Pelletier venture. It’s described as a one-of-a-kind cafe, ice cream shop and book boutique providing “a cozy retreat” for bookworms, coffee connoisseurs, and folks with a sweet tooth.
According to Pelletier, offerings at the Fall River location will mirror its Seekonk site that is set to debut this weekend in the Four Echoes Vintage Shoppe next door to the Old Grist Mill at 380 Fall River Ave.
“It the perfect concept, it makes total sense, both are in iconic local areas,” Pelletier said.
The first floor of the Water Street building previously housed a small ice cream shop run by two local business owners until the end of the 2024 summer season.
Now, folks will walk into an entryway lined with shelves featuring books by local authors, a gift boutique, and behind what was once the concession area will be the cafe with places to lounge and enjoy a nice coffee, espresso, ice cream treat or affogato, an Italian coffee-based dessert. There will also be an area to host events and birthday parties.
“It’s a beautiful space, it has gorgeous views of Battleship Cove, so adding the component of the books, adding some really nice high-end coffee, delicious ice cream and committing to consistent hours and brand, it’s gonna really be wonderful,” Pelletier said.
Frozen treats will come from Warwick Ice Cream Co. just across the bay — known for unique, locally inspired flavors such as Autocrat coffee syrup ice cream and Del’s Lemonade sherbet. Pelletier is also working with companies such as Mass.-based Tea Forte and Indigo Coffee to provide locally sourced menu offerings.
Those looking for a sneak peek of what’s in store at the carousel cafe can check out Gathering Grounds Cafe’s website, https://www.gatheringgroundscafes.com, or Facebook page.
His Red Oak Hospitality team will be operating the carousel building, from marketing to events to daily operations.
Passion for historic preservation and dose of nostalgia
Pelletier had been eyeing the Water Street building since it became available going into the new year.
Since then, the city restaurateur has been working with Bristol County Economic Development Consultants, which owns the pavilion and carousel building, on leasing the space. Red Oak is expected to officially take over May 1.
The carousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. in 1920 and became a landmark at the former Lincoln Park in Dartmouth. When the park closed, the carousel was sold at auction in 1986 to a group from Fall River, which undertook a fundraising campaign to build a pavilion to hold it. The carousel opened at the Cove on May 22, 1992.
As a history buff with a passion for preservation — each of his restaurants housed in buildings dating back a century or more — the move to take over the Fall River Carousel was a no-brainer.
“Preservation isn’t just old mill buildings, it’s something as iconic as an old carousel from Lincoln Park,” said Pelletier, noting his grandfather used to work at the long-gone amusement park along Route 6 in Dartmouth that closed in 1987, where Fall River’s merry-go-round originated.
It’s also nostalgia that drew Pelletier to this latest venture, as he recalled fond memories of frequenting the carousel spot as a kid at least once a week during the summer following its reopening in 1992.
Now he’s hoping to carry on its legacy as a Spindle City happy place for future generations — and for all seasons.
Possibilities are ‘endless’ for year-round activity
Pelletier said he’s currently working with BCEDC to shift it from perennial summer spot to year-round destination – a first for the waterfront attraction.
“We can picture ourselves having great events and doing great things there year-round,” he said.
With a space that extends beyond the building — now offering visitors fun new reasons to come to the city — to include the grassy area in the front of the building and terrace behind the building, the possibilities there down the road “are endless,” Pelletier said.
Picture an ice skating rink, food trucks or a big Fourth of July festival, he said.
“So many great things have happened on that waterfront over the decades, and as time moves forward, who knows what it’ll bring,” he said.
Historic carousel ‘ready to roll’
Pelletier expects only minor updates before its anticipated opening this May.
According to Pelletier, “one of the great wonders of the building is how well the carousel has been maintained.” A mechanic checks it everyday, and aside from some general wear and tear from people riding it over the years, ultimately the iconic attraction is “ready to roll” — or spin, that is.
“The building is very well-built, it just needs a little TLC,” Pelletier said. That includes “minor elbow grease and scrubbing” as well as installation of new light bulbs and repainting of the lower level for a refresh and cafe furnishings.
When does Fall River Carousel open?
According to Pelletier, their goal is to have the doors open to kick off Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 24.
Hours and days of operation are still to be determined as they work on getting permitting and licensing squared away for the cafe business. Pelletier hopes to be open seven days a week, roughly 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information and updates on the new and improved Fall River Carousel, visit their website at or Facebook page.
