The energy on Acushnet Avenue was unmistakable on Wednesday, April 22, as the Love The Ave Business Mixer brought together a vibrant cross-section of the North End community for an evening of connection and collaboration.
Hosted at Morna Lounge & Grill, the event welcomed business owners, entrepreneurs, and residents from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for a lively gathering that reflected the spirit and diversity of The Ave itself. Conversations flowed as easily as the refreshments, with new introductions made, ideas exchanged, and partnerships sparked in a warm and welcoming setting.
Organized by Edsangela Pereira on behalf of the Love The Ave Partnership, the mixer underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships within the district and supporting the people who make Acushnet Avenue a thriving commercial and cultural corridor.
“In addition to networking, we introduced an “action and ownership” component, where participants identified specific areas of interest and ways they would like to contribute to the continued development of The Ave,” says Pereira. “Thios helped shift the event from simple networking to intentional collaboration.”
From longtime shopkeepers to emerging entrepreneurs, attendees shared a common goal: building momentum for the North End and celebrating the neighborhood’s rich heritage and bright future. The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation made it clear—Love The Ave is more than a place, it’s a growing network of people invested in each other’s success.
Monique Gagne, owner of Renew & Restore Beauty at 1364 Acushnet Avenue, commented “I loved the idea of seeing the community coming together, brainstorming new ideas, and would ideally love to see even more.”
If this event was any indication, the connections made on April 22 will continue to ripple throughout the community in the months ahead.
A highlight of the evening was a presentation by MassDevelopment’s Jim McKeag providing an overview of TDI Equity and small business support programs. It sparked real-time testimonials from past awardees and increased interest in the programs for application on The Ave.
Here are links to the opportunities discussed by McKeag at the Business Mixer:
MassDevelopment Grant Programs: https://massdevelopment.com/products-and-services/funding-and-tools/grant-programs
Business Front Door: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/business-front-door
EOED Business Programs: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/eoed-programs-and-grants-business-and-innovation
Biz-m-Power: https://www.massdevelopment.com/assets/document/grants/Biz-M-Power_Program_Guidelines_PDF_update_6.11.25.pdf
“Overall, the Mixer was well-attended and demonstrated a strong interest in continued engagement and partnership among business owners,” concludes Edsangela Pereira. “Building on this momentum, the Love The Ave Partnership plans to hold future mixers to further strengthen connections, encourage collaboration, and support the long-term growth and vibrancy of The Ave.”
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PREVIEW: Love The Ave Sidewalk Sale Brings Retail to the Streets on June 20
Acushnet Avenue is ready to spill out onto the sidewalk. On Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the North End’s commercial corridor—affectionately known as “The Ave”—will transform into an open-air marketplace as the Love The Ave Partnership hosts its highly anticipated Sidewalk Sale. Timed to coincide with the vibrant Day of Portugal festivities at nearby Madeira Field that weekend, the event promises a full day of shopping, culture, and community energy.
Participating merchants will feature special promotions throughout the day. Where available, specific deals will be highlighted, while others will be posted at individual shops—encouraging visitors to stroll, explore, and see what surprises await around each corner.
Stay tuned for more information in the next Love The Ave newsletter around June 1, 2026! In the meantime, any merchant who wishes to participate can contact Edsangela Pereira at E1pereira@outlook.com for details.
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New Bedford Police Department HQ could be built at the gateway to Acushnet Avenue
A major piece of municipal infrastructure may be built on Coggeshall Street at the gateway to Acushnet Avenue and the North End of New Bedford.
On Wednesday, April 29 the City of New Bedford announced that “A facilities study examining the present and future operational needs of the New Bedford Police Department has recommended its new headquarters be built on city- and state-owned land at 360 Coggeshall St.”
The large parcel of land includes the building which houses PAACA, a municipal parking lot, and unused space.
The report went on, “Mayor Jon Mitchell previously launched the process to build a new police headquarters, making the announcement in the parking lot of the current headquarters at 871 Rockdale Ave. That building was constructed in the 1960s as Fernandes Supermarket, and was also a Maxi Drug store before the NBPD started using it in January 1999.
“The outdated facility places limitations on NBPD operations with several areas no longer meeting industry standards. The construction of a new police headquarters was one of the recommendations made by outside industry experts in the Jensen Hughes review of NBPD operations the department initiated in 2023.
“After discussions with Mayor Mitchell, Chief Jason Thody and others from the NBPD, a review of the City’s Master Plan, interior space studies, and a tour of the newly constructed police headquarters and public safety center in Taunton, CBA has recommended a three-story building with a basement level on the Coggeshall Street site that measures approximately 87,800 square feet. The new headquarters would also replace the North End Substation. NBPD would maintain operations at the South End Public Safety Center and the Port Security offices.”
Security always being a concern in any densely-populated urban area, the possibility that the city’s police department could be based at the foot of The Ave would be welcome news as well as a significant economic plus for all of the North End.
The Love The Ave Partnership will keep followers informed of the project, which as of now has not been officially green-lit.
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Michal Szostak of Warsaw, Poland, returns for Music at St. Anthony’s
At 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Michal Szostak is returning to St. Anthony of Padua church in New Bedford on Acushnet Avenue.
Dr. Szostak is described as a virtuoso. On a previous visit to St. Anthony Church in 2025, he fully implemented the features of St. Anthony’s 1912 Casavant Frères Pipe organ as if it were made for him. “We are delighted to welcome Michal in his first stop on a 2026 North American tour,” organizers say.
Michal Szostak is a Director of Musical Arts in Organ Performance, with a PhD in the field of management from the Leon Koźmiński University, Warsaw. In ‘The Organ as a Source of Inspiration: The Rebirth of a Giant’, Dr. Szostak published his research into the intricacies of pipe organs in Europe, and his work is regularly republished in prestigious organ magazines such as the Organ Historical Society in the US.
In 2025, he captivated patrons at his first Music at St. Anthony’s recital with his skill and mastery of the great and historic 1912 Casavant Frѐres pipe organ in the church. In particular, the improvisation of three cultural pieces of music chosen by church members brought a thrill to those who hold this familial music dear in their hearts.
He then described St. Anthony’s fine instrument in an article ‘Cassavant treasure at St Anthony’s in New Bedford, MA, USA’. Many of his articles and video clips of performances throughout the world are easily found on social media sites.
On a special New Bedford Food Tour on Acushnet Avenue during that visit, attendees got a peek of Michael in rehearsal during a cultural stop between bites at the church (pictured above).
Organ performance is becoming more popular as younger audiences are recognizing the role the pipe organ plays in so many artistic creations including many genres of music, movies, and television. This recital is an excellent way to spend an afternoon with the entire family in appreciation of music, art and architectural excellence – right on Acushnet Avenue!
Music at St. Anthony’s is a fundraising program for the church. Over time, many important repairs have been made to the pipe organ. But this year, fundraising will be designated toward the work of repairing the window frames in the church.
These are also master works of art, designed and installed in 1952 by Guido Nincheri. The exterior window frames need painting and sealing. This important renovation will help keep the elements from damaging the spectacular art and sculptural details that the church is well known for.
Save The Date – May 31, 2026 at 3 PM for an afternoon of music on this historic pipe organ, while beholding the gorgeous interior of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Tickets are $25 and are available on the website www.musicatsaintanthonys.org or at the door.
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Business Opportunities on Acushnet Avenue & North End
Feeling entrepreneurial? Here are two opportunities to own a piece of the North End’s commercial history on The Ave and on Coggeshall Street.
The Endzone:
The popular Endzone Restaurant and Bar at 218 Coggeshall Street is listed for sale with Coastal Commercial Real Estate. The listing states:
High-Visibility Sports Pub + Real Estate Opportunity: Well-established restaurant with liquor license, apartments above for added income, and an adjacent parking lot included. Positioned in a prime location with strong visibility and steady traffic, offering both immediate cash flow and long-term upside.
Listing Price: $1.65M
For more information, contact Justin Grolley at 508-990-4280 or at j.grolley@nerycorp.com
Guys & Gals:
Meanwhile, on The Ave, the well-known clothing store, Guys & Gals at 1515 Acushnet Avenue is for sale. That listing states:
40+ years in business
Loyal, built-in customer base
Strong reputation in the community
Turnkey opportunity with owner support + training
“This isn’t just a store—it’s a chance to step into something proven and profitable from day one.” – Martin Correira
Bonus opportunity: The building itself is also available, opening the door for even more long-term potential.
Serious inquiries only – contact Martin Correira for details or to schedule a private showing at 508-496-1282.
