Popular New Bedford Portuguese Restaurant Is Changing Hands After 34 Years

A beloved New Bedford restaurant is changing hands.

Antonio’s Restaurant on Coggeshall Street has been family-owned and operated for 34 years. Last month, the Portuguese spot filed a petition with the city to transfer the business.

Antonio’s Files with the State

Antonio Martinho, the co-owner of Antonio’s Restaurant, filed a transfer petition on Nov. 20.

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“Upon approval, Toni Shalhoub will be the President, Co-Director, and Co-Shareholder, Jack Nassif will be the Vice-President, Treasurer, Co-Director, and Co-Shareholder, and Elie Mikhail will be the Secretary, Co-Director, and Co-Shareholder,” the official petition read.

Antonio’s Is a Staple on the SouthCoast

Since Sept. 11, 1989, Antonio’s Restaurant has served authentic Portuguese food in New Bedford, with the Afonso and Martinho families at the helm.

“We have created a place for our customers to enjoy Old World Portuguese recipes as well as unique local dishes in a fun and casual environment,” the owners shared on the restaurant website.

Let’s not forget, this restaurant is Martha Stewart-approved.

Back in 2009, the businesswoman and media personality gave a rave review of Antonio’s on her blog, saying the seafood was “impeccably fresh and very tasty.”

So, What Does This Petition Mean?

Martinho is petitioning to transfer a “Common Victualler All Alcoholic Beverages License” to Antonio’s. To transfer a common victualler license means to transfer all necessary licenses to conduct a restaurant.

In layman’s terms, new ownership is taking over Antonio’s.

Does this mean changes are coming?

As of Thursday, no announcements have been made by the restaurant, so only time will tell.