New Bedford’s Troubled Morna Lounge Listed For Sale

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The troubled Morna Lounge & Grill in New Bedford’s Near North End has been put up for sale, less than a month after the city’s police chief ordered the establishment closed until further notice in the days following a fatal shooting inside.

The building that houses the Morna Lounge as well as three storefront businesses has been listed for $1.2 million and is described as a “rare business opportunity.”

“This versatile 4-unit commercial property offers an incredible investment opportunity, with its fully furnished restaurant as the main attraction! Spanning over 8,000 sq. ft., this building features a turnkey restaurant with a coveted liquor license, a spacious main dining area, two bars, a dance floor, a stage, 9 bathrooms, ample storage, and even a private function space for smaller events,” the listing reads.

“Adding to its value, the property also includes three fully rented storefronts, providing steady income from long-term tenants,” it reads. “Completely remodeled just five years ago, this is a prime opportunity for an owner-operator or investor looking to step into a thriving location.”

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However, that liquor license may currently be up in the air considering Police Chief Paul Oliveira exercised his authority under Massachusetts General Law to shut down Morna Lounge until further notice on January 13 after Cristiano Macedo, 27, of New Bedford was shot and killed inside the bar on January 11. Two women were also shot during the incident.

It was the latest in a string of violence that had occurred at the establishment since it opened in March 2021 by brothers Mateus Barbosa and Salo Afonseca. While a Cape Verdean-influenced restaurant by day, it was also a popular nightspot.

Aaron Britto, 44, of New Bedford was shot and killed behind the building on August 4, 2024, and there had been a shooting outside the bar about a week before that.

In March 2022, New Bedford boxer Wilson “Ill Will” Mascarenhas was stabbed while inside Morna Lounge.

In shutting down Morna Lounge, Oliveira stated there had been “numerous calls for service” to the location.

A formal hearing on Morna Lounge’s liquor license has yet to be held because the three-person New Bedford Licensing Board currently only has one member, Commissioner Ricard Rezendes.

Mayor Jon Mitchell recently appointed two other people – retired firefighter Richard McHugh and retired New England Patriots video director Jimmy Dee – to serve on the board, but the New Bedford City Council is still in the process of approving their nominations.