Roger’s Coney Island in Fall River Set to Close, But Community Wants to Save It

A beloved staple of Coney Island hot dogs, stuffed peppers, buffalo mac and cheese, and all-day breakfast in the North End is shuttering its doors. On Sunday, March 2, Roger's Coney Island, which has operated for more than 60 years at 1518 N. Main St. in Fall River, announced that it was closing after the weekend of March 8 and 9.

"Dear valued customers, with a heavy heart, I have to announce that Roger's Coney Island Hot Dogs is permanently closing," owner Jay Alexzander wrote in a Facebook post. He added that he gave "immeasurable thanks to everyone that has dined with us."

Roger's has enjoyed a long, storied history in the Fall River community. Alexzander purchased Roger's in 2019 from Rita and John Champagne. The two were the restaurant's second owners and had operated it for 42 years. Alexzander managed the restaurant with Ashley Cabral, a longtime employee who started working there as a server when she was in high school in 2006. The pair saw the restaurant undergo a series of operating challenges, including closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remodeling.

Not long after Alexzander made the announcement, one member of the town's business community started gathering momentum to save the Fall River favorite.

Christopher Silvia, owner of the popular eatery Christopher's at 1816 S. Main St., told The Herald News that he contacted Alexzander and told him some positive developments are expected. 

"Don't worry, I see another win in the future for Fall River. We've had enough losses. Stay tuned, folks," Silvia posted on Christopher's Facebook page on Sunday.  

A check of both establishments' Facebook pages on Wednesday, March 5, did not reveal any updates on Roger's future.