FALL RIVER — For owners Carol and Eric LePage, their final day at LePage's Seafood and Grille this past weekend was bittersweet.

The Fall River couple announced Friday that they will be stepping away from the 34-year business on Martine Street as they plan to retire.

Carol LePage expressed mixed emotions regarding their decision to walk away from the well-known seafood eatery that's been a second home to themselves and many others across the SouthCoast over the years.

"We've spent half our lives here. It's strange because you work and work... you don't even think about it. The 'R word' never entered my mind," she said.

But LePage assures her customers, whom she considers dear friends, that this is not goodbye.

"You'll see us around," she said.

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According to LePage, it was just the right time. Both in their 70s, and coming off a challenging two years amid the pandemic during which they struggled with staffing shortages and a two-month closure, the LePages are now taking some much needed and deserved rest after going non-stop for over three decades.

Being so focused on growing the business and daily challenges over the years, LePage said she never really thought about the end. And just now — sharing the news with customers and sifting through photos chronicling a lifetime of memories at the restaurant — it's hitting her that she's "finished this book and it's done."

"I've seen our customers grow... I see their children being born, I see their grandchildren coming in... it's generations," she said. "In 34 years that's a lot of people, a lot of connections. You walk through the building and you're always seeing someone you know."

But LePage said she and her husband are excited to start a new chapter of their lives.

"It's going to be tough on some levels and easier on other levels," she said.

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A history of 'seeing people happy'

The pair are handing over the business just a few weeks shy of the 35th anniversary of LePage's, which opened Memorial Day of 1988 in a 10-seat space on Brayton Avenue in the Red's Dairy Plaza where Dunkin' Donuts is now located.

Carol LePage said it had always been her husband Eric's dream to open his own restaurant, having worked in the restaurant field for years.

Back then, the restaurant was small and the menu was simple — with an emphasis on fish, chowder, clam cakes, fries and similar takeout favorites. LePage said cooking was done behind the counter, food was served up on paper plates with plastic utensils, they had one waitress and it was more of a "little bistro" feel.

A year and a half later, after the success of their first location, they moved to the much larger 439 Martine St. spot, and built the three-room restaurant with a lounge.

And they've done it all at that building over the years. LePage said they used to be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, had live entertainment, at one point served breakfast, lunch and dinner, and had a seafood market.

LePage's has also been a go-to for private functions and parties such as showers, fundraising events, small weddings and bereavement gatherings.

LePage was overcome with emotion recalling the small moments at the restaurant that brought her the most joy.

"I would stand in the dining room and gaze at people at their own tables, in their own little world, having a great time enjoying a great meal ... the satisfaction you get from that is something," she said.

For LePage, "just seeing people happy" and chatting with them as they walked out of the building with smiles on their faces was the best part of her day.

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New owner is a 'dreamer'

While it is hard to walk away, LePage said it makes it easier knowing they are leaving the restaurant in the hands of a loyal customer and friend who will continue its legacy.

That new owner is Jon-Paul Vanregenmorter, a dentist who owns Dutchman Dental in Tiverton.

LePage said he had expressed interest in purchasing the restaurant for years, prior to the pandemic, and is eager to embark on this new venture.

"He's like a mad scientist, he calls himself a dreamer," she said.

While customers can expect some tweaks to the menu, as well as a building refresh, the LePages assured in a Facebook post that "your favorite menu items will be staying the same, hours will not change just yet, and that warm welcoming atmosphere will still be in place for friends and families to gather."

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The restaurant will also be keeping the same recognizable name that's drawn so many to its location overlooking Watuppa Pond.

If all goes according to plan, and the liquor license is approved, LePage said new ownership will begin this week.

Sunday was the couple's last day at the restaurant and while that may seem so final she promised it wouldn't be the last Martine Street regulars would see of the pair. They'll still be popping in, only this time they'll be enjoying LePage's from the other side of the bar.

"They're not seeing us go," she said. "This place is staying, it's still LePage's, same great food, but now the former owners will be sitting at the bar relaxing" with their favorite customers.

The LePages first shared news of their retirement Friday in a post on their Facebook page that has since garnered hundreds of reactions and well-wishes.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we are truly grateful for the wonderful relationships we have formed with all of you. It has been such a pleasure to watch your families grow over time and it is a wonderful experience that we will cherish forever," the message states.

Since they no longer have to worry about manning the restaurant on a busy Friday and Saturday night, LePage said their weekend schedule will now be packed catching up with a long list of friends and family.

"There'll probably be no openings on our calendar," said LePage, who also looks forward to doing some traveling.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: LePage's Seafood and Grille: Fall River restaurant owners retire