SOMERSET — Magoni’s Ferry Landing, a Somerset landmark for over 70 years famous for its prime rib and complementary cinnamon sugar doughnuts, is up for sale.

According to a real estate listing on Salt Marsh Realty Group, the iconic Italian family restaurant and lounge at 681 Riverside Ave. is on the market as a turnkey business, with the owners “looking for someone to take business to the next level.”

The asking price is $1.25 million.

Owner Jeff Magoni said at 71 years old, it’s time to sell and spend more time with his five grandkids.

“We’ve been working since COVID. Between the employment situation and everything else, we’ve been running ourselves ragged,” Magoni said. “It’s about that time.”

What's included in the sale

The sale includes a full liquor license, along with “all fixtures, equipment, real estate, vintage memorabilia, original neon sign” and more.

The property is 1.54 acres. The building’s capacity is 296 patrons, with parking for 100 vehicles.

The restaurant is close to the former Brightman Street Bridge, once a common thoroughfare connecting Fall River and Somerset. That bridge’s closing, and the opening of the Veterans Memorial Bridge in 2011, moved the bulk of that traffic 1,000 feet to the north.

According to the listing, Magoni’s is located in the Slade's Ferry Economic Opportunity District, with “mixed use zoning for Commercial and Residential within guild lines.”

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Keeping the Magoni family name alive

The restaurant serves Italian favorites like calamari a la Mama, chicken marsala and homemade pizzas. They’ve also been known for their seafood and mid-century favorites like baked meatloaf. From the windows, diners have a view of the Taunton River and the Fall River skyline beyond.

Originally founded by Mary Magoni in 1951, it's been in the family for several generations. Magoni said he has been a part of the business for 54 years — the last two decades plus have been on his own. He's been sole owner since his brother, Louis P. Magoni Jr., died in 1999.

Magoni said he'd be pleased if a new owner kept the restaurant name long familiar to locals, "but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen."

"I’ve been driven by keeping the family name alive and I know that’s what my father would’ve liked," Magoni said. "But it comes to a point, you can only do so much."

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Magoni's memories

Several diners were enjoying meals on Wednesday afternoon, where a board listed the daily special as "Everyone and Everything."

Comments on The Herald News' Facebook page lamented the sale and sharing their Magoni's memories.

"I can’t remember not going there! Sitting at the bar or on the bar side was always my favorite. Great lobster specials, delicious, prime rib, and always good sides," commented Donna Futoransky.

"Those little cinnamon buns were something to look forward to," wrote Jan Gray, a sentiment echoed by many commenters.

"My bridal shower was there years ago and always went there growing up," wrote Jill Ann Ferns.

Businessman Carl Sawejko weighed in: "What a wonderful family and one of my favorite restaurants. I have been dining there for more than 40 years."

Magoni said until the property is sold, Magoni's will not close. Anybody with a hankering for the cinnamon sticks is welcome to drop by and grab some — they're open Wednesdays to Sundays for lunch and dinner.

"It’s business as usual," he said. "We’re still working, but we put it out there. Let’s see what happens."

This story has been updated.

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Magoni's in Somerset for sale; owners selling Italian restaurant