Spotlight on FINS

“Did someone say FREE PIZZA? Where!?”
“At FINS!”
“When did they get food?”

That’s usually how the conversation begins when I bring up FINS Bar & Nightclub, located at 37 Union Street in downtown New Bedford. FINS does have a kitchen, and has had one since its been open. However, recently some major changes have been made.

Last year, during the week between December 25th and December 31 st, FINS closed its doors in order to make some major alterations to the interior. The carpet is gone, the walls have been painted, the ceilings look brand new, and there is even a pool table now, which has created a totally different vibe inside.  In my opinion, that is something that was really needed.

About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with the owner, Dennis Audette, to find out why he decided to go with a new look, and how things have been going since the New Year brought us a new Fins.

So Dennis, first question:  What is your social security and DOB?… Haha just kidding. How long has FINS been open?
FINS has been open for five years now.

What is the meaning behind the name?
I was painting the walls blue and thought to myself, the place looks like a fish tank, so ‘FINS’ was launched.

Well that’s as good a reason as any, and it works considering New Bedford’s history.  Why did you decide to get into the bar business?
Downtown New Bedford had been changing over the last decade, and I saw an opportunity to create a fun place for people to socialize.

Yeah, you couldn’t get a better location. Right on the waterfront and now you’re surrounded by other venues, with each drawing its own particular crowd. It makes for some serious foot traffic around here.  What did you do before opening FINS?
I’ve always been self employed.

Why did you decide to renovate, and how would you describe the Fins face-lift?
Late last year, my staff, some very good friends and I worked on the renovations.  It was time to lighten and brighten the place to give FINS a fresh new look and vibe.  We wanted to be more welcoming, with a tropical, brighter, more updated feel.

Well you have certainly done that, everything looks great. As I mentioned earlier, your just one of many other bars and nightclubs at this end of Union street.  What sets FINS apart from the rest?
We are the only tropical-themed bar downtown, and the only place on lower Union Street that you can play pool.  Our music is now geared towards Top 40, ’80s, ’90s, and old school dance music, so you will always hear something that you will know and remember.  We are also offering our place for private functions, such as birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and almost any other function you can think of.

I have had your food before the renovations and it was delicious. What kind of food are you selling now? Pizza.  Not only pizza, but the best thin crust pizza you can get downtown.

Do you have any food specials?
Friday & Saturday nights we offer free pizza on the bar starting at midnight, and on Sundays, cheese pizzas are only $1.00.

What kind of regular specials do you have each week?
We have a special shot of the week, and we give out sweets for all the ladies. For example: brownies topped with whipped cream, gourmet chocolates…things like that.

That is something you usually only see around Valentines & Mother’s Day, and you do it all the time. What big events do you have coming up?
Nothing in particular, just getting ready for another fantastic summer in downtown New Bedford.

Is there anything you would like everyone to know?
We would like all of our old and new friends to come see all the changes, and feel the new vibe at Fins.  If you haven’t been to our place in a while, you need to come in and check us out!!

Hear that everyone! Get your butt down to FINS and check out the interior (there’s a new outside coming soon too!). Also check out FINS Discount Coupon on New Bedford Guide’s Southcoast Discount Coupon Page, good for a FREE PIZZA with ANY purchase!!!