Watertown's Century-Old Colesante's Reopens with Family Tribute

Key points

• Colesante's reopened on Saturday following a six-month renovation period.
• The bar, established in 1933, was among the first to receive a liquor license in the Watertown area after Prohibition ended.
• New owner Dan Fraser secured a new liquor license but maintained the original name and legacy.
• George Colesante, son of the original owner, purchased the first drink, which was a Fireball.
• The reopening drew a large crowd, with George Colesante noting it was the largest gathering he had seen in decades.

Background

This reopening follows a broader trend of historic local establishments reviving after closures or renovations, similar to the recent return of Carbone’s Hartford to downtown Hartford. While unrelated to federal historic preservation disputes, the event highlights community interest in preserving local cultural landmarks.

How outlets are covering it

WWNY emphasized the symbolic significance of the reopening, focusing on the family connection and the historical milestone of the first drink. NNY360, while its content was largely obscured by login prompts, indicated community engagement through the title 'Factory Street cheers (and honks),' suggesting a celebratory atmosphere involving local residents and possibly traffic noise, though specific details were not accessible.

Why it matters

The reopening of Colesante's serves as a marker of local resilience and the preservation of cultural heritage in Watertown. It demonstrates the community's attachment to long-standing institutions and the economic vitality of small businesses in the region.

What to watch

Colesante's is expected to continue operating as a local hub, potentially becoming a landmark for historical tourism in Watertown. The success of the reopening may influence the fate of other historic venues in the area.