To the Hull Community and our Valued Customers,

In 2018, our family embarked on a journey that we hoped would contribute to the revitalization of Nantasket Beach and the town of Hull. We purchased an incredible 3.5-acre property that held cherished memories for many but had long since fallen into disrepair. At that time, Chris was recovering from cancer treatment, and Nantasket Beach had become a place of healing for our family. Although we didn’t grow up on the South Shore, it had become our home. We both grew up in beach towns, and we felt incredibly fortunate to live close to a world-class city while still enjoying the serenity of the ocean. When we saw this property, we saw an opportunity to make a positive impact on our community.

We quickly got to work with a growing and committed team, revamping the arcade and mini-golf, opening a beachside food shack and ice cream stand, and reintroducing Fascination, a 100-year-old gaming hall. We brought in local art, vendors, and fitness activities, transforming a defunct space into a vibrant community hub. In a short time, we launched five businesses, all while raising three young children and managing our full-time jobs. The following year, we added a liquor license and entertainment options, which brought new intensity to the business.

The energy around the property was infectious, and the community rallied behind us and the growing team running the businesses. From birthday parties to local sports events, the property was alive with activity. However, as the momentum continued, so did the challenges. Managing a business of this scale without prior experience, on top of our other responsibilities, became overwhelming.

Then the pandemic hit. Practically overnight, we went from hosting packed events to figuring out how to keep the lights on. We tried to adapt, but the truth is, the business had outgrown us. We faced difficult decisions, and despite our best efforts, we couldn’t maintain the operational expertise needed to keep things running smoothly.

Yet, we remained committed to realizing our vision for this property. In 2020, during the pandemic, we expanded further, adding an outdoor boardwalk with shipping containers, a beach volleyball court, and an event space with views of the water. We spent our life savings trying to complete this vision and stay open that year. Eventually, we were forced to sell a majority interest in the property and sought new operators for the businesses.

We committed to our new partners that we would advance the redevelopment of a portion of the property to try and recoup our investment. However, when the operators we had thought we leased the property to decided not to continue and made every effort to prevent others from doing so, we faced a tough choice: either give up or try to operate the business ourselves.

In retrospect, once we were no longer able to effectively run and manage these businesses, we should have stayed closed until we could sell the property or find a qualified owner to take over. But it’s hard to admit that something you’ve poured your life and savings into hasn’t matched your vision. The operational challenges mounted to the point where we no longer felt it was safe to continue. When we first permitted this project, we made a commitment to the town and to ourselves that when we no longer felt safe taking our kids there, we would shut it down. That day had long since come, and we were forced to close in December 2023.

The property was sold to The Procopio Companies in May. They plan to deliver a $65 million project to the site. They made the correct decision not to continue operations due to mounting liability issues. The new development will include a brand-new arcade, restaurant, and outdoor area, ensuring the long-term viability of the businesses. We are excited about the prospect of seeing businesses thrive in a new venue. The redevelopment also includes a community resource space for the Hull Chamber of Commerce and local non-profits, as well as funding for marketing and transportation—critical initiatives for attracting visitors year-round.

Moreover, the project will greatly enhance contributions to public art. In 2019, with the leadership of the Town and a dedicated group of local residents, we collaborated with the State and the Town to activate the ArtWalk, transforming a neglected area into a vibrant showcase for local artists. The new redevelopment plan will further invest in this important asset.

To the community that supported us, we want to say thank you. Thank you for believing in our vision, for the countless hours of fun and laughter you shared with us, and for helping us breathe new life into a piece of local history. We are grateful for the experience, humbled by the lessons learned, and proud of what we accomplished.

The arcade, beer hall, and new businesses will be back, run by entrepreneurs with the experience and commitment to make them better than ever. We can’t wait to visit with our kids and future grandkids.

With gratitude and humility,

Diana and Chris Reale