excerpts from Oct 23, 2009 article, Investing with Style SouthCoast.com

.........Cardoza opened the popular night spot in December of 2006, hoping, he said, to give downtown a shot in the arm economically, even when others had closed or shied away from locating there. The city, although in an ongoing state of revitalization, was still a risky investment.

................"I have always had a lot of faith in Downtown New Bedford and have been a supporter of historic preservation and the arts since I returned home in 1987," Cardoza said. "I also had a strong vision of the way the neighborhood might grow around us.”..........

.......New Bedford Economic Development Center Executive Director Matthew Morrissey recalled the origin of the Cork concept, one he said set the stage for many others to follow.............“Richard purchased and built out the first floor and basement shell from unfinished warehouse space into the area’s finest wine and tapas bar—creating an atmosphere that is only experienced in the finest cities of the world,” said Morrissey. “Cork Wine and Tapas bar is an outstanding example of how well-executed private development can induce and spur additional economic growth.”....................

.............“The development of Cork has indirectly helped catalyze and inspire other investments in the immediate vicinity, such as the Waterfront Grille, Café Balina, and the Rose Alley Ale House, among many others in the Downtown,” added Morrissey. “In addition, Cork has served to define a higher standard of historic preservation and fine customer service to a growing audience in the region.”.........

New Bedford businesses honored for positive economic impact

Standard-Times June 30, 2009

Cork Wine & Tapas Bar

Established in December 2006 by longtime New Bedford champion Richard Cardoza, Cork is an upscale wine and tapas bar that opened in the renovated 90 Front Street building, a 170-year-old whaling-era building located within New Bedford's Historic National Park. The investment made was over $650,000 and the business has generated eight full-time and four part-time positions totaling over $275,000 per year in salary and wages.

Many have credited the establishment of Cork as helping to "jumpstart" the downtown economy and encouraging other private development in the historic district. Not long after opening Cork, a nearby rundown building was purchased by local developers, and plans were put into place to renovate the property into an upscale Ale House. Since then, a new hotel has also broken ground, and several other restaurants, upscale pubs, galleries, and shops have opened. Cardoza is also the owner of Cardoza's Wine & Spirits

ABOUT RICHARD CARDOZA

A Legacy of Vision and Revitalization

Richard Cardoza is a seasoned entrepreneur and developer with a career defined by his ability to identify untapped potential and transform it into premier destination experiences. For over three decades, Richard has sat at the intersection of fine wine, retail innovation, and strategic urban redevelopment.

An Architect of Downtown New Bedford Revitalization

Investors and partners recognize Richard as a foundational figure in the modern revitalization of downtown corridors. Most notably, in 2006, he spearheaded the transformation of the New Bedford Historic Whaling National Park with the opening of Cork wine & tapas bar. At a time when downtown required a bold new direction, Richard’s vision for Cork served as a catalyst, proving that high-end, curated experiences could serve as the anchor for broader economic growth.

A Proven Industry Veteran

Richard’s expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the wine and spirits industry, a journey that began in 1987 when he returned to his family’s roots to modernize their operations. He successfully transitioned a traditional "package goods" model into a sophisticated, multi-state fine wine and spirits chain. His accomplishments include:

• Retail Leadership: Building a regional empire of luxury wine boutiques and beverage catering services.

• Market Innovation: Founding Negociant Direct, VINIUM, Cardoza Family Wines, Titan Wine Company, and disrupting traditional distribution models, with 30+ others, Richard is at home bringing global value directly to high-end consumers.

• Strategic Expansion: Scaling businesses from single-unit operations to regional powerhouses with national distribution footprints.

The Future: Napa Underground & Harvest Lane

Today, Richard is applying his decades of operational expertise and development acumen to Napa Underground and Harvest Lane Napa. His approach remains consistent: honoring history while building for the future.

By leveraging the heritage of the Union Wine Shop—the licensed facility his family successfully transitioned into following the repeal of Prohibition—Richard bridges the gap between historic authenticity and modern luxury. For investors, Richard Cardoza represents the rare combination of a "boots-on-the-ground" operator and a strategic visionary who knows exactly how to build value in the heart of Napa.