PAWTUCKET -- The owner of Bobby's Banquet Hall on Route 1A said this morning he hopes to reopen the business by the first of the year.

`` I hope to find another investor to run the place and have been in contact with several,'' said Armand Desnoyers of South Attleboro.

Bobby's closed abruptly at the end of November, with an indication the closing was temporary but no apparent move to reopen.

Meanwhile, a number of events scheduled for the function hall had to be canceled or relocated.

Desnoyers said he intended to return the deposits of those who booked events at Bobby's that couldn't be held. For complete story, see today's Sun Chronicle.