Changes in the works at Barnard Restaurant and Party House in Greece
If you've been a fan of the Friday night fish fries at the Barnard Restaurant and Party House over the past 17 years, you have a few more weeks to get one.
Mike Sheedy, who has run the establishment since 2005, will serve his last dinner there on Nov. 18. His lease was not renewed. But Sheedy will continue to operate Forest Hill Restaurant, 41 E. Manitou Road in Greece, which he has owned since 1977.
A mainstay in Greece, Barnard Restaurant and Party House is owned by The Barnard Exempt Firemen’s Association. Formed in 1935, its primary purpose is to aid volunteer firefighters from the Barnard Fire District. That might include paying the living expenses for a firefighter recovering from an on-the-job injury or supporting a family after the death of a firefighter. Barnard is one of four fire districts in Greece.
The building at 360 Maiden Lane was constructed in 1936, and revenues from its operation support the organization's mission. Years ago, members of Barnard Exempts ran the bar and restaurant, but as its number of members declined, they turned to restaurateurs and caterers to run it.
Over the years, it has been the scene of many baby showers, class reunions, funeral luncheons, weddings, banquets, anniversary celebrations, fundraisers, holiday meals and so on.
The organization is struggling and needs to increase its revenues, said John Shick, one of the organization's trustees. The number of volunteer fire fighters is down, and so too is its pool of potential members. It currently has 60 active members.
Barnard Exempts has been talking to potential tenants and is awaiting business proposals, Shick said. They would like to see an operator open the restaurant five to six days a week, instead of the current Friday nights. They would also like to capitalize on the organization's 14 acres of land and out buildings. They hope to see the return of large events; in the past, the grounds hosted Roc City Rib Fest and the Barnard Fire department's annual carnival.
Tracy Schuhmacher is food, drink and culture reporter for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Follow Tracy on Twitter or Instagram: @rahchachow.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Changes in the works at Barnard Restaurant and Party House in Greece
