Woodstock Early Birds, it is with regret that many Villagers noticed the brown paper up on Bentley’s Restaurant this morning. Bentley’s and Firestones are closing.
We made inquiries, but could not reach the principals David Creech and Bill Decklebaum.
However, from sources inside, we can confirm that Bentley’s and Firestones Restaurants are closed and will be for the time being. We don’t know if this is “temporary” or “forever.”
We do understand that some key personnel may be kept on retainer in case new owner/operators are announced.
For the time being, all parties involved are sequestered behind closed doors in a meeting (not to be disturbed — we asked). We note, however, a triad of heretofore unknown personalities in a separate room who referred all inquiries to those in the meeting.
There are no preparations being made for lunch or for dinner at this time.
We definitely thank David and Bill for their years and years and years of contribution to this well-known watering hole, eatery, playground, dance hall and anchor of the Woodstock Community.
This restaurant space is key to the Village’s economic vitality, but is just the latest of several storefronts to be abandoned for various reasons — most of which include inability to keep up with high rents. In this case, the situation was a bit more complicated we are told but have not been provided with the details.
Bentley’s and Firestone’s in recent years had been plagued by at least two bookkeeping “situations” with several asked to leave after embezzlement accusations. We had heard, of late, that restaurant consultants from a well-known Boston fish restaurant might be serving as consultants or planning some changes. We do not have any confirmation of that, at this time.
Update: David Creech did share that he hoped we might have some news in three to four weeks time about what might be happening to the restaurant space. When we asked for information of the three “unknowns” in their “war-room” we were referred to a John Ruggierio.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 