John G. Ruggieri, Owner/Operator of New Bentleys Restaurant Photo credit: Looney and Grossman
Woodstock Early Birds, we have been in touch with John Ruggieri who is one of the partners who will be re-establishing Bentleys Restaurant in Woodstock and the place he and partner Maria Feddura will call RiverStones in Quechee (aka Firestones.)
Here is a summary of our questions and Ruggieri’s answers. As you all know by now, Ruggieri is Boston real estate attorney and a Barnard resident, having owned property there for many years. Maria Feddura has been part of Boston’s “The Daily Catch” restaurant franchise.
1. Who will be in charge of the new business/restaurant?
Preliminarily, overall management of the two (2) businesses will rest with Maria Feddura, a 40 year veteran of the restaurant business, and “key” on-site managers at each location. Folks will definitely see some familiar faces. I will be occasionally on site, mostly weekends.
2. Will former owners Bill Decklebaum and David Creech be involved?
For legal reasons, Bill and David will not be involved in ownership or management.
3. WEB rather lamely asked about a person she only knew as “The Plastic Surgeon” and about a former partner in the restaurant Bob Crowe — Will they be involved in the new business?
The “Plastic Surgeon” is Richard out of New York. He is the Manager of Oliver Block, LLC, our Landlord.
As I noted in the release, he is committed to the revitalization of Woodstock and Quechee (obviously, as a significant property owner), and he has provided what we believe are fair and reasonable rents and terms.
Oliver Block LLC is not involved in our business in any way, otherwise.
As to Robert Crowe, the person who David and Bill took steps to dismiss from his position with their now defunct companies, I will defer to their press release, as it speaks for itself.
Suffice it to say, we would have no contact, or involvement with Mr. Crowe, under any circumstances.
4. Will the Bentleys entity be “Daily Catch” fish-related? Will there be a new menu? Is the kitchen BIG ENOUGH for doing things properly?
We certainly do intend to “spruce up” the menus, perhaps most notably with some enticing specials –perhaps fish, Italian fare, etc additions. However, the restaurants will not be related to the Daily Catch franchise and seafood based menu.
Almost universally, we have heard that betterment is in order, but no one is seeking a wholesale change from the comfortable fare that Bentleys served.
We are now “cleaning out” and reorganizing the kitchen and work areas. We shall have ample room to operate, and put out excellent food to the patrons.
As to on-site presence, between Maria and I, and our newly to-be-installed “key” people, we are confident operations will be fun smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.
5. No offense to the great people (mostly) who have worked at Bentleys but that place was getting old, tired ….as you probably saw the bar was getting emptier and emptier and the reputation in town has been “do NOT eat at Bentley’s”?
It is our intent to change that feeling 180 degrees! With a great clean out, attention to detail, food quality and the bar, the place will “rock” again.
Also, we intend to bring back the décor that was the “best” of years gone by, and in addition, revitalize entertainment at both locations.
Excellent music, live pleasant performances, and a great atmosphere for both locals and visitors to enjoy!
Stay tuned!!!
Woodstock Early Birds, we will meet soon with Mr. Ruggieri and get some firmer dates for re-opening. We know one and all would love that brown paper on the windows to come on down once again. We also miss some of our friends and neighbors who provided us with such a welcoming watering hole.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 