Roost Restaurant, which Chef Kevin Reilly and his partner, Maria Santini started in Sparkill in 2013 before moving to a larger space around the corner in 2015, is under new ownership.
It's a new chapter, reads the announcement on the restaurant's page, posted Aug. 29. Ken Helman and Tommy Greco, the latter of whom has more than 30 years' experience in the hospitality industry, formally took over earlier in the month. Greco spent a few months shadowing Reilly and Santini to learn both the ropes and their customers. The restaurant never closed and has retained the same staff.
Greco is a longtime owner of The Ritz Bar and Lounge on West 46th Street (since closed), K Rico South
American Steakhouse in Hell's Kitchen (also closed), Pop Empanada and That Supper Club in Park Ridge, N.J. (where he lives). He said diners can expect the same Roost service and innovative food, although "a few little tweaks" are in the works.
Coming from a steakhouse background, he plans to source/upgrade different meats and fishes from some of his known vendors. That means USDA prime and fish from Hunt's Point and Fulton Fish Market. "I'm looking to change it and make it better but not change it if that makes sense," he said.
After Labor Day he's also bringing live music to the second-floor dining room/art space as well as planning to add curated wine dinners. (He has longstanding relationships with many vineyards including in Chile, where his wife is from.)
And there will be new art from Erin Parish, their new curator, whose work is focused on vivid colors and the repetition of geometric forms. Greco is looking to have quarterly shows.
He said many of Roost's loyal customers are artists with an appreciation for good art, music, wine and food so he immediately clicked with them and already feels at home.
Reilly and Santini, meanwhile, are in the midst of opening a 60-seat spot called Roost Santurce in San Juan with small plates, snacks and a few shared entrees.
If you go
Address: 2 Union St., Sparkill, 845-359-6700, roostinsparkill.com
Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Details on new ownership, tweaks for popular Rockland eatery | Exclusive
