Fayetteville, N.Y. — The Arad Evans Inn, a fine-dining restaurant located in a historic estate dating back to the 1840s, will close later this month after 30 years in business.
A new owner will take over with plans to open by next summer, current owner Jason Thomas said. The new owner is not ready to go public with those plans yet.
“It’s hard to part with the history, and with the staff,” Thomas told syracuse.com.
Thomas also recently sold his other Fayetteville restaurant, Papa Gallo Mexican, which is changing to a Peruvian-Mexican fusion concept under new owners.
The last night for Arad Evans at 7206 E. Genesee St. (Route 5) will be Saturday, Nov. 22. That means nine more “dinner services” are left.
“Please come in, see the staff you love, eat the food you love and give us more memories to be grateful for,” Thomas posted on social media.
Owners Melissa and Jason Thomas at Arad Evans Inn in Fayetteville following its reopening after a fire in 2021. (Don Cazentre | dcazentre@syracuse.com)
Arad Evans had a tough time a few years ago. Like many other restaurants, it had faced the shutdown and strict operating rules during Covid pandemic.
Then, just as it was preparing to reopen in the fall of 2020, it was heavily damaged by a fire. It finally reopened in September 2021.
During the repairs, Thomas and his wife, Melissa, took advantage of the opportunity to restore some of the historic features (including a portrait of original building owner Arad Evans) while also adding modern touches like a new parlor near the entrance.
The menu also changed a bit, moving from what Thomas called “the traditional protein and sides format to something a little more modern, more flexible.”
The current menu features starters like escargot and oysters to flatbreads and entrees ranging from shrimp & grits and smashburgers to more high-end steaks and seafood.
Customers are urged to use gift cards now or contact the restaurant to make other arrangements.
“We are extremely grateful for so many years of incredible memories with the best customers and staff,” Thomas’ Facebook message read. “Thank you for your support all of these years.”
Inside the dining room at Arad Evans Inn, Fayetteville, N.Y. (Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gmail.com)Jared Paventi | jaredpaventi@gma
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Dining and Cooking