The Cellar Restaurant under new ownership

OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A staple restaurant in Owego has changed owners, but they say the culture is staying the same.

The Cellar Restaurant and Bar on the River held a ribbon cutting celebration for the new owners, John and Stephanie Whitmore.

The Cellar is right along the bank of the Susquehanna River and offers a finer dining experience with a view of the river.

The Whitmore’s say that they are keeping the entire staff. They say, even the former owners, Bob and Sandy Layman, will continue to work.

John Whitmore says the menu won’t be changing too much. He says what will be changing are some updates to furniture and the walls, specifically on the back porch.

“And make it a nicer seating area out there. Maybe some fire pits and some comfortable furniture, versus the seating that’s there. Just so, you get to enjoy the river. There’s so many businesses here, Owego put a beautiful river walk out back, we want to capitalize on that as well,” said Whitmore.

The Cellar has longstanding ties in the Village of Owego, originally opening in 1982.

The Whitmores also own the Pumpelly Estate Bed and Breakfast on Front Street in Owego.

They say the Cellar will re-open in the next two weeks.

You can find their menu online, at TheCellarRestaurant.net .

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