Family & Community - The return of Stone’s Countryside Tavern

Provided Photos

Family & Community: A Successful Recipe for Stone’s Countryside Tavern

By Colleen Onuffer Like the mythical phoenix, Stone’s Countryside Tavern on Buffalo Road in Churchville has risen from the ashes - literally. In June of 2020, amidst the global pandemic, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the bar and restaurant. Thinking back to that moment, owner Valerie Chesley said, “We had five separate fire departments here that night. We knew everyone that was here pu�ng out the fire.” Her brother and co-owner, Dan Stone, added, “There was so much light out there, you could see it from space.”

The months following the fire was an emo�onal �me for the family. “It was hard to come in here the first couple of months,” said Chesley, no�ng that she grew up at Stone’s. The building was first purchased by Chesley and Stone’s parents over 40 years ago and run as a tavern. In 1985, it transi�oned into a restaurant with the addi�on of the dining room. Truly a family business, Chesley, Stone and their siblings have worked there throughout the years, as well as aunts, daughters, son in laws, nieces and more. Their dad, now 83 years old, s�ll helps out every day. “People kept stopping in,” said Stone, describing the months a�er the fire when individuals would check in on the family in person and by email. “It helped us amazingly – got us through it.” It took ten months of cleaning, planning and upda�ng to get the restaurant back up and running. Everything in the building

Owners and siblings Valerie Chesley and Dan Stone

The original building circa 1971

Provided Phota

Con�nued from pg. 6 is brand new, including the layout. One of the most no�ceable differences is the bar, now located along the back wall. The majority of customers love the changes but adjustments that big weren’t easily diges�ble for the family. “Took us a couple of months to like it,” joked Stone. When asked if they ever considered not reopening a�er the fire, Chesley exclaimed, “We couldn’t do that to people!” She added, “We stayed open during COVID and even delivered food to people because they are our family. People were coming in and saying how much they needed to get a nice meal, some normalcy to take the stress off.” Unlike many other restaurants and small businesses, Stone’s was able to successfully stay open during the first months of the pandemic, no�ng it was a very busy �me for them. They were selling 500 fish fries each Friday during Lent, which had been recognized as one of the top five best fish fries in the Rochester area by the Democrat & Chronicle. But it’s not just the customers that would be disappointed if Stone’s decided not to reopen. “We would be lost without the restaurant,” explained Stone. “You get really close to the families,” said Chesley. The restaurant has proudly waited on genera�ons of families – from great grandparents down to babies. Some customers have been coming for so long, they can almost wait on themselves, joked the owners.

Stone’s enjoys being a part of the westside community. “We know what’s going on in your lives. You know what’s going on in our lives,” said Stone. “We try to make everyone have a good day.” And having a good day is what they’re doing. “The restaurant business isn’t easy but it’s easy to get up and go to work when you like what you do,” said Stone. Stones Countryside Tavern is located at 6120 Buffalo Rd, in Churchville

CHECK IT OUT!

When You See This Play Button Throughout Our Magazine. Click On It And See Some Great Video Content!

Lois and Ted Stone owned the restaurant since 1978 Provided Photo

STRUCK FLOORS & REMODELING

Experience You Can Trust

BAMBOO • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE CERAMIC • VINYL • CARPET

All phases of remodeling including but not limited to Kitchens, Baths and Basements In-House Installers

Family Owned and Operated Since 1970 (585) 352-0450 • STRUCKFLOORS.COM

Come in and let us help you create beautiful rooms in your home! 299 GILLETT ROAD • SPENCERPORT, NY

My Hometown Oct/Nov 2021 l 7