HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- A long-time Horseheads restaurant and bar is under new ownership as of Friday. Beef's Bar and Grill's new owners shared more about the future of the neighborhood staple.
Beef's Bar and Grill has been open in Horseheads since the 1960s. As time has passed, the baton of ownership has been handed down and now falls into the hands of Paul and Kristi Mertsock.
The Mertsocks are taking on Beef's as the newest establishment in their food service journey. The pair already owns Curly's Chicken House in Elmira Heights and say they hope to expand their roots in customer and food service but not without maintaining the Beef's that the community has known.
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"When Beef's came up for sale, I was immediately interested in it because it is a staple in the community and our other business is also a staple in the community, so I thought they would pair together really well," said Kristi. "We were looking to get into something a little bit different, but in the same genre of being a restaurant and customer service, and so we decided Beef's was the place for us."
Paul agreed and added, "It was nostalgic. Beef's has been around for a long time, so has Curly's, so it kind of fits."
Beef's went on the market back in February listed at $799,900.
They also shared that several members of the community are curious about what will change now that they are running Beef's. For them, the answer is simple, not much.
Kristi shares that she grew up in Horseheads and came to Beef's when she was growing up. Knowing how important the spot is, she wants to ensure people that the traditions of Beef's will remain the same.
"I think that people will be surprised at some great things that we've got planned, especially for the summer and outdoor patio," said Kristi. "But the basics are all staying the same. Same employees, might see a few new faces, might see some faces from Curly's over here as well but, yeah, we don't plan on just changing anything. This is how it was. This is how we want it to be."
Of course, a change in ownership will come with some new elements in operation. The pair adds that a few new touches will be made to improve upon what is already at the restaurant.
First and foremost, the owners are looking to have a bigger presence on social media that aims to attract new customers.
Additionally, the pair wants to separate Beef's and Curly's and make each spot unique. However, Kristi says many have asked about Curly's coleslaw and she confirms that the popular Curly's dish will be added to Beef's preexisting fish fry on the menu.
Another exciting element the owners share with those who like the takeout option, DoorDash will be available within the coming weeks.
"People that haven't came in here they should see the place," said Paul. "It's beautiful in here. It's a great place to be. It's quiet, you know, it's kind of homey, so yeah, we love it here and hopefully we get some new people coming in and enjoying themselves."
There are already several events and parties on Beef's calendar in the coming weeks.
In fact, on their first night of official new ownership, an Ugly Sweater Christmas party is being held for all to attend.
On New Year's Eve, the community is being invited to Beef's to ring in 2025 with pizza, drinks, and festivities from DJ Biggie Entertainment.
For more information on upcoming events and additions at Beef's Bar and Grill, you can follow along on the restaurant's Facebook page.
Beef's Bar and Grill is located in Horseheads at 203 W Franklin Street.