Legendary Saratoga Springs Restaurant Sold! What Does It Mean?
Established in 1932 in downtown Saratoga Springs, a legendary restaurant has been sold and will change hands. What does that mean for Sperry's one of the city's oldest restaurants?
Sperry's Restaurant Has Been Sold
In just three days on the market, a contract agreement was reached for the restaurant and the building. JMO Partners sold it and one of the owners, Scott Johnson, told the Times Union that he is not to discuss the real deal. But he did say,
It’s a price that we wanted and the main thing is the new owner recognizes the value of keeping it as Sperry’s. That’s important to our sale. For the food, I hope they recognize the value of keeping that American traditional fare and seafood. But, I’m sure they will put their own spin on the menu.
What is Sperry's Restaurant's History?
Scott Johnson and JMO Partners were just the third owners of the restaurant. It is steeped in history on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs. It was well-known to locals, tourists, and of course track goers.
It started off as a speakeasy during the last year of prohibition and was owned by Chubby and Cappy Sperry. After prohibition, they turned it into a bar and restaurant.
Chubby's wife ran the restaurant for a few years after he passed away and then sold it in the mid-70s to John Rockwell and Ridge Qua. They owned it for decades and then in 2010 the most recent owners purchased Sperry's.
Scott Johnson talked about selling the restaurant.
It’s been 13 years. We have been stewards of a long-standing tradition. It’s time. I knew in my head and heart it was time for a new owner.
The new owner will keep the name Sperry's and hopefully preserve the atmosphere and its traditions.
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