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Baldwinsville’s Fireside Inn reopens as Fireside by the River

BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — After more than 40 years as the Fireside Inn, the casual dining restaurant and bar along the Seneca River in the village of Baldwinsville has a new name.

The Fireside Inn is now Fireside by the River, reopening for the second time since the late 1970s and 2017, and a grand opening celebration is scheduled on Thursday, March 7.

The new owners can see that the restaurant is a staple in the village of Baldwinsville and want to revitalize the physical space and reinvigorate the iconic restaurant.

Co-owner Brian Holmes — who owns Brian’s One Day Cleaners and co-owns Green Lakes Lanes in Fayetteville and Brick House Billiards in North Syracuse — will manage and lead the new Fireside by the River.

The restaurant has already transformed with extensive remodeling, adding warmth and charm to its décor while keeping the connection to the community as it has a long history in the Central New York community.

The spot originally opened as the Recreation Inn in what’s estimated to be the 1940s and then in the late 1970s, a new family took it over and changed the name to the Fireside Inn, operating for about 30 years.

It was in 2012 when the business suddenly closed, causing confusion and frustration from customers. Once new owners Francis Fiorito and Stan Dombroski took it over in 2017, it was then released the previous owners were forced to close in 2012 after owing more than 100,000 dollars in taxes.

At that time, Fiorito and Dombroski re-branded the Fireside Inn as an events center for functions including weddings, class reunions and graduations.

It wasn’t until last summer in 2023 that the pair sold the restaurant to Holmes who plans to make sure that every guest who walks through the doors feels welcomed by the Fireside family.

This starts with bringing back the people of the Fireside Inn like Joanna Gronau who’s been appointed as the General Manager. She will bring her understanding of the restaurant’s vision to play a central role in driving operational efficiency, enhancing guest experiences and charting the course for continued success.

“Baldwinsville has the essence of what we believe in,” said Holmes. “Its riverside setting adds to its experience, making it a truly special place to call home. We’re excited to be part of this community and we’re excited to share our love for hospitality and our love for food.”

Another Central New York familiar face, Chloe Romanyk, who worked with Holmes at his other restaurant Brick House Billiards, will be the Director of Food & Beverage.

“Inspiration comes from different people around me who can dream big,” said Holmes. “We believe in empowering our team, and Chloe’s passion and her dream to run her own restaurant inspired me.”

Guests at Fireside by the River can enjoy a refined yet approachable menu that includes items like Warm Brie with spiced pecans cranberries and a honey maple glaze, a Crab Cake of jumbo lump crab and cajun remoulade, and a variety of other prime cuts, poultry and seafood for every palate.

The Grand Reopening event will include the following:

  • A cocktail hour
  • Live music by guitarist Jeff Martin
  • Hors d’oeuvres
  • Menu samplings
  • Craft cocktails
  • A ribbon-cutting with the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce
  • Wine and bourbon tastings

The event is open to the community, friends and family on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to stay for dinner, with reservations available on the Fireside by the River website or by calling the restaurant.

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