COCHECTON — The old Cochecton Fire Station is undergoing a huge transformation into a bar and restaurant, but don't worry about learning a new name.

“We want to save people a sentence,” co-owner John Early explained. Rather than changing the name of the building, he and partner Ezekiel Miller want locals to know exactly where their new restaurant is located. “The whole idea is what was this place and what do people want it to be.”

Early and Miller, originally of Harrisonburg, VA, are both experienced restaurant managers, bartenders, and cocktail creators who have moved full-time into the area. They are currently in the process of finishing renovations that started in January and have allowed them to create a space from scratch, as they finally realize a long-time dream of opening their own bar. The goal is to serve locally curated meals and specialty cocktails to the community.

“We want to feed the truckers who drive by every day,” Miller said, “Everything is coming from this area, and the idea is giving it back to them. Thirty years ago this was a hub and we want to bring that back.”

With a focus on feeding the community, Early and Miller have received help from neighbors like the Nearings of Cochecton Feed Mill and Walter “Wally Gator” Warren. They've also enlisted the help of local chef Henning Nordanger who will be curating some recipes for the Cochecton Fire Station's brick oven.

“One of the benefits of working with Henning is not just his culinary skills, but his ability to price things,” Early said.

Early and Miller plan to use local produce and spirits to emanate the community feel. “Price can't stop anyone from coming here. If you have $5, come on in. We want to feed you.”

In addition, Early and Miller are creating specialty cocktails to help locals experience food and drink in a new way. While they'll still stock popular beers and wine, they want to help customers try new things.

“The reality is today is the best time ever to have a drink,” Early said. “We're not bringing something to them, we'll do this with them.”

When it's open the new Cochecton Fire House will also be kid-friendly, serving old-fashioned egg creams and hosting movie nights for families to come out and enjoy. Additionally they'd like to open the building to host parties and are looking for ideas from the community on other special events to offer.

While construction is almost done, the Cochecton Fire House opening is still to be determined. Rather than rushing to open, Early and Miller want to make sure they have quality product to be shared before announcing the opening.

Until then they'll be trying out recipes on family, friends and neighbors to make sure they're creating what people want.

“Our neighbors have been really helpful,” Miller said, “We couldn't do it without them.”