NEVERSINK — Engineer Glenn Smith and property owner Catherine Coombe put forth a proposal to re-open the Chestnut Wood Restaurant before the Town of Neversink Planning Board on February 5, which the Board granted approval.

The special use permit remains subject to several conditions, including compliance with state Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.

The historic restaurant, at 7991 Route 55, is the site of the former Eureka Cafe in Grahamsville. Their plans call for the space to be transformed into a family-friendly American-style restaurant.

During the public hearing session for a special use permit application, Smith made a note of the building being in the H Zone which permits restaurants. He promised that the building would be staying as is aside from renovation which will be worked on by Catherine’s daughter.

The siding, for example, aims to be a color that is visible from a distance. Their current aim is barn red.

“The roof will be black so that if someone wanted to change the siding color in the future they could do that,” assured Coombe.

The existing sewer line and drilled well will be reused, and a grease trap will be installed to meet Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations.

The parking area will also be upgraded, with 21 spaces, providing ample room for up to 70 customers. Additionally, a designated outdoor dining area will be constructed on the eastern side of the restaurant, separated from the parking lot by safety bollards.

He stated that “basically the two lots will stay … one side is 10 spaces the other side is 20 spaces.”

One Neversink resident jokingly asked if they could make reservations and that having a place to walk to dinner is “awesome”.

Coombe confirmed that the intended type of restaurant is a “family establishment”.

“[It will be serving] American cuisine: basically burgers, steaks, seafood,” stated Coombe. “It is hoping to apply for an alcohol and liquor license.”

Coombe and Smith also provided details of the proposed renovations, which include interior upgrades, a relocated and expanded kitchen, two dining rooms, a pub area and two restrooms.

The building’s footprint will remain unchanged, while the exterior will be enhanced with new lighting in the parking lots and on the building, as well as lighted signage. 

Smith assured attendees that the renovations would comply with Neversink’s zoning code, noting that the lot size met all requirements.

Coombe and her husband have since formed Dark Sky Hospitality LLC, which owns the restaurant property. She also confirmed that the LLC is unrelated to a similarly named glamping business. Dark Sky Hospitality LLC purchased the property from Country House Realty Inc. in September 2023 for $275,000, according to Sullivan County property records.

When discussing the opening date, Coombe stated that it was a factor on contractor speed.

“We weren’t sure if there would be contractors available,” stated Coombe. “We already have [a contractor] working on it and he’s already removed parts of the interior.”

She roughly estimated a summer 2025 opening.

 but couldn’t say for certain because “you know how projects go.”

Following a discussion about the restaurant’s proposed hours of operation, which Coombe anticipated would typically end around 8 or 9 p.m., a Planning Board member suggested that approval should allow for later hours, particularly for special events like weddings. 

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