Central New York Loses Another Family Restaurant After 26 Years

The number of family restaurants closing in Central New York continues to grow.

We've lost Cavallo's in New Hartford, The Inn Between, Modern Malt in Armory Square, The Great Adirondack Steak & Seafood and Brewing Company, Sal's Seafood after 70 years, The Clam Bar, and The Hollywood Restaurant in Ithaca. That's just to name a few.

Another local favorite is closing its doors after 26 years.

Credit - Think Stock/Canva

Tug Hill Restaurant Closing

Osceola Outpost, may soon be no more in the Tug Hill region.

Kevin and Theresa Sullivan transformed the former RIP Market and opened the restaurant in March of 1999. Over the years, their 7 children worked in the restaurant and in the community.

"This truly was a family restaurant to the core, and as my generation began having children, the grandchildren also started working alongside all of us as well," said daughter Brittany Plumley who took over running the family business with her husband Jay.

They made significant renovations during the COVID shutdown and reopened in December 2021.

Looking for New Owners

The eatery, that is a favorite among snowmobilers, will remain open until March 30. Until then the family hopes to find someone willing to buy the business and keep it running in the future.

"The economy did not play a role in our decision. In fact, in the current fiscal year, we are having record-breaking revenues, even though we’ve been reducing our hours over the years to accommodate our busy schedules."

Jay and Brittany have 4 children under the age of 10 and two demanding full time jobs outside of the restaurant business. Although the Outpost is thriving, Brittany says they want to be there for their kids and have more time for activities and personal connections. "This decision is solely based on finding a healthier work-life balance while my children are young."

Shaping Generations

The Osceola Outpost has not only been a family business but has helped shape generations. It has taught work ethic, responsibility, how to have respectful conversations with the public, and how to work under pressure.

"I am so proud of what my family has built over the past 26 years and though it was a very difficult decision to close, it was important to us to leave with good memories and at the right time, rather than burning out."