Main Street Bistro, a highly-rated and well-known restaurant located at 59 Main St., was announced as sold last week. With intentions of keeping the menu, staff and operations the same, the restaurant was sold to the owner of iPho after about a year listed on New Paltz Properties.
As announced by New Paltz Properties via Facebook, Main Street Bistro was finally sold Oct. 10. The selling is long-anticipated by Doug and Theresea Thompson, who put the property on sale for $2 million earlier this year.
New Paltz Properties, when announcing the selling of the restaurant, included that “The best news is that the new owner plans to keep The Bistro just the way it is, which is a huge win for our community.” The loss of the beloved local restaurant and business was avoided in the long-awaited sale.
The price included not only the building but the restaurant business and two apartments above as well. This was likely done in an effort to preserve the entire business just as it was, as the buyer would be given the business rights with space to preserve the Bistro. At 3,360 square feet, the property has stood as a staple building on Main St. since being built in 1888.
Known for its affordable yet quality menu items, Main Street Bistro has established itself as a staple eatery on New Paltz’s Main Street. With enjoyable breakfast specials in a range under $5, the menu established itself as friendly to students, locals and tourists alike.
Doug Thompson, SUNY New Paltz alumni, bought the property from its previous owner in 1993. From there, he and his wife Theresea worked to fortify the restaurant that is presently Main Street Bistro. Selling Main Street Bistro was never intended to be a full abandonment by owners Doug and Theresea, with hopes that the next owner would continue the business with growth and expansion to keep up flow.
When initially announcing putting Main Street Bistro up for sale, co-owner Theresea Thompson specified the couple’s intent to retire and travel after selling the restaurant. “We love the Bistro, our loyal customers and the students at SUNY — we are both SUNY alumni — but it’s time for us to start crossing items off our bucket list,” said Thompson.
According to the initial listing on New Paltz Properties, the next owners were advised that “Cash flow can be increased further by expanding the catering business and opening the restaurant for dinner service.”
After 30 years of operation, Main Street Bistro will now be owned by Mary, who also owns local restaurant iPho only blocks away. With plans to keep all menu items, staff and operations the same, both owners and New Paltz residents look forward to the continuation of the business.