Beloved Hudson Valley Restaurant Quietly Being Sold

A historic Hudson Valley restaurant that was once a brothel is being sold by its owners.

We've seen many Hudson Valley restaurants and businesses go on sale over the past few months. Just this week we found out that a trendy Dutchess County bar and restaurant was on the market. Now, another favorite Hudson Valley restaurant is being sold.

It appears that the owners of another Hudson Valley restaurant are now selling.

The listing asks potential buyers to use discretion when approaching employees about the sale.

As per owner’s request, please be discreet if you are visiting the restaurant during business hours and do not make direct inquiries to the employees about this offering. Please contact the listing agent for additional information, and to set up a private accompanied tour.

The wording made it appear to us that the restaurant was attempting to keep its employees from finding out about the sale, as several other restaurants have recently done in the Hudson Valley, but the owners have since reached out to let us know that is not the case at all.

We informed all of our staff about the potential sale and are not keeping anything a secret. We are in fact just trying to protect our employees from being bothered while we are trying to run a business, and so our staff can focus on their job which is to provide great food and service. This is why we are a beloved restaurant.

 

The restaurant is the Hoot Owl on 26 Awosting Road in Pine Bush. The popular comfort food destination has been called a "hidden gem" by dedicated customers. The Hoot Owl's menu consists of entrees like fried chicken, baby back ribs and Osso Buco, but the restaurant may actually be more well-known for its popular raptor events.

Owners Arif and Sabeen occasionally welcome Wild Mountain Birds to come and show off their rescue owls and other raptors. Recently they held an event at the restaurant with the birds while serving tacos and drinks outdoors.

The building that houses the restaurant was erected in 1856 and was once a popular brothel. The building also served as a post office and a general store before becoming The Hoot Owl in 1947. According to the owners, the business had its "ups and downs" through the years until it shut down in 2013. The current owners took over the building and brought the restaurant back to life in 2017.

According to a listing from Upstate Curious Team, the 2,784-square-foot restaurant and business is being sold for $699,000. This also includes a second-floor apartment that can be used as a residence or for rental income.