Pittsfield restaurant to have new owner

PITTSFIELD – Simons Family Restaurant – formerly the Big Dog Diner, former Corriander’s, formerly Ken’s Restaurant, formerly The Oak Stove – is in the process of changing owners yet again.

This time the owner is someone quite familiar with Pittsfield businesses and tastes. K.C. Comfort, who owns Pittsfield Motor Inn on Somerset Avenue, confirmed Friday that he is the process of buying the Main Street restaurant.

“We haven’t decided yet,” he answered, when asked if he planned any changes to the family-style eatery. “Once all the licenses are changed over, which should take about a month, we’ll make some announcements then.”

Several years ago, Comfort attempted to secure planning board approval for a large addition on the south side of Pittsfield Motor Inn to include a restaurant and banquet room. He was denied based on setback requirements.

The restaurant has intermittently been successful for its owners but has proved to be a losing operation for the town. Former owners Anthony and Carole Russo, who operated it as Corriander’s, defaulted on a $77,060 revolving loan when they filed bankruptcy. The town was forced to write off the loan but acquired the Main Street building. After advertising unsuccessfully for a year, the Town Council agreed to the Simons’ offer of $22,500 for the building.

Alden and Mary Ellen Simons then extensively renovated the dining area, keeping landmark tin ceilings and walls in place. A few months ago, they renovated the downstairs of the restaurant, creating Simons’ Cellar, a bar and game room.

A waitress answering the telephone at Simons on Friday morning said that neither Alden or Mary Ellen Simons still are employed at the restaurant.

Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said on Friday that the town must recoup a revolving loan awarded to the Simons before the sale can be completed. The $25,000 loan has had only $650.72 paid on it since the beginning of the year, leaving a balance due of $24,349.28 plus interest.