Good Question: Is Bar-Bill still coming to the bay?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Here’s a good question about something new by Irondequoit Bay, right along Empire Boulevard at the old MacGregor’s location.

There was a lot of excitement about what was moving in but it’s not here yet.

Paul reached out to me: “Is there anything going on with the old Mcgregors on Empire Blvd? I heard it was going to be a Bar-Bill but have seen no activity.”

Yes, there’s something going on here and yes it’s going to be a Bar-Bill. The town approved it earlier this year. Here’s the original letter from the Bar-Bill owners. It says: 

It is our intent to reopen and rebrand the former MacGregor’s Restaurant located at 1129
Empire Boulevard in the Town of Penfield.

Our family owns and operates the iconic Bar-Bill Tavern (www.barbill.com) in Buffalo, NY. For
over 50 years the Bar-Bill has been home to what many argue are the best chicken wings
available in the birthplace of the “Buffalo Wing”. Sports hero’s and celebrities alike have made
the Bar-Bill a must stop over the years.

Rochester is a natural location for our third restaurant. Our restaurants are not franchises.
Ownership remains with Clark, wife Katie and sons, John and Harry. Our business model is
based on providing a great work environment for our people, high quality products for our
customers and being the best neighbor and an asset the community can be proud of.

We are planning only cosmetic work to the premises, painting and cleaning specifically. There
will be no changes to the exterior of the building or to the property.

We hope to be open to the public, summer 2022.

Obviously, that didn’t happen, so I called Clark Cook. His family runs Bar-Bill. He says they are now shooting for a spring opening.

I asked why the delay, but he didn’t elaborate other than saying things always take longer than planned. He did tell me they’ll start hiring staff early next year.

If you have a good question that you want us to answer, email Brennan Somers at GoodQuestion@whec.com.