ThisIsRochester.com: Food & Drink

Sushi retaurant closes unexpectedly

Oct. 17, 2019 -- A sign posted at California Rollin' in the Village Gate on North Goodma Street says the restaurant will be closed indefinitely.

The restarant has been named the best sushi location in City Newspaper's Best of Rochester poll for the last 10 years, according to its website.

Calls to the listed number for California Rollin' were not returned.

California Rollin' II remains open at the Port of Rochester.

Rick's Prime Rib House closing

Oct. 14, 2019 -- Rick's Prime Rib House will serve its last dinners this week, ending 56 years in business.

Frank and Barbara Zamiara opened Rick's Prime Rib House on Howard Road in Gates in 1963. Phil and Stacy Cammilleri purchased Rick's Prime Rib, located in the former Doud Post building on Buffalo Road, in 2006.

"We have decided that after dinner service on October 19, 2019, we will be closing Rick's Prime Rib House," the Cammilleris wrote on social media. "This was a difficult, but necessary decision for us, as we are looking forward to retirement and spending time with our family."

Spot Coffee in Buffalo under fire from state senator

July 4, 2019 -- State Sen. Tim Kennedy has called for or a boycott of Spot Coffee in Buffalo after the company fired three employees connected to a union organizing drive.

"Spot Coffee executives need to answer for these unlawful terminations, and until they do so, I urge Western New Yorkers to boycott their locations," the Buffalo Democrat said in a statement describing Spot Coffee's actions as "deeply disturbing."

Supporters of the fired workers gathered outside the chain's Williamsville location to protest the firings, and union organizers said they will file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The company responded with a statement on its Facebook page saying it was prepared to defend the firings before the NLRB.

Employees of a Spot Coffree location in Rochester voted to unionize this spring.

Qdoba fast-food chain abandons Rochester area

June 9, 2019 -- Qdoba Mexican Eats locations in Ridgecrest Plaza and CityGate as well as on Empire Boulevard in Penfield and Hylan Drive in Henrietta have closed, completing the chains hasty exit from the Rochester area.

A Twelve Corners location closed late last year. The San Diego-based chain entered the Rochester market in June 2016.

Spot Coffee workers vote to unionize

May 31, 2019 -- Employees at Spot Coffee voted to unionize, making the East Avenue shop one of the only local dining establishments to do so.

Employees had formed a committee in April to lay the groundwork for exploring the formation of a union. They aligned with the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United.

"We respect the decision of our employees at Spot Coffee Rochester to join a union," Spot president and CEO Anton Ayoub said in an email. "We hope to conclude a contract with the union that will not only be beneficial to our employees and the company, but also one that will promote our commitment to serve the community."

Roncone's closing its doors

May 8, 2019 -- Roncone's Italian Restaurant, a Rochester fixture since 1937, is closing its doors this week, but owner and chef Jimmy Paulino won't be out of business for long.

Paulino, who operated Roncone's for three years, is preparing to open Paulino's Restaurant at 2003 Lyell Ave. this spring. He will serve the recipes from Roncone's, including the homemade gnocchi, tripe and veal parmesan and others.

Friendly's closes Rochester-area locations

April 7, 2019 -- Three Rochester-area Friendly's restaurants closed over the weekend, part of a downsizing affecting 23 locations in the Northeast.

"We apologize for disappointing you on this visit, but this location is now closed for good," a sign on the Spencerport Road Friendly's read. "We regret that we do not have another Friendly's restaurant near you, but we hope that you will visit one of our other locations when traveling."

In an email to Friendly's franchisees, CEO George Michel spoke of efforts to "reinvigorate the Friendly's brand" in an industry with shifting consumer preferences and increased competition. He said 14 New York locations were closed.

The chain now has 174 locations.

Pittsford project gains approval

Jan. 3, 2019 -- A proposed nano-brewery along the Erie Canal is back on track after a decision by the Village of Pittsford's planning and zoning board of appeals.

The board rejected an appeal by the village trustees who disputed a favorable determination by the then-village building inspector. The next step will be for Hawley Brewing Co., to secure building permits for a 1,500-square-foot establishment at 50 State St.

The village currently has a moratorium on new construction projects while it updates its comprehensive plan.

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	A summary of noteworthy news about local food & drink
	Most recent developments Sushi retaurant closes unexpectedly Oct. 17, 2019 -- A sign posted at California Rollin' in the Village Gate on North Goodma Street says the restaurant will be closed indefinitely. The restarant has been named the best sushi location in City Newspaper's Best of Rochester poll for the last 10 years, according to its website. Calls to the listed number for California Rollin' were not returned. California Rollin' II remains open at the Port of Rochester. Rick's Prime Rib House closing Oct. 14, 2019 -- Rick's Prime Rib House will serve its last dinners this week, ending 56 years in business. Frank and Barbara Zamiara opened Rick's Prime Rib House on Howard Road in Gates in 1963. Phil and Stacy Cammilleri purchased Rick's Prime Rib, located in the former Doud Post building on Buffalo Road, in 2006. "We have decided that after dinner service on October 19, 2019, we will be closing Rick's Prime Rib House," the Cammilleris wrote on social media. "This was a difficult, but necessary decision for us, as we are looking forward to retirement and spending time with our family." Spot Coffee in Buffalo under fire from state senator July 4, 2019 -- State Sen. Tim Kennedy has called for or a boycott of Spot Coffee in Buffalo after the company fired three employees connected to a union organizing drive. "Spot Coffee executives need to answer for these unlawful terminations, and until they do so, I urge Western New Yorkers to boycott their locations," the Buffalo Democrat said in a statement describing Spot Coffee's actions as "deeply disturbing." Supporters of the fired workers gathered outside the chain's Williamsville location to protest the firings, and union organizers said they will file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The company responded with a statement on its Facebook page saying it was prepared to defend the firings before the NLRB. Employees of a Spot Coffree location in Rochester voted to unionize this spring. Qdoba fast-food chain abandons Rochester area June 9, 2019 -- Qdoba Mexican Eats locations in Ridgecrest Plaza and CityGate as well as on Empire Boulevard in Penfield and Hylan Drive in Henrietta have closed, completing the chains hasty exit from the Rochester area. A Twelve Corners location closed late last year. The San Diego-based chain entered the Rochester market in June 2016. Spot Coffee workers vote to unionize May 31, 2019 -- Employees at Spot Coffee voted to unionize, making the East Avenue shop one of the only local dining establishments to do so. Employees had formed a committee in April to lay the groundwork for exploring the formation of a union. They aligned with the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United. "We respect the decision of our employees at Spot Coffee Rochester to join a union," Spot president and CEO Anton Ayoub said in an email. "We hope to conclude a contract with the union that will not only be beneficial to our employees and the company, but also one that will promote our commitment to serve the community." Roncone's closing its doors May 8, 2019 -- Roncone's Italian Restaurant, a Rochester fixture since 1937, is closing its doors this week, but owner and chef Jimmy Paulino won't be out of business for long. Paulino, who operated Roncone's for three years, is preparing to open Paulino's Restaurant at 2003 Lyell Ave. this spring. He will serve the recipes from Roncone's, including the homemade gnocchi, tripe and veal parmesan and others. Friendly's closes Rochester-area locations April 7, 2019 -- Three Rochester-area Friendly's restaurants closed over the weekend, part of a downsizing affecting 23 locations in the Northeast. "We apologize for disappointing you on this visit, but this location is now closed for good," a sign on the Spencerport Road Friendly's read. "We regret that we do not have another Friendly's restaurant near you, but we hope that you will visit one of our other locations when traveling." In an email to Friendly's franchisees, CEO George Michel spoke of efforts to "reinvigorate the Friendly's brand" in an industry with shifting consumer preferences and increased competition. He said 14 New York locations were closed. The chain now has 174 locations. Pittsford project gains approval Jan. 3, 2019 -- A proposed nano-brewery along the Erie Canal is back on track after a decision by the Village of Pittsford's planning and zoning board of appeals. The board rejected an appeal by the village trustees who disputed a favorable determination by the then-village building inspector. The next step will be for Hawley Brewing Co., to secure building permits for a 1,500-square-foot establishment at 50 State St. The village currently has a moratorium on new construction projects while it updates its comprehensive plan.