Rongovian Embassy To Get New Management?
The news comes from Chowhound, who recently came to Trumansburg to have a bite at the Hazelnut Kitchen, which seems to be getting a good reputation far outside of Tompkins County. Still, Chowhound would have liked more beets and less trout with the trout and beets, and reports that the bun on the burger was too big. Oh, the hurdles we all must face in life…
Anyway, Chowhound reports hopping over to the Rongovian Embassy for a drink after dinner, and says that someone there said that the bar would soon be getting new management, and that they’d be serving food once more, in the on-again-off-again Rongo kitchen. Is it true? I’ll admit that I’m not among those who frequents the Rongo, so I don’t know, and I can’t find confirmation of a sale by the current owner, Mike Barry.
I was in the Rongo about two weeks ago or so. Yes, they’re definitely switching ownership on July 1. I think there will be good drink deals to be had on June 29 and 30, as they look to get all possible revenue from the remaining inventory.
I haven’t been here long enough to know the new owner, but I was told he’s a former middle school or high school principal; a lot of folks drinking at the bar that night apparently know him.
I later heard that after he’d agreed to purchase the Rongo, the owner backed out, and the buyer then sued to get the deal closed, which happened. I just heard that on the street, though – might just be rumors. I don’t know.
So who did buy the Rongo?
The new owner of the Rongo is Tom Covell. He is a local guy from Trumansburg and it’s his dad who was a school principal. His wife is Cheryl (sp?) and they have 3 lovely daughters.
Mike Barry was finally booted from Apt. 5 after he puked on the brand new kitchen back deck that was just built(from his fire escape, a story up).
As a local, and a musician, Tom’s goal is to not only bring back the Rongo as a restaurant and vital music venue, but also make some significant updates and improvements to the building- while keeping the earthy, funky Rongo vibe. Jeez, what am I, the publicist for this place? No, I’m the electrician, actually, and bassist if need be.
We have just finished the fire safety aspects of the renovation, so we are ready for a city inspection. Once approved, Tom will get a certificate of occupancy and in turn, be eligible to apply for a liquor license. The kitchen won’t be operational for a few more weeks, mainly since the giant exhaust hood has to be replaced to meet code.
So for the time being, there will be occasional music shows (SRB tonight) with an outside caterer supplying wine & beer. I think the new soda lines might be in…
Come see a show and check out the newly re-built stage and soundbooth!
I met a gal at the Rongo 26 years ago; we got married in 1984 and moved out of the area. We moved back 2 years ago and were bummed in late August when we went to the Rongo hoping to get some drinks and Tex-Mex with our son, and found the place closed. Thanks for the update, Walt; we’re very glad to hear it’ll be re-opening. Any idea if it’ll return to Tex-Mex?
Walt:
Thanks for clearing up who the new owner really is! I am excited for the T-Burg community. Tom will bring back fond memories of the “old” Rongo. I am anxiously awaiting the “grand opening”
Mike Barry was a terrible owner, a terrible businessman, and is a terrible human being. Good luck to the new Rongovian Embassy management, and hopefully things work out well. Beautiful place-beautiful town- wonderful place to enjoy excellent local and regional talent!
So, is the Rongovian Embassy open or what? Will be up there mid january, would be good to know.
I started going to the Rongo in 1973 then left the area for 25 years. I am looking forward to seeing the end results of all the renovations. And looking forward to seeing the line-up.
I was there the night the place opened. I was 17 and was asked to leave by Brooksie’s wife, Vivian, (not THAT Vivian). I was the first 86 at the good old Rongo. My brother and Dad both worked there in some capacity throughout the 70s. Brooks was really kind to my family. I was a bit of a trouble-maker though and Brooksie was always ready to point out my various shortcomings, but always with humor and a gleam in his eye. I met various Owners over the years. Not exactly a rogues gallery. Mike B was not the first rascal to carry the torch of a truly grand T-Burg tradition. When I met him he was an energetic Owner who wanted to keep the tradition alive. I think he succeeded.
Good luck to the new Owners’s. I hope to see you again someday for some beers and some hot chile.
By the way I love this website. I grew up living on Congress Street a few houses away from the Conservatory. Fromm 1955 – 1978. I love the photography. The pictures of the flooding last year were outstanding. Makes me really miss the place!