Comments on: Rongovian Embassy To Get New Management?

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:50:31 +0000

I use to go to the Rongo back in the earily 70′s ( 1973-76) and loved the place. It was orginally operated by two Cornell hotel grad’s who really knew what they were doing. I spent lots of money and time at the place and have very fond memories.

Since moving out west 32 years ago, I have only been back a few times. I very pleased that a new owner is in place and is attempting to restore it to the “70′s” vitality.

I wish him well.

Steve

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:50:30 +0000

I went to Rongo’s a couple of times in summer 1980, while working in PA with someone from the Trumansburg area. LOVED the place back then, but haven’t been back. Rongo’s popped into my head this morning and I had to Google it, and found this website. Sorry to read about all the difficulties its had over the years. Is Rongo’s open again? If my family and I go on a road trip (living near Boston, may go to Niagra Falls in 2011), we’ll try to pass through there for old times’ sake.

By: Brian Baird

Brian Baird — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:05:38 +0000

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!

By: Hipmamasan

Hipmamasan — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:33:36 +0000

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.

By: eric key

eric key — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:26:27 +0000

So, is the Rongovian Embassy open or what? Will be up there mid january, would be good to know.

By: Billy Joe

Billy Joe — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:19:42 +0000

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!

By: Don Covell

Don Covell — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:14:43 +0000

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”

By: PG

PG — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:29:47 +0000

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?

By: Walt Lorenzut

Walt Lorenzut — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:56:48 +0000

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!

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:02:23 +0000

So who did buy the Rongo?

By: PMc

PMc — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:28:06 +0000

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.