Keddy's changing hands; new owners hope no one notices

WEST CARTHAGE — After 36 years, the Keddy family no longer will own the bar and restaurant that bears its name.

"My mother is 76. It's about time for her to retire," said Mark Keddy, co-owner of Keddy's, 15 Bridge St. Mr. Keddy's parents, Evelyn D. and Clarence H. Keddy, opened the restaurant in 1974. "Both of my children have other professions. The next logical step would be to sell it."

Amiee L. O'Connor and Jose R. Alvarado will assume ownership of the business and property in January. The date for the sale closing has not been determined, but Ms. O'Connor said she hopes the transition will be smooth.

Mr. Keddy said he is "extremely happy" with the future owners because both have had culinary training and one was raised in the community. Ms. O'Connor, a 1992 graduate of Carthage High School, grew up in West Carthage mere blocks from the restaurant she soon will own.

"What they can offer to the community is going to be fantastic," Mr. Keddy said.

Even after Ms. O'Connor and Mr. Alvarado own the restaurant, it will still look like Keddy's. They said they hope to keep signature menu items, including tacos on Tuesdays and wings on Thursdays. The restaurant will continue to host banquets and offer catering. Even the name will remain.

"It's such a staple in the community," Ms. O'Connor said. "They're just a great family. They treat all their guests like family. They've built a great reputation."

Ms. O'Connor said she plans to uphold that reputation and continue the family atmosphere.

The future owners said they are looking forward to making some changes, however, including adding a bar menu, Sunday brunch and dinner hours. The cuisine will be modern American, focusing on "comfort food" and using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Ms. O'Connor said she hopes to try homemade dessert recipes, and Mr. Alvarado said he intends to add traditional Mexican cuisine to the core menu of Keddy's favorites.

The restaurant will not change staff, Ms. O'Connor said, until the addition of dinner hours requires that it add employees.