Chuck Anthony and his son, also named Chuck, have big plans for the village of Phoenix. In May, they became business partners. The Anthonys purchased a building that is rumored to have been licensed to serve liquor since prohibition was repealed, making it one of the longest running tavern locales in New York State. Keeping with history, the Anthonys set out to create a classic bar and grill set apart by several distinctive and personal touches. After months of meticulous renovations, River Rock Bar and Grill finally opened its newly refurbished doors to the public in late October.

River Rock seems to lie in wait of the steady stream of guests it is sure to attract once the word gets out, the menu is set, and the entertainment calendar filled. Though the building’s façade makes the location appear deceivingly small, a step through the front door reveals a spacious barroom enhanced by an adjoining game room and another smaller room scattered with wooden dining tables. The décor is simple but not stark, with walls of gold, mossy green and deep scarlet. Though the rooms are all sparsely decorated, these walls seem to be awaiting complementary pictures, signs, and mirrors.

“It’s going to be an ever-evolving place. We still have pictures to go on the walls,” explains Chuck Jr. before admitting, “I am being really picky about it. I don’t want to mess it up.” The design of River Rock was also a family affair, supported by an Anthony sibling with a keen eye for interior decoration. “I trust my sister’s pick of colors,” says Chuck, noting his distraction with other projects at the time when the paint and design were to be decided. “We’re just a close family,” adds Chuck Sr. “If anyone is doing anything, everyone gets involved.”
The Anthonys’ patient and deliberate nature was put to the test when they discovered an intricately patterned tin ceiling hidden by a drop-ceiling that had been installed by a previous owner. Cords and wires strung haphazardly above the drop-ceiling had to be carefully handled, removed, and replaced when the new owners decided to expose and restore the magnificent antique ceiling.

“It’s a hundred years old,” explains Chuck Jr. “It was a nice project too. It took us about a week and a half altogether.” They spent a good deal of that time scraping and repainting the tin ceiling, and settled on a paint color that would create the impression of copper rather than tin. Because the removal of the drop ceiling interfered with the wiring of the building, the Anthonys were also forced to re-wire their new business. Despite the time and labor required to rejuvenate the century-old ceiling, the Anthonys are confident that the work was worth the outcome. “It’s got some of the old defects and dents…but I think that kind of adds to the charm of it,” says Chuck Jr.
The bar, though still in its infancy under new ownership, will likely retain some of the more notable features of the most recent business in the same location. “The previous incarnation of this place…was famous for live music,” explains Chuck Jr. “We’re going to try to follow that reputation a little bit.” Plans for live music are still in the works, with different musicians tentatively scheduled while the owners settle into their new space. “We’re trying to have a variety,” adds Chuck Jr., “Rock, blues, country, acoustic.” Other potential entertainment features include stand-up comedy acts and karaoke night.

John Mahshie is the most recent addition to the River Rock staff. Mashie is a graduate of a culinary arts and service management program at Paul Smith’s College, and is working with the Anthonys to create a classic pub fare menu with several unique and personal touches. “It’s going to be your basic pub menu, with burgers, fries,” explains Chuck Jr., with Mahshie adding a creative twist. “I’ve given [Mahshie] a lot of leeway and creativity on the menu, so we’re expecting to have some really unique items on there. It’s not going to be a place where you’re going to come and just get a basket of wings. Hopefully there will be some gourmet burgers. We’re going to have a Panini line...and [Mahshie] is going to get creative with that, too.”

A second floor banquet room above the main barroom is large enough to accommodate up to sixty guests, perfect for private holiday parties, showers, and fundraisers or benefits. The space is equipped with its own private bar, making beverage service for large parties simple and convenient.
Other plans include pool, dart, and pitch leagues which are currently open for registration, and will begin in January. In the coming weeks, the Anthonys plan to install Quick Draw, and a Touchtunes digital jukebox invites guests to choose from a wide variety of music while they wait for live musical acts to appear on the scene. Seven plasma televisions scattered throughout the space regularly feature Syracuse University football and other sporting events.

Patrons can enjoy complimentary wireless internet service while they grab a bite to eat or a beer. Drink options include a full liquor bar, draft beers, and a variety of bottled craft beers, which can be difficult to find at other area taverns. Unlike the standard Budweiser and Labatt’s selections found in most pubs, River Rock features craft beers and microbrews that are not available in other local bars, or for purchase in nearby supermarkets.
Chuck Sr. and his wife grew up in Oswego County, and he’s always hoped to bring employment and patronage back to the small village, which he remembers being a much more popular and lively venue in years past. “We hope the renovation of the building will help revitalize the area and lead to development of other vacant buildings in the village, says Chuck Sr. “If I live long enough,” he adds, “I’d like to see this village become another Skaneateles.”
For more information about River Rock Bar and Grill, visit www.riverrockbar.com.