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The farm-to-table restaurant Barn Door 49 in Bay Shore has closed.
Owner Gina Russo-Jaworowski said selling the space where she last ran Milk & Sugar since 1998 was “purely a business decision.” The move allows her to focus her time elsewhere, specifically her Victorian Room catering space, also in the downtown, she said.
“This will allow me to channel my energy into the Victorian Room, which has been operating for 15 years across the street in Bay Shore,” she told GreaterBayShore this week. “I’d like to extend that another 15 years.”
She’s not sure what the next owners will do with Barn Door, which was located at 49 West Main Street. The Victorian Room is nearly directly across the street, at 36 West Main Street. It’s strictly a catering space for private affairs of up to 120 people.
“This will allow me the undivided attention I need to focus on people’s special affairs,” she said. “I want to continue to offer a great space with a vibe that feels like home, much like Milk & Sugar did.”
Russo-Jaworowski said Milk & Sugar, which came out at the height of “Friends” popularity, was designed to be reminiscent of the show’s main characters’ meet-up place, “The Central Perk” coffeehouse.
In that vein, she plans to offer a Central Perk-like scene in the Victorian Room as well.
“You can re-create the Central Perk for your next shower,” she said.
Click here for the Victorian Room’s catering menus.
One offering not listed in that link is the $19.95 per person pricing for family meals after wakes and funerals.
Russo-Jaworowski has operated several business in Bay Shore over the past two decades. She said she does have another business in mind for the future, which would be dedicated to her two kids: Leo and Lola.
“There will be a sweets shop in Bay Shore,” she said.
