The first time, about five years ago, that Adam Ludemann asked Deb Jones about selling him her restaurant, she said no.
The second time, she said not yet. The third time, Jones said let’s talk.
Ludemann, a West Winfield native, grew up enjoying the food and ice cream at the Red Door Restaurant. As of July 1, the Route 20 business will be owned by him and his wife, Kelly.
The Ludemanns, with help from their kids Hazel, who just finished third grade at Mount Markham Elementary, and Henry, six months old, will take over a business established by Jones 32 years ago. “I wanted it to stay local,’’ Adam Ludemann said. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’’
Deb Jones took over the building in 1985 to expand the farm store she ran out of her West Winfield home. “I knew I also wanted to have ice cream and put the window in in 1991,’’ she said.
Ice cream expanded to some food and then, she said, the food end took over. Over its lifetime the building started as an ice cream and burger place - at one time then a restaurant and bar - so Jones returned it to its roots.
“I wanted a place where people could be comfortable,’’ Jones said. “Come as you want, feel at home.’’
Jones had help from family over the years, including daughter Becky, who fills in on her down time from teaching…
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