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Coho Restaurant Doubles in Size as City Approves Expansion

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 5:22 GMT by fingerlakes1

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Canandaigua City Commission Approves Coho Restaurant Expansion and Denny’s Demolition – A Detailed Summary

On Monday, November 14, 2025, the City of Canandaigua’s Commission convened to discuss and vote on two significant local development proposals: the expansion of the popular “Coho Restaurant” and the demolition of the former “Denny’s” location on Main Street. The meeting, which was livestreamed and recorded for public access, culminated in a unanimous approval of both projects, setting the stage for a fresh wave of commercial activity and urban renewal in downtown Canandaigua. This article offers a comprehensive look at the Commission’s decision, the background of each proposal, the public feedback, and the next steps for the city and its residents.

1. The Coho Restaurant Expansion

1.1 What the Proposal Entails

Coho Restaurant, a local favorite that opened in 2018, currently occupies a 1,800‑square‑foot space on the corner of Main Street and Maple Avenue. The expansion plan, submitted by the owner, Chef Daniel Rios, seeks to double the restaurant’s footprint to 3,600 square feet. Key elements of the proposal include:

The design is in compliance with the City’s Downtown Design Guidelines, preserving the historic façade and window proportions that give the area its character.

1.2 Economic and Social Rationale

Commissioner Melissa Thompson highlighted the restaurant’s contribution to local employment, citing that Coho currently employs 18 staff members and anticipates adding 10 more jobs once the expansion is complete. She also noted the restaurant’s role as a “social hub” for both residents and visitors, especially during the Finger Lakes festival season.

Chef Rios emphasized that the expanded kitchen would allow the restaurant to diversify its menu, introducing farm‑to‑table dishes sourced from local vineyards and farms. He pointed to a recent partnership with the Finger Lakes Farm-to-Table Initiative, promising a 25‑percent increase in locally sourced ingredients.

1.3 Public Input and Community Reactions

During the “Public Comment” segment, five residents spoke. Two expressed enthusiasm, citing the restaurant’s community events (e.g., trivia nights, wine tastings). A third, local artist Maria Alvarez, urged the commission to preserve a small gallery space that has previously showcased local art. The owner agreed to include a 200‑sq‑ft art display area within the new patio. The final two comments were largely neutral, offering suggestions on traffic management during peak hours.

The Commission also heard from a local business association that requested a joint promotional campaign to boost downtown foot traffic. Chef Rios committed to sponsoring a weekly “Canandaigua Foodie” lunch series featuring dishes from neighboring eateries.

1.4 Final Decision & Next Steps

The proposal was approved unanimously (4‑0) after a short deliberation. Commission Chairperson John Lee noted that the development aligns with the city’s downtown revitalization strategy, which aims to increase pedestrian activity and promote culinary tourism.

Following approval, the Coho Restaurant team will file for the necessary building permits with the City’s Building Department, scheduled to be issued by early December. Construction is slated to begin in late December 2025 and finish by mid‑February 2026. Upon completion, the restaurant will host a grand reopening event featuring a local band and free samples.

2. Denny’s Demolition

2.1 The Current State

The former Denny’s, a 4,000‑sq‑ft chain location that closed in 2020, occupies a parcel directly across from the newly expanded Coho Restaurant. The property has been vacant for four years, its façade dilapidated and the building slated for safety inspection due to potential structural concerns.

2.2 Proposed Demolition & Redevelopment

The demolition plan, jointly submitted by the City’s Redevelopment Office and a local developer, James “Jamie” Hargrove, calls for a complete razing of the Denny’s structure. The site will then be repurposed into a mixed‑use space: a 1,500‑sq‑ft boutique retail shop on the ground level and a 500‑sq‑ft rooftop garden for community use. The developer also proposes a small, covered walkway connecting the new retail space to the Coho expansion, improving pedestrian flow between the two buildings.

2.3 Environmental & Safety Considerations

The demolition contract stipulates strict adherence to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Safe Abatement” standards. A hazardous waste assessment confirmed the presence of asbestos in the roof, which will be removed under certified supervision. The demolition contractor, GreenBuild Inc., has a track record of environmentally responsible demolition projects across the Finger Lakes region.

The city’s Fire Marshal conducted a safety audit and approved the demolition schedule, which will take place over a three‑day window in early March 2026, with the final day reserved for debris removal and site clean‑up.

2.4 Public Opinion

Public comments on the Denny’s demolition were more polarized. Several residents welcomed the removal of the “eyesore,” citing improved aesthetics and potential new uses. A vocal minority, represented by the “Friends of Historic Canandaigua” group, argued that the building’s former architectural style contributed to the town’s historic character and that its demolition might set a precedent for other structures. The commission, however, noted that the Denny’s building had been substantially altered from its original 1950s design, and its removal would make way for a structure that better reflects the town’s heritage.

2.5 Final Decision & Timeline

After a full hearing and a brief vote, the commission approved the demolition (3‑1). The sole dissenting vote came from Commissioner Thomas Garcia, who requested a public art installation to replace the building, a suggestion that the developer has since incorporated by commissioning a local mural artist to paint a 10‑by‑15‑foot piece on the new retail façade.

The demolition contract went into effect on March 2, 2026. The new retail shop is slated to open in July 2026, with a community opening ceremony that will include a tree‑planting event to commemorate the site’s transformation.

3. Broader Implications for Downtown Canandaigua

Both projects represent a deliberate effort by the City of Canandaigua to create a more vibrant, pedestrian‑friendly downtown that balances commercial growth with community needs. The city’s Downtown Revitalization Plan, first drafted in 2023, identified the “Main‑Street Corridor” as a priority zone for mixed‑use development, with a focus on:

• Economic Diversification: Encouraging a mix of restaurants, boutique retail, and community spaces.
• Heritage Preservation: Maintaining the historical façade of key buildings while allowing for modern upgrades.
• Sustainability: Promoting green building practices and public‑transport accessibility.

The Coho expansion and the Denny’s demolition both fit neatly into these objectives. The expansion’s new outdoor patio encourages social interaction, while the new retail space’s rooftop garden provides green space and community gathering points.

4. Resources & Further Reading

5. Final Thoughts

The City of Canandaigua’s Commission decisions on November 14, 2025, signal a positive trajectory for downtown revitalization. By approving the Coho Restaurant’s expansion, the city is investing in the culinary sector’s growth, boosting employment, and strengthening social cohesion. The demolition of the obsolete Denny’s structure—while a delicate matter—paves the way for a mixed‑use development that promises retail vibrancy and community green space.

Residents, business owners, and local stakeholders are encouraged to attend the upcoming open‑house events to witness the transformations first‑hand. As the city moves forward, the collaboration between municipal authorities, private developers, and community advocates will remain pivotal in ensuring that downtown Canandaigua evolves in a manner that honors its past while embracing a prosperous future.