STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- "The deal is off," said Adobe Blues owner Jim Stayoch on Thursday morning. His New Brighton restaurant is back on the market.

"So, Adobe is not closing," affirmed Stayoch.

This news comes a day after the saloon-keeper confirmed rumors that the place was changing hands and identified the soon-to-be new owner as Julian Gaxholli.

Gaxholli, who has roots at Adobe since his teenage years as part of both the kitchen and service staff, owns Beso, Bayou and Blue restaurants on Staten Island. Stayoch said Gaxholli just changed his mind on Adobe.

Gaxholli declined to go on the record for this report.

This news comes as regulars packed Adobe Wednesday night for a farewell gathering. In the frenzy, Stayoch said loyalists tried nabbing bric-a-brac from around the restaurant for keepsakes. But he hopes for a tamer set of celebrations in the upcoming weeks.

He also wants the world to know that Adobe Blues indeed is still for sale. So, anyone "who loves the place and wants to preserve what it is" should reach out.

Stayoch had said Wednesday that Gaxholli's intentions for the business, located at 63 Lafayette Ave., were "vague on how long it will close," a source of consternation for the staff.

Employees were informed at "an emotional meeting" that the restaurant would shut down after Sunday night dinner service and reopen at a later date.

The news was met with mixed emotions by Staten Islanders. And a social media campaign started up with a hashtag: #SaveAdobe.

"There's a part of me that's very glad, not just for the staff who will keep their jobs, but for the community which deeply loves this place," said Stayoch. He is not looking forward, however, to undoing business like cancellations with vendors.

Interested parties can call the restaurant to get in touch with him at 718-720-BLUE.

"Well, it was nice strolling down memory lane," said original Adobe co-owner Ken Tirado, who savored time at the restaurant Wednesday night with his family.

2 trchristie HINDASH.JPG

FOLLOW

'DINING OUT'

ON PINTEREST