Steadfast in the East End announces it’s closing

Marcia Greenwood | Democrat and Chronicle

Steadfast at 200 East Ave. in Rochester announced Friday on Facebook that it’s shutting down Saturday night.

“Unfortunately, Steadfast is closing for good,” read the bar and restaurant's post. “Come celebrate the restaurant with friends and family. All drinks will be discounted and there will be a limited food menu.”

Later reached by phone, owner Nick Garofoli said the reasons for the closing are "nothing out of the ordinary. It’s historically a tough business, it’s a tough neighborhood, the rent’s high, and it was a lean startup."

The shop occupies the former Matthew’s East End Grill. In preparation for Steadfast’s April opening, the 1,800-square-foot space was renovated extensively by Garofoli and his crew. Amid the work, he and executive chef Chuck Previte told the Democrat and Chronicle they envisioned an establishment offering craft beverages, high-quality sandwiches, a general store, cotton candy and a community gathering place.

On Friday, Garofoli said launching Steadfast, which has a staff of around 20, involved "a lot of time, a lot of effort. ... We tried to take a chance and make it work and it didn’t."

Meanwhile, another East End establishment that opened in April, Bliss Dessert and Wine Bar, 320 East Ave., appears to be closed, and its website and Facebook page have been taken down. However, the owner did not return a reporter's call or email.

Includes reporting by Tracy Schuhmacher.

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