Cutting the ribbon at the soft opening for grist. bar and restaurant last week are (left to right) Rick Milne – Mayor of Honeoye Falls, Lindsay Tondryk Scott, Seth Scott, Joe Bucciarelli, Chef James Campolieto, Michael Flynn – General Manager, Virginia Floss – Honeoye Falls Trustee and Will Wagner – Honeoye Falls Trustee. Photo by grist.
BY DEB AND TIM SMITH
How about a big Honeoye Falls “Hello” to the newest restaurant in town! This August Joseph Bucciarelli and his sister Lindsay Tondryk Scott will be welcoming guests to their new fine dining experience. The high-end, full-service “grist.” bar and restaurant will be opening at the Lower Mill on North Main Street in HF in the space formerly occupied by the Rabbit Room.
Labeling this venture as a “business idea/family affair” they shared that, “This has turned into something we never thought it would! ‘grist.’ As we share the story we want to acknowledge that Lindsay and Joe did most of the heavy lifting regarding the writing of this. As we move on from here, much of the content comes directly from them.
For the record, please let us note that the name of the establishment is indeed “grist.” with the “g” uncapitalized and the “t” followed by a period.
Joe’s career in the restaurant industry began with the Main St. Cafe in Honeoye Falls in 2019, and then Mendon in 2021. He had always been interested in expanding into a high-end, full-service bar and restaurant. In November the perfect storm happened…
The Lower Mill building was one that Lindsay had always had an affinity for. She had both her bridal shower and baby shower at the Rabbit Room in the Lower Mill. In October, Lindsay and her husband decided to move to Honeoye Falls from Virginia Beach.
The owner of the Lower Mill building had reached out over the last year to gauge Joe’s interest in creating a restaurant, but the timing wasn’t right. In November, Lindsay and Joe were together and the owner called again. This time Lindsay and Joe decided to check out the space.
Joe’s network includes talented members of the local restaurant scene. Joe, Executive Chef James Campolieto and GM Michael Flynn had been friends for years and had always discussed working together if opportunity presented itself. When contacted to see if they were interested in the project, James and Mike committed almost on the spot. After careful reflection and with the full support of their family, they realized that this could actually work!
In late November the group began running numbers, looking at a build out, and putting their heads together for a theme, design, menu, and processes. It took months of careful consideration to make the final leap. They signed the lease in February.
With Joe’s management of the entire project, Lindsay’s design, the hospitality vision and innovation of Chef Campolieto and Michael Flynn, the contractors’ skill, and the support of the Village community…they are finally launching grist. to the public in early August.
And, thus, grist. was created! The restaurant brings a unique dining experience to our small town of Honeoye Falls; where local and seasonally inspired cuisine and beverages, exceptional service, and a sense of history come together. To the owners, grist. is a gem that our Village needs. “We hope it can create,” Lindsay told us, “the magic that it has previously created for our family!”
