Cortland Standard .net

By BRANDON ROMAGNOLI
Contributing Writer
news@cortlandstandard.net
Today is Cinco de Mayo — Spanish for the 5th of May — a day when Mexican-Americans celebrate the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War. Local businessman George Seibel chose the date to open Gringo’s Roadhouse in downtown Cortland.
The new kitchen and bar, located at 139 Main St., aims to give customers an authentic old Western dining experience, Seibel said.
The large detailed red and yellow sign with a barn door background stands out among the other bars and restaurants on Main Street. The new business will be taking the space vacated by two longtime businesses, The Tavern and King Submarine House.
Seibel said he is excited to bring a new country kitchen and bar to the downtown area.
He has owned and co-owned various businesses on Cortland’s Main Street since 1988, including the Dark Horse Tavern, A Pizza & More and BeerGoggles.
The idea for Gringo’s Roadhouse came from Seibel’s desire to open something that would stand out on Main Street.
“I wanted to create something that’s more than just a bar.” Seibel said. “Gringo’s Roadhouse is going to cater to a large variety of people in Cortland.”
Gringo’s Roadhouse will be a Tex-Mex style kitchen and bar, with an express restaurant based where King Submarine House used to be. The restaurant and express restaurant will serve a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Tex-Mex style items.
Seibel purchased the building housing the business in February from John Scanlon.
Seibel said having his new business further downtown was the best decision for him.
“The location and the large amount of space make it a good place for the restaurant and bar,” he said. “Also, it’s better that I own the building, instead of rent.”
Seibel also said the building has not undergone many changes from the previous business.
“The building is very sound. We just had to redo some walls and ceilings. We plan on keeping the structure the same,” he said.
The Cortland Downtown Partnership and city Common Council have been supportive of the idea for the newbusiness.
Adam Megivern, executive director of the partnership, said he is glad to see a new business downtown.
“It’s another niche in our downtown market,” Megivern said. “It will bring in folks from other communities while creating experiences for customers as well.”
Seibel said he plans on hiring 10 full-time employees with 20 part-time employees for Gringo’s Roadhouse.
The hours for the restaurant will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the bar will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Seibel hopes the establishment will help boost downtown business.
“I hope to add another viable source of jobs and revenue to the town of Cortland and continue the trend of revitalizing business in Cortland,” Seibel said.