Taylor's Fine Dining Already Finding Success

By Jen Thomas - July 26, 2007

Taylor's Fine Dining offers fine foods in a warm setting.

North Adams - Officially opened since July 5, Taylor's Fine Dining in the city's downtown has already seen huge success.

"The reception we've had has been tremendous," said Sean Taylor, co-owner of the restaurant at 34 Holden St. "The desire for a restaurant like this at an affordable price is huge."

Along with his sister Colleen Reinhard, Taylor runs a fine-dining enterprise that aims to offer a variety of delicious foods and wines in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, seven days a week. With newly repainted, Italian-themed walls and framed paintings of Berkshire landscapes, the warm space sets the perfect tone for a night on the town.

And, with expert chef James Bennett on board, Taylor's menu has something for everyone.

"It's not a big menu, but it really hits the spot," said Taylor.

After William "Bill" Gideon closed Gideon's restaurant abruptly at the Holden Street location in January, the space remained empty until Reinhard and Taylor began renovations on June 1. After only a month, Taylor's Fine Dining opened and immediately filled the 100-occupany dining room and bar.

"The community as a whole was hurt when Gideon's left," said Taylor. "There was a void and we fill a niche here."

Along with customary fine dining options, the restaurant plans to expand their business to include special offerings, including catering services and themed events.

On August 22, Taylor's will host the first of what they hope will be a monthly wine dinner. A five-course meal will be accompanied by different fine wines, all surrounded by one regional theme. August will begin with the California region and the meal will reflect the culture and food of the locale.

Taylor said he originally intended to have 36 customers for the event, but he has already received 33 reservations with a month left until the dinner. He projects about 60 people will show up for the Wine Specialty event.

"Our philosophy here is simple. If you give people something to do, they'll come out to do it," Taylor said.

"We're trying to create an atmosphere of welcoming. You may not know who you're sitting with, but you're at the same table, sharing wine and conversation."

Each month will focus on a different region and reservations are $60 per person.

As co-owners of the Freight Yard Pub, a Berkshire favorite, in Heritage State Park for 15 years, Taylor and Reinhard have experience running a restaurant and they know the possibility of survival is dependent on adaptation.

"It's all about what people want and we're always open for suggestions," Taylor said.

The bar, located near the main entrance to the restaurant, is cozy.

Taylor is quick to note that he does not want to imitate the successful model at the Freight Yard Pub.

"We don't want to copy the Freight Yard Pub; we want to give people another option," he said. "We hope the two restaurants will work off of each other."

Even with the steady success of Taylor's Fine Dining, there are some more changes to be made.

With only a six-person bar, Taylor said he hopes he can expand that section of the restaurant over the winter.

"It's not fair for the lone business traveler to sit at a table by himself. He should sit at the bar and meet the locals, chat with the bartender," he said.

With what Taylor called a "steady" flow of customers, the restaurant hopes to continue the success they've seen over the last three weeks.

"We're happy with the numbers we've been seeing, but, naturally, we'd always like to be busier," said Taylor.


Taylor's Fine Dining is open seven days a week for dinner from 4:30 p.m. to10 p.m. Starting in August, Taylor's hopes to offer a light Sunday brunch and in September, a lunch menu.

For reservations, call (413) 664-4500.


Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, ext. 23.