CHESHIRE — The Country Charm Restaurant was auctioned off Thursday to a couple who plan to transform the property into a dance hall and flea market.
Robin Sayers of Becket placed the high bid of $350,000 on behalf of herself and partner Richard Rockefeller, quickly cutting off any competition for the Route 8 property.
"I've looked at many, many buildings," said Sayer afterward. "I went by this one and thought 'I wish I could buy that place.'"
The 6,200-square-foot restaurant, two cottages and a garage-type structure on nearly five acres were foreclosed on more than a month ago by Berkshire Bank after owner Trent P. Gaylord defaulted on a $300,000 mortgage dating from 2003.
More than three dozen bidders and bystanders gathered in the midday heat to the rear of the closed restaurant as auctioneer David A. Mendel of Aaron Posnik & Co. Auctioneers read off a lengthy description of the property and the conditions to the sale.
Maybe a third were interested in the property, the others in the auction. Some had come hoping to bid on the contents of the restaurant only to find that the personal and real property were to be sold in one package and "as is."
Robin Sayers, left, places the winning bid.
One couple had stopped in because they had frequented the restaurant, a popular North County spot for nearly 40 years, and were surprised to discover the two cottages tucked away behind the eatery. "I never knew they were there," said one of them.
Mendel tried to encourage the bidding to begin at $300,000, but the first amount tossed in was for $100,000. Sayers, who had been standing with Gaylord, walked forward and bid $300,000.
Almost immediately, she bumped it up to $350,000, effectively ending the bidding.
The price was too rich for David Schwartz of New Lebanon, N.Y. With real estate holdings in Pittsfield, he was interested in the Cheshire property, but not that much. "That's crazy," he said.
A partnership that had purchased another former restaurant property at auction a few miles south was also interested in expanding its real estate empire but didn't bid.
"I was afraid to scratch my nose," said Christopher Gian as partner Shane Peaslee laughed.
Sayers had a method to her madness. "I wanted them to know I was serious," she said, and she didn't want a bidding war. She wanted the property, period.
In fact, she and Gaylord said a purchase-and-sale agreement had already been drawn up — for $350,000 — the day before but the bank said the auction would go on.
Sayers said she'd already spoken with the Board of Health and other town officers about her plans for the buildings. She expects to invest about $100,000 in the restaurant building to fix the roof and other problems, with a little help from her two contractor brothers.
She and her sister, Emily Mole, also want to transform the dilapidated garage into a flea market and antique shop. "I've been collecting jewelry for forever," said Mole. "Being able to have our antiques here will be really nice."
Sayers, who's worked as a bartender and bar manager, fast-food manager, car salesman and in finance, said she has the experience to run a dance hall. She stressed that the hall would be "a nice place ... a classy place" that would cater to children and adults, ballroom dancers, and country and Christian music fans.
She was inspired by the dearth of dance halls in Berkshire County and planned to bring "quality" live bands in to play. Sayers said she also plans on having "very, very strict rules" for the sale of alcohol. She and Rockefeller and their daughter plan to live on the property, which will help them maintain control.
The hall will offer a pub-style menu with healthful fare and "very few deep-fried anything," she said. "I'm really excited about this. We have a lot of ideas."
"I think this is going to be a good thing for Cheshire," added Mole.
For Gaylord, it was a bittersweet end. His family had operated the Country Charm for 33 years before he ran into financial difficulties and had to close it in 2004.
"The restaurant brought us many great memories and many good friends," he said. He was particularly grateful for the advice and encouragement of the late Harvey Daniels, who had sold what was then the Chicken Stop to his parents in 1971.
"He was really a good friend to me. He would call me up and see how I was doing," said Gaylord. But now, he said, it was time to move on with his life.
Sayers wasn't sure if she'll be bringing back the restaurant's famed broasted chicken. "I might be able to get the recipe from Trent's mother."
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ARE YOU SERIOUS!
I was so disappointed and disgusted to have read that a flea market and dance hall/pub will come out of this wonderful and well established location.
How would this business truly benefit the Cheshire community and surrounding towns?
Cheshire currently has a stable and well known business base. With such companies like Whitney's Farmstand, Bedard Brothers, Bass Water Grill, the NEW Cobleview Pub, HD Reynolds, Shell Gas Station, Bushika Sand & Gravel and many other various independent contractors and businesses.
New Business is always welcomed into a community when it fits. In my opinion, this is a square peg trying to fit into a circle hole.
Congratulations to Robin Sayers on her recent purchase and what a great idea to bring an antique/flea market to Cheshire, along with a dance club for all ages and all types of music... And did I read? broasted chicken...Its been years since I had some and Im ready to order...My absolute best wishes to the Gaylord Family too...
And to think...people are crabbing about Pete Krutiak's junk...what do you think this place will sell? High end antiques and collectibles? Nope, more junk. And yipppeee, a dance hall. I'll be sure to shine my dancing shoes...only so I use to trip this new owner for being dumb!!!!
?????????????????? [Editor: This comment has been edited for comment. Careful with the personal attacks.]
Cheshire Town Officials have allowed Mr. Krutiak get away with everything short of murder. RESIDENTS SHOULD RUN EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM OUT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS & OVERHAUL THE ENTIRE TOWN GOVERNMENT.
Peter Krutiak has tarnished the image of the town & turned gorgeous properties into shameful town eyesores. He's cost the town & it's citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars ... and no one does a thing.
His JUNK is the LEAST of the town's worries ...
As usual, the residents of Berkshire County have to talk down about anything that is outside their comfort zone. Congratulations, Robin, for trying to open something other than a Discount Bargain Basement store, another pizza joint, or another bar. Everyone around here is quick to complain that there is never anything to do, that it is always the same old same old. Well, Berkshire County, here IS something new and different. Why don't you TRY IT before you pass judgement?!?!
Breathing New Life into Vacant Landmark
Congratulations Robin & Richard for breathing new life into a vacant landmark. Cheshire residents should be proud and happy that people will be spending their money in Cheshire rather than elsewhere - whether it's for entertainment or shopping. Good luck on your venture and we look forward to joining you on opening night!
I THINK IT WILL BE A GREAT CHANGE..IT WILL BE NICE TO SEE THE PLACE BUSY WITH PEOPLE HAVING A GOOD TIME.THE KIDS WILL BE THRILLED TO HAVE A PLACE TO GO AND I AS A PARENT WILL FEEL BETTER KNOWING THEY ARE IN A PLACE THAT IS SECURE UNDER SUPERVISION HAVING A GOOD TIME AND NOT ON THE STREET LOOKING FOR TROUBLE.I SAY GOOD FOR ROBIN AND RICHARD AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MY FIRST BALLROOM DANCE LESSON..SEE YOU THERE...
My2Cents wrote:
"I was so disappointed and disgusted to have read that a flea market and dance hall/pub will come out of this wonderful and well established location"
What's disappointing and disgusting is your close-minded ignorance. Hmmmm, how could a dance hall positively affect your community? Well, the fact that it's a dance hall is an attraction to many, in itself, not to mention the hint of culture it will bring to your community. I'm a twenty one year old man who finds it hard to really have much safe fun anywhere around here, and this dance hall is the only thing thats ever made me think twice about going to cheshire to spend a weekend night. Introducing this sort of business to your community is going to bring an entirely new base of people to your town. sounds like some of you are scared of change for the better, or maybe even growth?
i think that this place will bring alot of oppurtunitie for younger people to have something to do. being under age and living around here has got to be so boring, but with a place like this, that offers entertainment to younger people is an excellent idea. so all you selfish people stop thinking about only yourself, a lot of young people will be pleased with this idea.
i think this offers a fresh new place for younger people to go. i know that i spend most of my weekends/ nights driving around or sitting i allendale... not that fun, so why not have a place where underage people can go and have fun. its agreat idea. and all you snubby selfish people are just afraid of change, if you dont like it cool for you, you dont have to go there. or have anything to do with it.
Dear Robin and Richard...Welcome to Cheshire!!! You will see this is a town that is very supportive, welcoming and filled with many, many decent families. Ive been around Cheshire for 27 years and I must say it has always been such a lovely small town with great people, whom really care and support youth, therefore, one of my main reasons I reside here...As for your ideas, kudos! And thanks for thinking of the youth in your business adventures...They definately need a place that they can have fun as well as we adults,too.... As for the antiques and flea markets-I've heard people toss that around as an idea in Cheshire and now...it is happening... PS terrific location too!!! Wishing you much success and fun in your new adventures!!!
Ihave many wonderful memories of the restaurant ate there very often and loved it so much! So busy right up to the last day. Great friends and people .. Now lets go dancing!
Wow...Hard to believe it has been almost 4 years the Charm has been closed! Great memories, great food and great friends were made there as I was a regular....Sure miss that awesome prime rib, broasted chicken and beets... All you Charmers-wish ya all the best...Thanks to the Gaylords and all of the employees for many, many memories and great service....
Okay, now that was said...Wishing the very best for Ms. Robin and Mr. Rockerfellar... Anxious to see your neat ideas (dancing,antiques & flea market) turn into reality...Welcome to Cheshire! Looking forward to the new life and new beginnings up at the Country Charm spot...
When I first heard about the Country Charm being sold I was impartial. Then I read all of the comments so far. Unfortunately the way the economy is going I'm not too sure any of the new businesses opening up are going to have a fair fight. I'm not too keen on the flea market because they usually generate alot of crap and stuff that nobody wants. If you're talking about a real flea market that is actually selling quality merchandise then that's one thing. I'm sure the people of this area (especially low-income) would love the chance to buy some decent products w/out destroying their pocket.
The dance club part I guess that all depends on what type of crowd you're looking to attract.
As a person who was born & raised here I have to say that I am disappointed in this area (an area of beauty) to think that this area actually has a chance to grow when the only thing being brought in is businesses that end up hiring people not from this area. And what are we suppose to do? So here's "MY 2 CENTS" let's welcome the change - you never know what can happen. :)
Well, it's really too bad what happened to the Gaylord family. But, at least this new business will be paying taxes, right? It should help the local economy.
JUST WANTED EVERYONE TO KNOW YES WE WILL BE HAVING A GREAT TIME THIS SUMMER AT THE CHARM,IT WILL BE FORMERLY KNOW AS CLUB 8.I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR HANGING IN THERE AND WE WILL BE SEEING YOU SOON.
Is it all a go?
Is it really Club8 now...Seems like it has taken awhile to get this underway.
Will be nice to see people and life at the Club 8, soon.... When? Anyways Good luck!
A friend told me it is official, Club 8 is the new busines at the Country Charm landmark....Is it true you will be opening in the Spring???Looking forward to an update....
I have recently moved up here from the cape.....I live in Peru and there is nothing around here so people can go country western dancing. We need a place like this and I can't wait for you to open.
In regards to the previous comment from Shelley. I am a summer resident in Becket also have been looking for a place to go country western dancing in the summer. If you find a place please let me know. Thank you.
yeahhh the country charm used to be a great place, i want to see it open again but it wont be the samee...+ their "new policy" on alcohol sounds wicked stupid!!! :-(
I know a man that was hired as a contracter at Ms. Sayers property. They did not pay for his services, they played musical checkbook! Pointing fingers back and forth and he was never paid. It was a SCAM!
If Robin can not pay a small contracters bill what makes anyone think she can pay larger invoices for materials or services? I do not see this place opening. With all the work they have to do electrical, plumbing, leaking roofs, contaminated moldy chairs and walls ---- I do not think she will open this place anytime soon.
PS. Did these owners pull the proper building permits? That is revenue to your town, permits and after appraisal = more tax revenue collected! She is going behind the towns back to avoid paying her share to your community.
Editor: I thought the contractor would make sure the proper permits would be pulled? This comment has also been edited for personal attacks.
Still waiting to see if the old country charm will open. There is a dance and lessons once a month at the Dalton VFW. Wonderful teacher and good dance floor. Please support this dance so they will continue to have it.
Still waiting for country charm update. The Feb. dance was cancelled at the Dalton VFW becouse of poor attendance. They will try again the 3rd Friday in March & April. Please support these two dances so they will continue. March 19th.
OK...Here is a good one... I dont even believe Robin is the owner....I believe it is her sister that owns this business... I would suggest no run arounds and tell the people the way it is... I think ya all might be a bit surprised
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