New owners excited for next chapter of Syros

Second Helping with Joshua Maloni

Among the many memorable lines from the three “Godfather” movies, there is a statement Michael Corleone makes in part III that goes, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!”

It’s a phrase often used by people to describe returning to something they thought was over, done, finished. No more!

While Chuck Barber said that’s the sentiment he’s received from Lewiston residents of late – in jest, of course – the truth is, he missed being in the restaurant business.

“It's been almost two years since I've left (Apple Granny Restaurant) – and the same reasons I wanted to be part of Apple Granny’s are still there: I love to be part of it. I love working with people in that manner. I love the hospitality part of it. And I loved having something within the heart of Lewiston. Seeing everybody being on the go,” Barber said Tuesday, as he announced he and partner Ryan Harden had taken over Syros Restaurant in the village. “My kids were just getting to be the age of helping there when we had to leave the restaurant for different reasons, and they're that much older now. So, I'm excited to restart that again and have the kids be proud of it. But the family was always in there helping.

“I know most people don't believe it, but I missed it (laughs). A lot of people say, ‘Are you crazy?’ But I did miss doing it.”

Bechara Cobti recently decided to sell his family-run Greek/American restaurant, which has become a popular breakfast and lunch dining establishment.

Barber said, “I was kind of looking for something that made sense for me to be part of the area again, definitely restaurant work. … I had heard that Syros was for sale but, to be honest, I thought it had sold already.”

By chance, he learned Cobti was out of town, and that the restaurant would be available for a closer look, inside and outside.

“I finally said, ‘You know what? That could be a great fit for me.’ So, I finally made the call to see if it was open, and actually it was the best timing,” Barber said.

“I was able to come in here and see it, and realize this really could be a good fit. My family's always loved coming to eat here. So, it really made sense.”

Harden, a vice president at JR Swanson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, noted, “I don't have a restaurant background at all. But I was looking for an opportunity to do something with Chuck. Chuck's a great guy. Our family has become really close. And it just seemed like a really good fit. I can help around some more of the facility stuff here and everything else, and Chuck’s a little more the day-to-day guy.”

Barber noted, “Ryan is still a vice president of an HVAC company and does a lot of that work, and will continue to do that work.

“What I realized, I think I know what I'm good at with the restaurant, but a restaurant is all-encompassing. You have to be good in all areas, from financial to customer service to maintenance to everything. So, Ryan complements everything nicely in being able to help with the property management component of it, the facilities component, the things that consistently break down components. We're lucky: There's two residential apartments here, and Ryan's really going to help take a lead on that.”

Harden added, “My grandfather (Joe Zappy) used to come here every day for years and years and years. He lived right around the corner over here, and he would walk here every day. I would sometimes pick him up if the weather was bad or whatever. So, I kind of have a little spot in my heart for this place, as well. It kind of makes me feel really good about this, too.”

Ryan Harden and Chuck Barber inside Syros Restaurant at 869 Cayuga St., Lewiston.

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Cobti and his son, Eli, visited Village Board meetings in recent months to discuss different ancillary options for Syros, including dwelling and retail or office units.

“We are coming in to keep it going,” as a restaurant, Barber said. “And just like I did before, I've always said, when I took over Apple Granny’s, why would we take a piece of Lewiston foundation and structure and change it? I'd open up something new. We really want to be part of what's going on here. It's great food, great atmosphere, great portions, great staff.

“The vast majority of the staff are staying with us – which we're excited about – and we're welcoming some experienced, familiar faces here to Lewiston. We really just want to keep this going.

“I think it's a great cornerstone in Lewiston. It’s right near Academy Park, where things are getting more and more and more active. We're keeping it the same. We're keeping the name the same, the menu the same.”

That said, “There's a couple of things that we're looking at,” Harden noted. “Maybe a little outdoor dining. You know, we have a great patio over here. It's all fenced in. We'd love to take the opportunity to use it. Maybe some more opportunity in the future of maybe even a little more of that. I mean, Lewiston is beautiful, right? We want to enjoy it. The weather is beautiful this time of year. We want to take advantage of all that.”

“A hundred percent opening up the patio,” Barber said. “(Bechara) has a beautiful setup here that he himself always said he wished he was able to push more. So, definitely using that.

“I use the word ‘enhancements.’ I like to think we add things over time, and I'd like to see that here. Some of the simple things, like I'd like to see a better focus on the desserts that are offered here. Maybe a wider selection of soups. But we know the great things that sell here; we plan to keep that going. The portions; the timeliness of how quickly food comes out – those are some of the key factors here that we're going to keep.”

Moving forward, “We've been approved for a temporary liquor license,” Barber said. “They serve beer and wine here. We're not looking to have a full bar here. There's not going to be a bar. But, we hope to offer drink specials. Bloody Marys on the weekends. You know, maybe we'll have a margarita night here, type of thing.”

“There's not a bar; we're not adding a bar for people to sit at. But they could order those drinks here. We'll have a full liquor menu, is our expectation.”

Hours of operation will change a little bit, but only on the weekends. Syros is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and now just until 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Bechara Cobti (File photo)

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Barber said, “I would like to note the Cobti family did an outstanding job here. They were not the original owners, but they took it over very early on and kept this going.”

In a Facebook post, Eli shared, “We are confident that Syros will continue to thrive under (the new owners’) leadership and bring joy to our community.

“To our dedicated staff, past and present, you have been the backbone of all of our shared success, and we extend our deep appreciation for your hard work and dedication. We laughed, cried, cursed, screamed, hugged, and occasionally melted down. Some days were more challenging, but we always got the job done. We found a way to prepare and serve delicious food together and create a warm, welcoming environment where every guest feels like family.

“To our loyal customers, you are the lifeblood of Syros. Without you, there would be no family environment. We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, first dates, and countless special occasions. You stuck with us through the pandemic, and you kept Lewiston great. Every day, you humbled us with your generosity. You create the vibrant culture that echoes throughout our wonderful village, and we thank you for supporting us.

“Change can be bittersweet, but it is also an opportunity for growth and renewal. We are excited to see the fresh ideas and energy that Chuck and Ryan will bring while preserving the traditions and values that have made this restaurant a beloved part of our community. You will continue to see the familiar faces you know and love, and Syros will continue to set the curve.

“Let us celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future filled with many incredible memories. Thank you, and here’s to the continued success of our beloved Syros.”

Syros Restaurant is located at 869 Cayuga St., Lewiston; and online at https://syrosrestaurant.com/.