Fifteen months after a devastating fire, Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake returns to serve the community again as the restaurant marks its official grand opening for the public on October 15th.
In the early morning hours of July 13th, 2017, Nolan’s suffered an accidental fire that resulted in a total loss of the restaurant, a staple in the Finger Lakes community. The newly constructed upscale casual restaurant features Certified Angus Beef fresh seafood and pasta dishes that Nolan’s has been known for since opening at the north end of Canandaigua Lake in 2011. The restaurant rebuilt at the same location, 726 S. Main St., Canandaigua.
The 6,200-square-foot restaurant features a larger bar and two main dining areas — one with a cathedral ceiling and 15-foot stone fireplace. Also new to Nolan’s, the restaurant has a 70-person private event room for parties, corporate events, bus tours and business meetings. With the new event space, Nolan’s will continue to host community functions, including the annual Cobblestone Arts Center Run, Walk & Roll. The new build also features a larger 1,200-square-foot deck and fireplace for use during more months of the year. Nolan’s has expanded its full-service catering offerings (in-house and off-site) with its larger cooking capacity, which will also allow the restaurant to bake fresh breads and desserts in-house. The restaurant seats 233 guests.
“Through the devastating loss last summer and subsequent rebuild, Nolan’s has experienced the true generosity of the community coming together,” said Nick Violas, Nolan’s owner. “This reopening is more than grand, it is a revival and it’s largely in part due to the support of the city of Canandaigua, our dedicated staff and the entire Canandaigua community — none of this would be possible if it weren’t for their assistance. We can’t wait to officially open our doors to our customers who have been waiting to dine with us again.”
Construction of the new $2.4 million restaurant began in February 2017 and took eight months. Nolan’s received a $416,000 Community Development Block Grant to assist with the overall cost of construction.
“We were incredibly fortunate to have the support of the community, and I look forward to continuing to give back to our friends and neighbors through additional job opportunities and donations,” Violas said. “I am confident that we will put the funding received right back into the community through sales tax, property and payroll tax, and the continued history of community giving that Nolan’s is known for.”
Nolan’s South Main Street location will employ 20 full-time and 50 part-time staff.
In addition to the new restaurant, Violas will continue to run Nolan’s at Canandaigua Country Club, which employs 10 full-time and 60 part-time staff.
