BROCTON - For those living in Brocton, the Nickel Plate Depot is well recognized, nestled next to railroad tracks on Central Avenue. The restaurant recently opened under new owners, Doug and Julie Fortner of Brocton.
The couple bought the hotel in July from the previous owners, Dale and Shannon Delcamp. They spent eight weeks remodeling the restaurant themselves. Dale and Shannon were the owners for three years and Dale previously owned the restaurant with his mother for eight years. The Fortners were friends with the Delcamps and when they wanted to sell the business, an auction was set if the building was not sold. The Fortners made an offer to buy the business because they couldn't see another business go under in the community.
"It's such a staple in Brocton," Julie said. "We've always lived in Brocton ... we didn't want another place in Brocton to close."
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OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
The new Nickel Plate Depot’s bar top is covered with pennies and nickels. The nickels are on top of the pennies and spell out “The Nickel Plate Depot.”
The Fortners would come to the restaurant for wings and that's how they got to know the Delcamps. The former owners are also helping them out with the business. The staff, including the cook, are all the same from the previous owners. The staff worked well previously and they did not want to change that working atmosphere, Julie said. Julie and Doug also involved their families in the business. Employees include both Julie and Doug's sisters.
One different feature of the restaurant is the bar itself. The bar top is completely covered with pennies and nickels. The idea came from seeing light hit the tiles on the bar's front side and looking like pennies.
"We wanted to do something unique," Julie said.
Fact Box
Nickel Plate re-opening
What: Nickel Plate Grand Re-Opening
Where: 131 Central Ave., Brocton
When: From 3 p.m. to close. Kix 96.5 will broadcast from 3-5 p.m. with Ion Sky at 8 p.m.
Why: Free pizza, giveaways, prizes, vodka shot girls and more
They originally wanted to do the floor but quickly thought the bar would be easier to accomplish. The project took about two weeks to complete. The pennies are laid down first then on top of the pennies are nickels that spell out "The Nickel Plate Depot."
The restaurant also kept the train theme throughout the restaurant and bar. Remodeling included new tile at the fireplace, re-doing the bar, floors and bathrooms as well as adding desserts to the menu. The menu was kept very similar to the previous menu. New York state Lottery will also be available. The restaurant sports the "same great atmosphere," Doug said.
To celebrate new ownership, the restaurant will hold a grand opening celebration Saturday starting at 3 p.m. Kix 96.5 will be broadcasting from 3 to 5 p.m. with free pizza. Ion Sky with Tara Graves will be performing starting at 8 p.m. The grand opening will also feature prizes and giveaways and the Stoli girls will be available with Stolichnaya Vodka.
The restaurant is open every day at 4 p.m. On weeknights, the bar closes at 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. on the weekends. The kitchen is open until 9 p.m. every day. Daily specials are available. Family nights are Tuesdays with 2 for 1 kids meals, Wednes-days are wing nights, Ladies' Night is on Thursday, fish fry on Friday, prime rib on Saturday and Sundays include game day specials. On Sunday, the restaurant opens at noon. For more information, visit the Nickel Plate Depot on Facebook or call 792-4400.
Comments on this article may be sent to smcdonnell@observertoday.com.
