AMHERST — Demolition of much of the facade at the former Judie’s Restaurant in recent days may have startled some passing by the downtown location, but the work is about bringing a new tenant to the location, according to a representative for the property owner.
As Archipelago Investments converts the 51 North Pleasant St. eatery to the Amherst Oyster Bar, much of what has faced the street and sidewalk since a 2007 remodeling has been torn down.
Dylan Barstow Manz, an Archipelago representative, explained that the sunroom portion of the building was compromised, and that water damage was discovered while gutting the interior. The sunroom and ramp leading to the main entrance have been removed.
The work underway will allow the new restaurant to have a symmetrical appearance, he said.
“We are replacing the front of the building with a new roof and matching parapet from the south end of the building,” Barstow Manz said.
Earlier this year, the developer received permission from the town’s Design Review Board for exterior changes that will include using a dark blue with maize accents, with maize also used on the light covers.
Originally opened in 1977, Judie’s, like many restaurants, closed at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. But the restaurant, known for its large popovers, never reopened for any form of dining.
Judie’s was last renovated and expanded 15 years ago, when it absorbed Barselotti’s, the neighboring bar. Nicknamed Barsie’s, the bar existed for 73 years before it closed, though its neon sign continued to be displayed inside the enlarged Judie’s.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.