Nick Clooney hopes to save Beehive restaurant

There's no date on this, so I'm assuming it's today.

From local12

Nick Clooney Hopes To Save Beehive Restaurant

There's effort to reopen an 18th century building that housed a vital business in the heart of Augusta, Kentucky. Residents, with the help of a famous native, are working to reopen the Beehive Restaurant.

The owner closed up last year because of the tough economy, the harsh winter weather and a personal family commitment and many were shocked. And one is well-known native who is now spearheading a community effort to bring it back.

There are very few cities you can enter by ferry and view historic buildings. The area is so special for Nick Clooney that he recently gathered 70 residents to brainstorm about saving a piece of this history, the Beehive Restaurant. "I'm an old news guy. I can't even cook. but these folks had very specific ideas."

Like more windows to take in the view, and packages that can include the ferry, and inn and shopping. And Nick says it needs to reopen. "I think it has affected some of the tourist industry. We had many people come from Cincinnati on a Friday or Saturday night to have dinner and also, you know, spend money, in some of the other businesses around town."

A woman who owns a gift show next door says the closing of the Beehive is bad for her business. "There's nobody here. It's sad."

Money is at the heart of trying to reopen it. One idea includes having several people invest, and then bringing in a top chef to run it with little financial risk. "In a way, the entire community and the wider community would seem, could subsidize this as a iconic location."

Clooney says there's precedent with this, with the ferry, he's optimistic the ideas can bring back the restaurant. "Right now, every option is being considered including making it a non-profit. Some people have offered up their checkbooks and there does seem to be a lot of agreement on keeping the name Beehive."

Nick is working fast and he would like to see the restaurant reopen this fall.

This could give Eli some ideas with her new interest in food. LOL I'm sure George would chip in with cash at least!

I think that Gee should spend the cash to save the restaurant, Gee to become a server (naked on roller skates aprt from a VERY small pinny!), to take orders OR give away a kiss with every meal ordered! and if you have room for pudding.......do they rooms upstairs???!!!

@fluffy Sign me up for a dinner. Just to see Georgeous like that --

For me, it would be enough if he was just there...

Well then girlies! lets pool our resources and buy the place, put the guilt factor on Gee to make it work, Bobs yor uncle and F.........!!!!

Sounds like a plan! I'm in!

Only spending my money to see George naked.

Not an easy task ! Augusta is getting old too no ?

Just call me Charlie Brown because I love Lucy! LOL
Well, I loved what Lucy said!

This sounds like a lovely little place and I hope that Nick can keep the ball rolling. However, I'm sure the townsfolk probably think that Nick should fund the whole thing, with his rich son you know. But, I think that if it were a town effort, there would be much pride for what they've done.

Oh, looky!!! I hit 2000 on a Nick post!!!! Yay for me!!!!

I think that George should show us some of HIS cooking skills and deliver each meal personally (clothing optional)!!! And wouldn't he look devine in one of those "Kiss the cook" aprons?????

"My name is Melbert, may I call you George?"


(my new title)

Congrats Melbert another 1000 down!

Or.....I Melbert take thee George......

Oh YES Merlin!!!!!

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Swarm of enthusiasm surrounds desire to reopen Augusta business
Posted: Monday, June 20, 2011

WENDY MITCHELL The Ledger Independent
A group of Augusta visionaries is looking into ways to purchase and reopen The Beehive Tavern.
AUGUSTA -- Rumors are again circulating about the fate of a cornerstone of 1790s architecture and business along the Augusta riverfront.
In February, the Beehive Tavern on Riverside Drive closed its doors as long-time chef Luciano "Sean" Moral departed for other pursuits.
Recently, a group of local residents and entrepreneurs gathered to discuss ideas for purchasing the property, including the Beehive name and reopening the venue as a restaurant again.
Spearheading the push are Nick Clooney and Chris DeSimio, along with dozens of other people with local ties.
Clooney has strong ties in entertainment and media circles.
In addition to his years as a television host and news personality, he is the father of actor George Clooney and brother to the late actress and entertainer Rosemary Clooney.
DeSimio and his wife, Sheila DeSimio are part of the Bracken County venture known as Chipolte Chicks, which with Kathy Yelton, developed Kentucky Chipolte Sauce, Hill Dilly Beans, Hot Pepper Jelly, salsa and red pepper spread into nationally recognized products.
The Beehive restaurant building, right down to the dishes and the name, owned by the Basil Mattingly family, is listed for sale for $345,000 by Limestone Properties, officials said.
LouAnn Mattingly referred questions to the realtor.
The property has also appeared in movies and in the 1970s mini-series "Centennial."
An idea tossed around by the Augusta area group is forming a nonprofit venture, with a number of investors purchasing the property and creating an incentive arrangement to get a professional chef to operate the restaurant, said Del Tongret Bloom, who attended the meeting.
"Nick is trying to find a way to keep the Beehive ... then figure a way to restore and get it back into operation," Bloom said. "They are looking for investors with some vision."
An idea of investor input of $5,000 each was discussed, she said.
The group will also be looking for a professional chef, possibly candidates from culinary collages, she said.
"They are looking at risk-free incentives for a chef, like possibly, free rent for a few years," Bloom said.
Though some potential investors expressed an interest in keeping the menu intact, others were concerned that change may be what is needed to get the restaurant operating on a financially sound track. Focusing on a lite menu for a lunch crowd in addition to fine dining menu for evening and special occasions.
Augusta businesses have fought the recession in many ways, including encouraging entrepreneur and community input to continue to attract tourists to the city.
In addition to being the location of the Rosemary Clooney House Museum and associated White Christmas parade, the Augusta ferry and many shops and dining venues, Augusta hosts several festivals and musical events each year.
The city has also been very active in grant programs for façade and property improvement, and encourages boaters to utilize the riverwalk docking area and boat launch when traveling the Ohio River, officials said.
"The objective is to preserve the Beehive, make it a destination for tourists and travelers and a gathering place for local residents," Bloom said.
Attempts by The Ledger Independent to contact Clooney and DeSimio were unsuccessful.

Thanks Merlin! I was just coming here to post this.

I had to laugh at "Clooney has strong ties in entertainment and media circles". Ya think?!

And vids of the Centennial ?

Sounds like they have a great plan for their starting point.