The Chenango County property where a beloved restaurant stood for decades could soon be a busy place again as a destination for weddings, parties and other events.

The iconic Silo Restaurant in Coventry had been a fixture for several decades. Gary Kurz operated the establishment in the late 1980s after his parents died.

The spot long occupied by the Silo Restaurant in Coventry was cleared after a 2021 fire. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The spot long occupied by the Silo Restaurant in Coventry was cleared after a 2021 fire. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Kurz put the property up for sale at the end of 2020 as he prepared to retire. The restaurant was still in operation the following November when the building that housed it was destroyed by fire.

Kurz and his wife now live in Florida. He told WNBF News that an Afton businessman has developed plans for a new venture at the site of the Silo Restaurant.

The Silo Restaurant's carriage house remains standing at the Moran Road site. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The Silo Restaurant's carriage house remains standing at the Moran Road property. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Kurz said John Hinman is preparing to acquire the property on Moran Road. The sale of the 87-acre site, which includes the carriage house building, is scheduled to close next week.

Kurz said Hinman is planning to build a pavilion to host special events. He also intends to renovate the carriage house for use as guest rooms. Some cabins also are to be built to allow guests to stay overnight. The new place is expected to be called the Silo Retreat.

Hinman was not available Friday to comment on his plans but his wife said she and her husband were excited about the new venture.

Kurz said he expected to Hinman would start working on the project shortly after the sale closes.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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