Parkhill’s Closed, To be Sold
Coaster Photo
Parkhills Waterfront Grill in Loch Arbour is under contract to be sold.
BY ELLEN CARROLL
The popular Parkhills Waterfront Grill in Loch Arbour is under contract to be sold, said the lawyer involved with the sale.
There is a contract, said Michael Benedetto, Long Branch. The buyer is an investor who hopes to lease it and have it run as a restaurant.
He declined to name the buyer but did say the liquor license would not be included in the sale.
Employees were told of the sale over the weekend. The restaurant has been called Parkhills since 1998 when John Parkhill, Interlaken took it over. Before that it was known by many names—including Bob Davis Restaurant, named after the former New York Jets quarterback, Cats, the Swamp, South By Southwest and the Deal Lake Yacht Club.
Following the death of John Parkhill earlier this year, his brother, Michael, took over the reins. He could not be reached for comment this week.
The restaurant ran into problems, however, during the summer. Police were called there for underage drinking and serving alcohol to an intoxicated person. The owner was facing a suspension of his liquor license from the state ABC.
Another state agency was investigating a complaint of the ethnic labeling of customers. A Jewish couple had complainted about being labeled by one of the waitresses at the restaurant.
To top it all off, the eight-day rain of two weeks ago flooded the restaurant, damaging a section of the dining room. The week before it closed only the bar section was open.
Read more about your town by picking up The Coaster at your local newsstand or subscribe today.
Published every Thursday.
November 3rd, 2005 at 1:47 am
I walked into work on a saturday night with a horrible feeling that Parkhill’s had failed. Not only were there the usual clatter of hear-say rumors that we were sold, but I saw the layout and spirit of the bar completely collapse. I wish some of the selfish patrons could realize how much this establishment ment to me, and I hope that the majority of of my supportive customers understand my anger and betrayal.
John was not only my best friend, but he was a father figure while I was away from home. He taught me business, and how not to be taken advantage of in multiple situations. I was devistated by his loss, but could not give up the place I called home. Parkhill’s blessed me with an amazing familiy of co-workers, a beautiful girl who I can’t wait to marry, and a promising career. I pray that I will become the man that John always knew I would become.
After five years of a completely trusting and honest commitment, I finally lost my friend’s dream. My heart and soul goes out to Maria and her children.