City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, October 23, 2009) – Mayor Robert J. Duffy and Neighborhood and City Business Development Commissioner R. Carlos Carballada today joined owner Craig Ristuccia to commemorate the opening of Hose 22 Fire House Grill, located in the former City of Rochester Stutson Street Fire House at 56 Stutson Street.
“We are delighted that Craig has chosen to locate this unique restaurant in Rochester,” said Mayor Duffy. “This is an amazing transformation. He has restored a piece of Rochester’s history for all to enjoy, particularly significant during the city’s 175th Anniversary.”
Mr. Ristuccia is a Rochester native, and has been a successful contractor for over 25 years. He has always admired the Stutson Street Fire House, and often thought of restoring it back to its original glory. When the opportunity finally arose, he jumped at the chance to work with the building.
“Through hard work and dedication, I have established a quality reputation in the construction and remodeling business, and feel this will easily carry over in the success of Hose 22 Fire House Grill,” Mr. Ristuccia said. “I am honored for this opportunity to give back to my community, by restoring and making public a piece of Rochester history, and am looking forward to quality development in this area.”
The concept for the business was derived from consulting with his professional team, the community, and the City’s Neighborhood and Business Development team. Mr. Ristuccia said that he “recognized the need for a unique restaurant here in the Charlotte area and the obvious theme was that of the beautiful building and interesting history of the Charlotte firefighters.” In fact, Mr. Ristuccia chose this date in October to coincide with the original opening of the Stutson Street Fire House, on October 25, 1916, by Mayor Hiram H. Edgerton and Fire Chief Charles S. Little.
Working over a two-year period, the building was gutted, every window and door replaced, tin ceilings added and floors repaired and refinished. A new slate roof and copper gutters were added, the fire poles replaced and the wrought iron balcony out front meticulously replicated. Mr. Ristuccia used old photos of the building to guide his restorations.
Hose 22 will provide the community with a quality American-style grill serving lunch and dinner, all with a focus on the firehouse, honoring firefighters and displaying its history to the community in a timeless historical building. The restored 1916 Fire House building will highlight local beer and wine, featuring 22 beer taps, over 50 different bottled beers and an extensive wine list, offering seating for over 100 patrons and additional seating in the uniquely restored second floor and basement areas.
The restaurant received assistance from the Neighborhood and Business Development Department in the form of Small Business Matching Grants and assistance from the NYS Empire Zone Program. Hose 22 will create approximately 50 full and part-time jobs.
Commissioner Carballada reinforced the City’s commitment to the revitalization and transformation of Charlotte, by adding that, “this new restaurant will further the City’s efforts in this area, providing much-needed jobs, and enhancing the existing businesses and restaurants already thriving in the Charlotte neighborhood.”
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News Media: For more information, contact Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner Carlos Carballada at 428-8801.