Silo, a ‘new-style eatery,’ aims to fill a void in Greece restaurant scene

Drive down West Ridge Road in Greece and you’ll find enough eateries to fill your restaurant bingo card in no time.

From franchised quick serve outlets to long-established family-owned fine dining, the options are endless on the three-mile stretch of roadway.

Yet the husband-and-wife team of Peter Causyn and Jessica Fredericks believes there not only is room in the marketplace for one more, but a need.

That’s why Causyn, through Braddock Land 1865 LLC, bought 300 Paddy Creek Circle near the state Route 390 interchange in a deal that closed on May 6.

He paid $2 million for the property to Munipro, Inc., the municipal development corporation for the town of Greece. The building had been home to The Distillery, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Causyn and Fredericks will operate Silo, with Labor Day weekend targeted for the grand opening, assuming there are no hiccups in securing a liquor license from the state. They already own the waterside Braddock Bay Tavern & Grill on Manitou Road in Hilton, and Causyn is president of Farmer Jon’s Popcorn.

“We’re creating a new-style eatery, a family-oriented restaurant with flavor and passion,” Causyn said.

The interior will feature water and fire inside, and rotisserie chicken will be cooking in full view of customers. A restaurant designer has been hired to fulfill the vision, because Causyn said the look and vibe is critical to the dining experience they want to create.

“We want to do something in the Greece area because we feel there’s a void,” he said.

The interactive menu will feature rotisserie chicken, steak, seafood and pasta, and it will change with the seasons.

“There will be something on the menu for everyone, from your 2-year-old child to your 102-year-old grandmother,” Causyn said. “And we’re going to have a Sunday brunch like Rochester has never seen.”

A 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio is being built and will feature fire pits. Causyn expects to be able to seat between 65 and 70 patrons on the patio, depending on fire marshal specs.

The vision for Silo was reinforced by their own research, as well as a Facebook poll.

“We asked what type of food the community was missing and the overwhelming response was a sit-down restaurant with a flair,” Causyn said.

They don’t, however, intend to pilfer business from existing businesses in the neighborhood, which already has several options for dining and libations. Causyn said Silo will fill a niche.

“If you want a sports bar, then (TC) Hooligans is right there, and there’s also Olive Garden and Applebee’s,” he said. “But if you want a little more upscale, then we’ve got you covered. We’ll round out this area without impeding on anyone else’s business.”

Causyn said they had been looking for a property for a few months and became aware of the building on Paddy Creek Circle in April. He then contacted Scott Copey, director of planning and economic development for the town of Greece, to learn details about the property.

“He met me there and literally within two hours we had a signed contract,” Causyn said. “He couldn’t have been more helpful.”

Greece officials have made it a point in recent years to let entrepreneurs know that the town is open for business.

“We’re trying to be proactive and not only place people in buildings but also help them through the permitting process,” Copey said.

Becoming more involved in business recruitment was a goal of the town’s 2020 comprehensive plan.

“We’re keeping tabs on commercial occupancy and getting buildings occupied that have been vacant,” Copey said.

Causyn and Frederick both grew up on Rochester’s west side and the business ventures are self-funded, Causyn said. They bought Braddock Bay Tavern & Grill in January, and the creation of Silo is an indication they’re not afraid to forge full speed ahead in the food and beverage business.

“This is just the beginning,” he said.

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