John Anthony's? - Update!

Did anyone see a small ad in the NYTimes yesterday/Sunday, advertising John Anthony's catering hall for bankruptcy sale?

I didnt see this myself just heard from someone else but wondering if any of the other brides did...and if so thought it was good to know info.

i rarely post anything - but i would have to say that
i think that people shouldn't post such speculations like places where people on this board are getting married are going to be shut down and turned in to condos unless that there are facts that are proving that and not speculations

it makes people that are supposed to be getting married there a nervous wreck and worrying about something that might not even have to worry about

Jcdesignz, I agree with you about speculation and not posting based on that to a certain extent but defintely believe that if someone has any information about a hall that came from a reputable source it can be posted if the intentions are to help.

My hall had had the lake drudged and I found out about it through a post similar to this one. Infact MrsWask was my eyes and ears literally.

When I asked why I wasnt told and some other brides who got married at the hall can support this..the BM said' they did not want the brides to worry'. I think I would have been more stressed if i had the come to my reception and noticed thee was no water when that was the reason I chose the hall.

So unfortunately as much as I think we all have to love our halls we have to remember this is a business and they will protect themselves first. There's more than one example on how shady some vendors can be.

i agree with you all that this site is great when it comes to girls helping each other out in terms of places that we are getting married. and i love all the information i get off of here however -

what joey'sbaby posted was just what i said before - speculation - there are no facts there - just someone friends father saying that they are being brought down for condos..... when you look back at her posts - (and i have) she has posted a couple of negative posts about the harbor club and had even said back in june that it was going to be knocked down for condos.....

if you do research - the fact that john anthony's is going up for auction is what is supposed to be happening in terms of the sale to all star limos - in a bancruptcy sale (of John Anthnys and not the Harbor Club) an auction has to take place where other buyers can offer more than 100,000 for the business and win a bid.... read the article from july that i posted below - it says so in the second paragraph.....

this is what i mean about posting fact - not just what speculation....



Limousine owner to buy caterer
BY ALAN J. WAX
STAFF WRITER

July 6, 2004
The owner of John Anthony's on the Water has agreed to sell the well-known waterfront catering hall in Babylon to the owner of one of Long Island's largest limousine providers for $6.7 million. Port Dock Holdings Corp., a company owned by the Albicocco family, is in contract to sell John Anthony's, one of Long Island's largest catering venues with 20,000 square feet, to Jim Powers, owner of Farmingdale- based All Star Limousine. No business interruptions are anticipated.

The contract and a motion to sell the facility have been submitted to U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Stan Bernstein, who presides in Central Islip. Bernstein has yet to rule on the sale. A hearing, at which higher and better offers may be submitted for the facility, will be scheduled 20 days after a notice of court approval is published. Any deal buster must exceed the contract price by $100,000.

Port Dock Holdings, owned by some of the adult children of the late sand and gravel magnate Sam Albicocco, has been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings since August. John Anthony's opened in 1986 as a restaurant-disco on a site overlooking the Great South Bay that once housed the Boynes Hotel.

The company also owns two Huntington venues, CoCo's Water Cafe, and the adjacent catering facility, The Harbor Club at TTee's Landing. Both are now doing well, said Port Dock president Oreste Albicocco.
Powers said he plans to continue to operate John Anthony's with an experienced catering partner. Those involved in the sale would not identify Power's partner, but Gerard Glass, Power's lawyer, said the limousine company owner would be joined in the venture by someone who has been in the catering business for 30 years.

'There will be a seamless transition. All bookings are going on as scheduled,' said Glass, of the Babylon law firm Glass & Glass. 'They're accepting [future] bookings at the present time.' Glass said the new owners plan to make physical improvements to John Anthony's. 'It's really the crown jewel of our organization,' Albicocco said. 'We loved the property and the business. I wish we didn't have to sell, but this puts us back on solid ground. Right now, it's the best move for our family.'

Port Dock and an affiliated real estate company, Port Dock & Stone Corp., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection 11 months ago as a family dispute about the operation and ownership of the businesses escalated. The dispute was settled in January, but the businesses remain in Chapter 11 proceedings.

Sam Albicocco, who died in October 2002 at age 76, sold the sand business of Port Dock & Stone Corp. in 2000 but continued to own real estate in Huntington and Babylon. Stock in the restaurants is held by Port Dock Holdings.

I agree with you jcdesignz - speculation from an unreputable source can cause unneeded stress and posters should avoid passing on 'gossip' about halls.

I also agree with you myasmom, I think REPUTABLE information can be very helpful, such as items from the newspaper and first-hand information, unfortunatly this post has reputable information followed by just hear-say - I can understand why that would make brides nervous!

Woosh I thought I was doing a good thing and was scared you guys were taking it as negative. Thanks for clarifying.

I think that all halls should send literature out to its prospective clients though. Just so they can be kept informed.

well if it up for sale.... i want to buy it!!!!!
it is definately a great industry to be in if you keep a clean place and great food and service

My name is Scott, Facilities Director at the Harbor Club

I am responding to today's chat about the sale of John Anthony's and the current financial health of the Harbor Club.
First, I would like to state that, as most people know, 99% of all rumors are usually false-- It's good to give both positive and negative feedback when facts are accurate. However, I certainly would appreciate it, if comments or opinions made are indeed based on facts...and that those facts are true. Otherwise, it puts undue stress on future brides.

. Here are the facts:
1. John Anthony's is currently in contract to be sold to All Star Limo and a cater that's been in the business for 20 years.

2. The public notice published in Aug 1, 2004 New York Times is a legal formality which by law Must be published in a newspaper, although a contract has already been signed, If you read the Newsday article about the family settlement on July 6, 2004, the Judge stated it is a firm contract (but again a legal formality) any bids at least $100,000 above the stated price can be accepted and lets face it, if a higher bid is accepted that only makes the Harbor Club's position even stronger.

3. The bankruptcy issue was voluntary, which means it wasn't because of financial instability. Filliing for bankruptcy was a legal way of freezing the company's assets until a judge could resolve family ownership issues, which was settled this past January. This formality was taken in order to preserve a strong, successful company, and nothing more.


4. John Anthony's which is zoned both commercial and residential was sold to an experienced caterer and not a Condo developer, to preserve the integrity of the Harbor Club which is staying as a family business.

5. One needs to respond to the 8/3 member posting - stating that a dad's friend is in real estate and that probably-maybe-could be 'The Harbor Club might turn into condos' Again idol chit-chat... Is the dad's real estate friend stating his opinion (everyone turns land into Condo's) or is it fact? If it is - Gee I would like to know. Is the Harbor Club even zoned for residential?? - The point is, if someone is to post a rumor as truth--Supply documentation with your facts..NOT opinions, it only hurts innocent businesses, vendors and their clients

6. As for the financial health of the Harbor Club, we are a small catering hall with one wedding at a time--most of our bookings are from recommendations and people who have attended, Most Brides are intelligent and don't pay attention to negative gossip.

7. Again, if you received 'info' from your 'mothers--brothers--cousin from Florida', it's most likely not true. In other words please don't pass on undocumented gossip because it makes you sound important and in the loop, - you wouldn't want it to happen to you

Thoughts from Scott

I encourage recent past brides of Harbor Club to post their reviews - that's a dare that most other caters won't take
The Harbor Club has been here for 15 years - we are a premier catering hall because of attention to detail of service and food quality. We Wow you and as importantly we Wow your guests. The Harbor Club will be here for many years to come.

The future of John Anthony's is bright. It's a beautiful Facility at a great location. The.J.A. brides are in the best position possible. The new caterer will do everything to enhance the J.A. wedding experience. I am confident that J.A. will be successful in proving the negative folks wrong.

Brides looking for a one wedding at a time Reception Hall - The Harbor Club is the perfect choice - Service and food cannot be beat