MACEDON, NY — Will classic cars cruise back to Log Cabin Restaurant & Catering sooner rather than later?
Both the town of Macedon and the restaurant owner are cautiously optimistic after the two sides met earlier this week to figure out a mutually acceptable way to move forward with the event.
A law enacted in January required businesses to obtain a permit before holding special events, but the two sides appeared to be at odds over conditions associated with the permit. The impasse forced the Macedon, Wayne County, eatery to cancel several of its weekly car show events.
The popular cruise nights have been held at the restaurant for 29 years, said Log Cabin owner Tom Hristodoulo, adding that most people who have an interest in cars have been here at least once since they started. They don’t “generate millions,” but they do bring in income and each cancellation adds up.
“It’s been a fun event,” Hristodoulo said. “I certainly hope to keep it going.”
An agreement may be in place by the end of this week at the earliest or possibly next week, according to Scott Allen, who heads up the town’s building and zoning department. Acknowledging there has been back and forth, Allen said he believes they have a good framework.
“The goal is not to shut the car show down,” Allen said. “The goal is to conduct this car show in a safe manner. We’re working towards getting them a permit.”
The Macedon law in question
The intent of the law is to allow “large assemblies” by following procedures to assure that such assemblies may be accommodated without unduly burdening the community or the resources of the town of Macedon, according to the legislation posted on the town’s website.
The law is modeled after one used in the town of Greece, Allen said, and many municipalities have similar laws.
“These things are not uncommon,” Allen said.
The applicant is asked to provide details such as the type of event, time and date of the event, if alcohol will be present, admission charges, if any, details about food, plans for security and emergency medical services, among others.
Town officials, fire and police and others review the application.
The law, which has been discussed in various iterations for the last few years, applies to any special event, not just the Log Cabin’s car show, Allen said.
“It makes our staff aware of when they’re happening so that we have appropriate resources available if needed,” Allen said.
In a Facebook post on July 15, the Log Cabin said if towns begin requiring higher fees, stricter permits, and more red tape for established, local events like this, it becomes harder for car shows everywhere to continue.
“We want to protect the future of events like this, not just here, but in other communities too.,” the post reads.
Addressing popular car show concerns
Although in a rural area of town — a cow pasture is across the street from the eatery — several businesses operate and residents live nearby. Allen said the town has fielded complaints about traffic control in and out of the car shows.
A permit may help address those concerns, Allen added, whether it’s having police dedicated to the event to help with traffic control and working hand in hand with onsite security, or working cooperatively with messaging and promoting safety.
“If the people are respectful coming to and from, then everybody’s going to be able to enjoy the show, and the show will be able to carry on indefinitely,” Allen said. “That’s our goal.”
Because this is a car show, there will be traffic, Hristodoulo said, and he is willing to help address concerns to the extent that he can.
The Log Cabin is in the midst of an online fundraiser and petition drive to ensure the car show keeps going, if the public wants it.
“It puts us on the map,” Hristodoulo said. “I don’t think anybody would know we exist out there if it wasn’t for things like this.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Will popular cruise nights return to Macedon restaurant? Here’s the latest
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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