A Sugar Loaf landmark closes its doors

BY VICKI BOTTA
SUGAR LOAF — It seemed like just another Saturday in Sugar Loaf, but as people approached the casual dining Barnsider and found the doors locked, reactions were anything but casual.

“The Barnsider is closed!” one woman quickly said into her cell phone, “Can you believe it?” Another woman asked, “Where else is there to eat? I always ate here, used the rest room and went home.”

After 35 years, owner Matthew Kannon has decided to move on and start the next chapter in his life.

“I've had a good run, I'm honored to have served my hamlet, my town and am blessed to have known so many people,” said Kannon. He said that throughout the three and a half decades, he employed 1,500 different people.

For him, now, the time has come to move on.

“The business has changed over the years,” said Kannon, citing the ban on smoking, liability in drunk driving accidents and the economy. “It (the economy) hasn't really recovered like they thought it would.”

Also, his wife, who was also his business partner, decided to retire earlier.

Famous dinersMany famous people who visited Sugar Loaf, whether they performed at the Lycian Theatre or were just driving through, visited the familiar eatery known for its French onion soup, coconut shrimp, burgers, wraps and best of all Barn Burners, a fall specialty drink with hot apple cider, rum and cinnamon stick. Today, Kannon said, he would easily have served at least 600 people.

According to Kannon and his dad, Walter Kannon, people like Soupy Sales, Walter Cronkite and Richard Kiley, who lived in Warwick, were only some of the people who stopped in. The elder Kannon, who purchased the building in 1963, said that Kiley and he used to recite poetry together in the restaurant. Kannon said that Soupy Sales helped his mom bring groceries in when he was there. Congressman Ben Gilman, Marty Lyons of the Jets, and governors have all stopped in.

The road to Sugar LoafWalter Kannon had once been signed by the New York Giants football team and even roomed with Frank Gifford, but he only played one exhibition season before leaving the team to coach football at Hofstra University on Long Island. In addition to coaching, he managed a life insurance office. The need for a career change was what made him decide to move his family to Sugar Loaf where he started a barn siding business. The building housed antiques and architectural artifacts and hardware.

In the late 1960s, the Barnsider was responsible for beginning "Eric Sloane Day," which was celebrated the first Saturday of September and ran for about 19 years. It was an art show featuring Eric Sloane with his paintings. Walter Kannon had first become interested in Sloane, who he also describes as an excellent author. He had read his book, “The Reverence For Wood” about America's tools, early American frame work and buildings and sought him out to meet him. The show at times had 7,000 people attend.

“The Town of Sugar Loaf was an active community,” said Walter Kannon, “and there were lots of college students wanting to become crafts people and felt it would make a great gathering place. The 'Guild,' which is today's Chamber, met there because Sugar Loaf did not have a restaurant.”

As the public began to accept Sugar Loaf as a destination, it became more apparent that Sugar Loaf needed a restaurant. Walter Kannon applied for a liquor license and got it in September, 1979. People would buy sandwiches from Al's Deli down the road and bring them to what became the tavern. They got their food license in spring of 1980.

A family affair Walter Kannon said that in the beginning, the whole family, including his other son, Michael, and daughters, Nina and Tania, worked in the restaurant. He proudly noted that all four of his children are college graduates. Walter Kannon said that his wife, Marion, was in charge of everyone. After Matthew Kannon graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in computer science, he became part owner.

Passing it onWalter Kannon, who is now 88, had begun going out west in 1972, in the fall season. In 1988, he made an offer on a place in Montana and ran it as a fly fishing lodge. He transferred ownership of the Barnsider to Matthew Kannon. Today, the Old Kirby Place is one of the premier fly fishing places on Madison River, according the elder Kannon. He has since sold that to a former client.

What's nextWhen asked if he would be staying in Sugar Loaf, Walter Kannon answered, “You bet your pajamas! I will stay in Sugar Loaf until the day I die!”

He said six or seven people are interested in buying the restaurant.

As for himself, he said he has had "a wonderful life."

"I got the best wife in the world," said Walter Kannon. “A lot of women and men can't follow their lead or desire because they restrain each other, but I was very fortunate. Life is a gift, the way you live your life is your gift to those who come after you. Make it good, be happy, do something good.”

Matthew Kannon intends to get his master's degree in computer sciences online after taking a much needed vacation in Nebraska. He also plans to write a book about the Barnsider and his 35 years of experience running the tavern/restaurant in Sugar Loaf.

“It's time for fresh energy,” said Matthew Kannon. “It's a great location, the next owners are going to do great!”

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