Norman Rockwells American Cafe To Open Restaurant On Long Island

In Stony Brook Village
 
(Stony Brook, N.Y.) The Brook House Restaurant and Eagle Realty Holdings, Inc. jointly announce the sale of Brook House Restaurant to Rockwell Cuisine Concepts, LLC effective immediately.
 
In making the announcement, Karen Langrock and Michelle Bentivenga of The Brook House Restaurant in Stony Brook Village Center said, “After 24 years it’s time to think of retiring. We will, of course, be staying on for a while to ensure a smooth transition.”  New owners, Bill Sukow, Founder and CEO, and Kevin Haranta, President and COO, are dedicated to continuing the Brook House tradition of serving American “comfort” food.  “Both my business partner and I feel that people are yearning for simpler times and this will be reflected in the restaurant’s theme and our menu items,” Bill said.  Over a year ago Bill approached the Norman Rockwell Estate with the idea of creating the “Norman Rockwell American Cafes.”  Bill and Kevin now own the exclusive rights to expand the concept throughout the United States and Canada.  Bill Sukow’s experience as a successful restaurateur, having owned the Bayport House Restaurant in Bayport for 8 years, will serve him well.
 
In 2011 The Brook House name will officially change, along with some interior design modifications, to conform to the Norman Rockwell theme.
 
Gloria Rocchio, President of Eagle Realty said, “We’re pleased that Bill and Kevin chose Stony Brook to launch the prototype of Norman Rockwell’s American Café.  The Stony Brook Village Center was built in 1941 by philanthropist Ward Melville and is a perfect fit as a quintessential American village.  Architect Robert Stern, author of the book, Pride of Place, referred to Stony Brook as ‘an American place that defies anonymity.’ ”
 
Karen and Michelle will be missed by the community as we begin a new era with Bill and Kevin and Norman Rockwell’s American Café.