Area leaders praise revitalization of restaurant/inn as 'Bond 1786' is christened

WARRENSBURG | A grand re-opening ceremony was held June 24 for the resurrection of a Warrensburg restaurant and inn that for generations have been a regional historic landmark — and leaders of area organizations, businesses and government attended the event to hail their revival. This event, celebrating the formal christening of "The Bond 1786," drew more than 80 people who toasted the revitalization and expansion of the former Merrill-Magee House, a project which elevated the premises to a new level of elegance. Various area leaders in commerce and politics praised owners Ash and Jaime Anand, Warrensburg residents, for their vision and accomplishments in revitalizing the property. Michael Bittel, president of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce emceed the event. "This property is so rich in history and has so much meaning to so many people, not only in Warrensburg, but in Warren County and beyond," he said. "We are here to revel in all the things that Ash and his family have done for this community." Former state Sen. Betty Little said she was quite impressed with the revival of the restaurant/inn. This is not just a restaurant, it is now a destination — people will be coming from far and wide," she said. "Nothing is better than seeing a place that has fallen on hard times to be improved and come to life again." Warrensburg Historian Sandi Parisi recounted the history of the property, noting that "The Bond 1786" referred to William Bond, believed to be the first settler of the Warrensburg hamlet in 1786 — and the first home on the site was built in the late 1830s by Stephen Griffin, a leading entrepreneur in the southern Adirondacks. Ash Anand expanded Parisi's reference to Bond, noting it was his and Jaime's intent to strengthen a bond with history and the Warrensburg community, as well as creating new bonds between the venue's guests, by hosting weddings, engagement parties, and other celebrations. In handing Ash and Jaime a certificate of recognition, Warren County Board of Supervisors chairwoman Rachel Seeber pursued that thought. "This is the best love story," she said, glancing at the inn's premises. "How many people were engaged here, and got married here," she said, noting the restaurant's revitalization was "an amazing success." "I hope that the couples that fall in love here fall in love with Warren County," she added. Ash and Jaime Anand credited for boosting the area's economy State Assemblyman Matt Simpson also offered his thoughts. "It's wonderful to see the rebirth of this place and see new history created here," he said. "I thank Ash and his family for believing in Warrensburg and all the surrounding communities in the Adirondacks — This is just a wonderful accomplishment." Simpson and Little were referring not only to the restaurant and inn, but also the Anands' other local businesses that operate under the umbrella of "Lotus Companies" — Lotus Auto Xperts, Small Tales Early Learning Center, Ocho Cinco Cantina, Ashe's Hotel, two NAPA auto stores, The Grist Mill restaurant and Lotus Healthcare Solutions, as well as his two enterprises with national presence, Lotus Analytics and Lotus for Life, that are based in Warrensburg. Betty Little hailed the Anands for their impact on the area's economy. "I love what Ash and Jaime have done — they've created more than 115 jobs in Warrensburg — It's phenomenal.' Bittel seconded the sentiment. "You put a lot on the line every day for 115 people here in this area….you're changing lives here," he said. After listening to all the accolades, Jaime Anand deferred credit to the employees of Lotus enterprises. Ash Anand also responded. "I'm blessed because of the people that we have here today; I'm blessed because I am able to recreate history that is very critical to us," he said. "Thanks for the words of encouragement, and I hope we can do bigger and better things from here on." Jaime and Ashe gave tours of the fully renovated restaurant and inn. The timber-trussed tavern was recently expanded laterally and vertically, creating a cozy loft for intimate dining or drinks. The restaurant's dining room has been enlarged and updated and is suitable for banquets, while the former dining rooms will now be host smaller-scale parties and conferences. Outside the main dinning room is a new spacious wraparound dining patio, believed to be the largest of its kind between Saratoga and the Canadian border. The patio is surrounded by the inn's gracious lawn, which has lush landscaping. Later this summer, the patio might be hosting musicians, Jaime Anand said. The inn's guest house has 10 rooms, all of which have been thoroughly reappointed, including new flooring and fixtures — including the bathrooms. All the bedrooms have fireplaces. The guest house also features a new sunroom addition which offers an elegant setting for reading or relaxation. Parisi said she was thrilled to see the restaurant and inn resurrected. "This is pure joy, what Ash and Jaime have done here," she said. "It has touched my heart."

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Area leaders praise revitalization of restaurant/inn as 'Bond 1786' is christened

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