Ron Don’s Village Pub prepares to say goodbye

After 28 years of serving Trumansburg, Ron Don’s Village Pub has announced it will soon close its doors, as owner Don Scott expressed gratitude to his loyal customers who have become friends.

Scott took to social media to share the bittersweet news, revealing that he and his family are ready to embark on their next adventure. As they prepare to say goodbye and commemorate the memories of yesteryear, old pictures are being posted on Ron Don’s Facebook page.

Scott opened the family-friendly restaurant on Nov. 1, 1995. It has been a staple in the community with its cozy, inviting atmosphere and affordable menu offerings of massive burgers, pizza, sandwiches and more. 

Some of Scott’s fondest memories were during the first years of being open for business in the old Camel’s restaurant location across the street. 

“We opened at 5 a.m. and closed at 1 a.m., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was exhausting at the time,” said Scott. A true family affair, he shared that his mother and father would open for him and cook breakfast until he could get his daughter to school, which he added was “very special.”

“As for our current location, we have met so many great people and formed lasting relationships,” said Scott. “The relationships I have built with our customers have turned into cherished friendships — some with a shared interest in woodworking and caning chairs, which I have come to enjoy with their guidance.”

One of Scott’s favorite parts of having served the Trumansburg community has been seeing local families transform and grow — and, at times, welcoming their four-legged friends.

“The customers who were just children at the time now have kids of their own,” he said. “I have been part of the evolution of having been gifted with many life-changing events from the birth of their children, the passing of loved ones, meeting their grandchildren or being greeted with their dogs.”

While many New Yorkers flee the state in favor of warmer weather elsewhere, Scott shared that he and his wife, Suzy, have no intention of leaving and are grateful for the opportunity to spend time with family and their granddaughter. 

After 28 years serving the community and having weathered challenging times such as the pandemic, Scott offers valuable suggestions to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark locally.

“I guess the advice I would give is to surround yourself with a core of great people,” he said. “Also, in a village this size, you can’t be an absentee owner. People want to see you and know that you are committed. Stay connected to the community and support them.”

As the days tick by until Ron Don’s officially closes its doors, Scott and his family hope they have created a lasting impression and great memories for their patrons and friends that will stand the test of time.

“Ron Don’s was always a family-friendly place to come for great food, [to] share stories and connect with others,” he said. “I hope in 20 years, someone driving by will point to 1 Old Main St. and say, ‘Man, remember Ron Don’s? We used to go there all the time.'”

Not wanting to go out without a bang, a Ron Don’s closing party is planned for Saturday, Dec. 16, at 1 Old Main St., starting at 4 p.m. Silo Food Truck will be on site with food for purchase from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. 

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com or courtney.rehfeldt@gmail.com.

In brief:

Screening of ‘Clear Day Thunder’

The Ulysses Tree Advisory Council, which has been active in the efforts to reestablish the American chestnut tree, gave out hundreds of hybrid chestnut seedlings from The American Chestnut Foundation in celebration of Arbor Day 2023.

To further its efforts, the group will host a screening of “Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut” Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Main St. in Trumansburg. The event fits into the community forums that have taken place on the second Tuesday of each month.

Trumansburg Community Chorus 

The Trumansburg Community Chorus will hold its winter concerts on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m., with a reception to follow, and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses, 69 E. Main St. in Trumansburg. 

All are welcome. The concerts are free, but donations are appreciated.