KINGSTON >> The Hillside Manor, a mainstay in town for more three decades, has been sold.
Denni Demosthenes, general manager of the banquet facility at 240 Boulevard (state Route 32) in Kingston, said the new owners are from Newburgh and White Plains and will take over Jan. 2.
Demosthenes would not identify the buyers but said he believes they have plans to “redo” the place.
“It was a great run. We made a lot of friends. We served a lot of important people. We had a lot of fun,” he said. “We hope we took care of Kingston the way Kingston deserved to be taken care of, but it’s time to move on.”
By far the Hillside’s most famous guest was President Bill Clinton, who visited in October 2000, near the end of his eight years in office, to campaign for U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey and then-presidential candidate Al Gore.
George and Kiki Demosthenes opened the Hillside Manor in May 1984 and offered the cuisine and hospitality of their native Greece.
By 1987, the Hillside had gotten so popular that they built additional banquet halls to accommodate the growing number of parties, weddings, proms and fundraisers being held there. Up through now, four halls – the Falls Room, Grand Ballroom, Prive Lounge and Private Dining Room, and the Bluestone Terrace – have been used for special events.
Brothers Denni, Deno and Jim Demosthenes have run the business in recent years. While Denni oversaw day-to-day operations, Deno, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, served as executive chef, and Jim had the role of senior partner and events coordinator.
Denni Demosthenes said on Friday he was not sure of future plans for the lavish facility known for its luxurious table settings, mirrored rooms and cascading waterfall in the entrance hall.
Asked what’s next for the Demosthenes brothers, Denni said this won’t be the last people hear of them.
“Jimmy is involved with Santa Fe Uptown [at 11 Main St. in Kingston], and I’ll be around,” he said.
Demosthenes said the Bruderhof-sponsored New Year’s Eve party for senior citizens will take place at the Hillside, as planned, and so far has 220 reservations.
“We want to thank everyone in Kingston for 30 good years,” he said.
