BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – A Route 11 dining institution is alive and well, thanks to a sincere preservation interest by a father and his two sons.

Terry Niles, with his sons Ryan and Graham, the Niles Asset Management team, are the new owners of the bistro-style 1844 House, located between Potsdam and Canton at 6885 US 11.

“We know in the North Country this kind of establishment is an ideal restaurant for the type of culture in this area,” said Terry. “We have heard tons of positive feedback. This is definitely a unique establishment.”

He said a family-owned business, Niles & Sons Real Property, LLC, was recently formed to allow the Niles’ to purchase properties mainly for rental purposes.

Once they caught wind of the 1844 House sale and the possibility of the restaurant closing its doors in October, they jumped at the opportunity. They entered into a lease agreement on Nov. 1, 2021 and became the official owners Jan. 5.

The previous owners were Brian and Jenny Walker who owned and operated the restaurant for 15 years.

“The restaurant business is not our forte so we hired an excellent general manager and kitchen staff,” said Terry.

Teri Hamilton is the general manager while Joseph Smart serves as executive chef.

“Our goal is to keep the same vision of high quality food and high quality service,” says Ryan. “There will be no significant changes in the overall menu and it will remain Farm to Table.”

“There are too many restaurants closing. We really wanted to keep this one alive in the community,” he added.

Terry again alluded to the family’s strong connection to the restaurant.

“This is a long-term commitment, not buy-sell, buy-sell,” said Terry. “People are starting to gather and getting out to socialize and relax. North Country people want a unique environment and culture and this was a perfect reason for this restaurant to be sustained.”

Accompanying the 1844 House’s menu are local craft beer, a large wine list and desserts by Paula’s Pastries, Terry’s wife. The 1844 House also welcomes private parties in the restaurant’s solarium room.

The 1844 House is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, call (315) 268-1844 or visit 1844house.com .