After Number 5: Work Underway for New Endicott Restaurant

The owner of Binghamton's landmark Number 5 restaurant is looking to the future when he's able to welcome diners to his new venture in Endicott.

Jim McCoy says renovation work has begun at the existing Lampy's restaurant on West Main Street in anticipation of a reopening of the Southern Tier economy after the coronavirus shutdown.

McCoy was disappointed that the final meals to diners inside Number 5 were served on March 16 because of the state-mandated closure order.

McCoy said Number 5 and Lampy's are "doing pretty well" providing takeout meals.

Now, he's busy developing policies and procedures for his new McCoy's Chophouse, an Italian steakhouse he plans to open at the Lampy's site.

McCoy is bracing for big changes in restaurant operations, including servers wearing masks and initially diners seated at every other table to meet distancing guidelines.

The new restaurant will incorporate elements of both Number 5 and Lampy's. McCoy would like to open the place as soon as June 1, if a regional reopening is authorized.

McCoy's Chophouse will feature some of the memorabilia that made Number 5 unique.

Some items from Number 5 and equipment from a neighboring building on South Washington Street may be sold at an auction.

McCoy hopes to have everything out of the two buildings by the end of May.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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