New owner for Hawthorne Inn

Posted on:

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 2:15pm

The Hawthorne Inn changed hands Aug. 23, marking the end of an era for the Berlin Turnpike landmark long-owned by the Grelak family.

The restaurant, at 2387 Berlin Turnpike, is now the property of Syed I. Bokhari, of 91 Schraffts Drive, Waterbury. Bokhari is listed as president of Syed Sons II, Inc., a business that was incorporated April 23.
Glenna Grelak, the previous owner, will stay on as “a hands-on consultant as long as they need me. It’s a big restaurant and there’s a lot to learn.”
The new owner was on site Tuesday in order to meet with staff and conduct interviews. Bokhari was not immediately available for comment. Information on the selling price was not made public at this time and will not be available until the property transfer is recorded.
The Grelak siblings, Glenna, Bob Grelak and Winnie Lamothe, have taken various roles running the inn and restaurant since their father John Grelak bought it in 1945. The facility is also a popular spot for groups needing conference facilities and it has won accolades for its prime rib.
In 2007, the Grelaks sold the lodge next door, for $3.2 million, to the Kanji Partners LLC, which is owned by Sagar Shah and family.
 
share