ASTORIA — Sanford's Restaurant, known for its busy weekend brunches, is expanding into the storefront next door to add an event space and whiskey bar, according to the owners.
The eatery, which has been in business at 30-13 Broadway for decades, closed for renovations last week. But it will reopen in the coming weeks at more than double its capacity and with a new bar, according to the owners.
Gus Karalekas, who runs the restaurant with his brother Chris, said the new space will have one of the largest whiskey and bourbons offerings in Queens — between 200 and 300 bottles.
"The bar's going to have a whiskey bar concept, whiskey-centric. We've been sourcing bottles for the last five years," he said, noting the collection will include 70-year-old bottles.
They're also expanding their beer and wine list, and plan to host events like whiskey tastings, according to Karalekas, who said they want to offer a "premium experience at a really good price point," though the prices are still tentative.
"This way they're approachable, and people can try different things," he said.
Blog We Heart Astoria first reported on the changes.
The renovation was spurred by demand, according to Karalekas, who said the eatery gets packed during dinner service and draws long lines for brunch.
The expansion will boost the restaurant's seating from 55 seats to 120, and will include a new event space that customers can reserve for private parties.
The change is just the latest evolution in Sanford's history. The restaurant originally opened in the 1930s as a "classic New York coffee shop," according to Karalekas, whose father bought the business in 1975.
He and his brother, both Astoria natives, worked there growing up, taking turns working the counter and grill. They took over the family restaurant in the late 80's and turned it into a "classic diner," he said.
The pair revamped it again several years ago, making it a more modern spot serving American comfort food.
The menu includes dishes like a yellowfin tuna tartare appetizer and a gouda-stuffed duck burger.
"Now, we're taking it up another notch," said Karalekas.
He said the comfort food bent will remain, though there will be some tweaks to the menu: it will be slightly smaller, but will include some additions, like barbecue slow-cooked ribs.
Sanford's will also no longer be open 24 hours, and will instead close for a few hours in the early morning. Service will end around 3 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends, and will begin again for breakfast.
Karalekas said they expect to complete renovations and reopen at the end of June or early July.
