Crooked Door closes in Albion

Restaurant opened 4 years ago after renovations

Photo by Tom Rivers – Sue Holmes, owner of the Crooked Door in Albion, is pictured at the site last April. She announced to employees on Saturday she was closing the business at 469 East State St.

ALBION – A restaurant that opened four years ago at 469 East State St. closed on Saturday night.

Sue Holmes, owner of the Crooked Door since April, told employees the business was closing. She purchased the Crooked Door on April 3 from Joe and Debbie Martillotta. The Martillottas opened the restaurant on Jan. 31, 2011 following extensive renovations of the former Club 469.

The business employed 17 people, and drew customers from Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Niagara and Erie counties.

Sue (Schafer) Holmes grew up down the street from the tavern. She told the Orleans Hub in April she remembered the site when it was an Italian neighborhood bar.

Holmes worked as a software engineer for Xerox until the company sold its research and development, and laid her off in December 2012. A Hamlin resident, she set out looking to own a business. A business broker mentioned the Crooked Door was for sale and Holmes was thrilled to reconnect with her hometown. She had never worked in the restaurant business after a career in a corporate setting.

Holmes said in April she liked the excitement in the restaurant business and the chance to connect with so many people.

She has had the business up for sale in recent months.

Orleans Hub was unable to reach her for comment today.