Once upon a time there was a 23-year-old who loved barbeque and had the “amazing opportunity” to open a restaurant …
The rest is local history.
This Saturday Barnstormer Barbeque in Fort Mont-gomery turned 21.
“How in the world did that happen so fast?” owner Geoff Provan wondered aloud this week during a quick interview. “I just took a risk back then, and here we are today.”
Many, many people are grateful that Provan did take that risk; for instance, the family from Hawaii who has two daughters at West Point that pops in for dinner every couple of months when they’re here visiting their girls.
Or the family from South Africa who learned from watching ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ that “if you see a restaurant with a bunch of motorcycles out front you know it’s a place you should try”, and they did.
Or, locals who stop by for a quick dinner, or use the restaurant for catering their events.
Or, people who utilize Rt. 9W on their way to explore the many wonders of the Hudson Valley, spot the restaurant on their way north, and then pull in for dinner on their way home.
Barnstormer BBQ spent the first 10 years of its ‘life’ in Newburgh, in the plaza where Target is located. The last 11 years have been in Fort Montgomery. He’s not a native of this town, but has been an on-and-off resident since his parents moved here in the mid-90s. He now lives in town, and is enjoying his busy life.
“Busy” is the key word this time of year, he said, noting that activities at West Point, such as football games, keep the seats in the restaurant occupied.
So, what do people eat when they come in? His own “Hudson Valley style” of barbeque — ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and more, as well as seafood and burgers, and specials like blackened catfish and chili. The menu is “pretty much the same” as it was 21 years ago, because “if it’s not broken, why try to fix it?”.
So, a couple of questions about the restaurant, answered by Provan:
Does the bar operate independently?
“No, I never intended to have a bar, and it closes a half hour after we stop serving food. But, lots of people like to sit and eat their dinner there, so it works.”
What’s the significance of all the license plates hanging inside and out of the restaurant?
“They’ve taken on a life of their own! I have over 200 now, with customers bringing me in more all the time. Many are personalized plates — return customers enjoy showing others ‘their’ plates when they come in.”
What’s a typical morning like?
“We tend to the meat that has been smoking all night, like pork and brisket, and then get ribs in so they’re ready for lunch and dinner.”
How many people work here?
“About nine, with four cooks.” He’s proud to have employed many local teens through the years.
Is take-out available?
“Absolutely.”
Barnstormer is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The hours are 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1-8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call the restaurant at 446-0912. They have an active Facebook page at Barnstormer BBQ and are on Instagram, @BarnstormerBBQ (with food photos that will make your mouth water!).