The coronavirus pandemic has forced Bristol Harbour Resort to close its doors.
Owners Todd and Laura Cook, citing “the dilemma of how to operate a business designed to bring people together” at a time that requires social distancing, informed patrons online that the resort will cease operations.
“As a family-run business, we cannot separate our family values from our business operations,” the Cooks wrote. “As a result, we feel it is our ethical duty to be a solution in preventing the spread, despite the implications and sacrifices we must make to uphold this significant responsibility.”
In February, the Cooks disclosed plans to shutter the Restaurant at Bristol Harbour. At that time, the Cooks said food and drinks would be available to patrons during the summer season, with plans for a cocktail hour in June.
Located on the eastern shore of Canandaigua Lake, the resort includes a private 18-hole golf course, a 31-room boutique hotel, a marina and event spaces.
Bristol Harbour’s golf course, which is open under current guidelines, will stay open for members for the remainder of the 2020 season. After that, the course will be closed to the public.
Outstanding balances on gift cards will be refunded for requests received within 90 days of May 15.
The Cooks, who bought the resort in 2016, also are developers of the proposed Everwilde Inn and Spa. The project—which still needs approvals—includes a year-around resort with restaurant, 50-room hotel, banquet rooms, and spa and fitness facility on a 45.7-acre site across Seneca Pointe Road from Bristol Harbour. The Cooks did not offer any updates on Everwilde.
The family expects to maintain Bristol Harbour as a personal property.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. All Rochester Beacon coronavirus articles are collected here.