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A fine-dining staple for nearly a half-century, Richardson’s Canal House closed today. The Bushnell’s Basin establishment, which served casual gourmet American fare, was a favorite watering hole for Rochester’s business leaders and neighborhood regulars alike.
A historic landmark with roots as a farmhouse, the building that housed Richardson’s was constructed around 1818 in the town of Perinton. Owned by John Pardee, the property had several owners—John Hartwell (1821), William Bushnell (1823), and subsequently, Elias and Gould Richardson. It was used as a public house for Erie Canal workers and a stagecoach stop for travelers until the 1930s.
According to Monroe County library records, the site was sold to a nudist group for a brief period before they were driven out. It then functioned as apartments until faulty plumbing forced its closure, according to town documents. The structure was slated for demolition when Vivienne Tellier and her husband, Andrew Wolfe, owner of Wolfe Publications, decided to purchase and renovate the site in 1978.
The restaurant, as it is known now, served its first meal a year later and was run by Tellier. The renovation provided patrons with glimpses of the past—some of the original elements remain in the building.
In 2002, busboy-turned restaurateur Johannes Mueller decided to buy Richardson’s and neighboring buildings from Tellier. At that time, he also owned Rooney’s on Henrietta Street in Rochester. More than a decade later, Mueller sold Rooney’s to focus on Richardson’s.
Then, in 2015, Mueller, as part of a succession plan, established a partnership with his executive chef, Matt Hudson, who later took ownership of the restaurant.
During the peak summer season, the restaurant employed more than 60 people.
Hudson was unavailable and Richardson’s employees declined to comment on the closing.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. Contributing writer Narm Nathan assisted with this article.
The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].
I too purchased a gift certificate in the amount of $150.00. When I went to use it earlier this month I found the restaurant closed with no notice as to why it closed or who one might contact to see about a refund. Any help and or suggestions would be extremely appreciated.
My girlfriend received a gift certificate from Richardson’s on 9/4/25 or the friend who gave it
to her for a 70th birthday gift get the money back?
I’m new to this are. My family treated me to a wonderful meal there about a year ago. I love the history behind this building. I hope the next chapter of it’s life will continue to enlighten people to the importance of the area history.
That “site was sold to a nudist group for a brief period before they were driven out” angle screams out for elaboration…. 😉
I liked this restaurant. I guess I was in the minority.
We purchased gift certificates in September 2025 . Is there anyway to receive a refund?
A wonderful place with history. Always a great meal with great service. Great article on the history. The only item lacking….why did they close? Time will tell.