Schuylerville diner gets new owner, new name

SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Sweeney's, located at 106 Broad Street in Schuylerville, is now under new ownership and has a new name. Ashley Comeaux, who has been a waitress there for over a year, has taken over and renamed the restaurant to Mama Bear's Diner.

Outgoing owners Ed and Amanda Bergin posted about the ownership change in a Facebook post on July 25. The Bergins took over the space in 2016 and changed the name from Eli's to Sweeney's.

"For the last 8 years, we have had the pleasure to serve this community doing what we love," said the Bergins. "We have decided that it is time for us to step down and give someone else the same opportunity."

"I always told them that it was a dream of mine to own a restaurant," said Comeaux.

As Sweeney is the name of the Bergins' daughter, Comeaux wanted to change the name in case they wanted to use it for something else. Mama Bear's Diner is named after the black lab Comeaux had when her kids were growing up.

"She was my soulmate. My best friend in the entire world," said Comeaux. "I lost her a couple years ago."

The menu is not changing as Comeaux bought all of the Sweeney's recipes. She plans to offer delivery and open for dinner in the near future.

"Everything is staying the same but the name and the family that runs it," said Comeaux. "It's still family-owned. My dad loves to serve coffee and my mom busses tables. My son is the dishwasher."

Sweeney's closed on July 21, and Mama Bear's Diner is officially opening on Wednesday, July 31 as Comeaux got the approval from the New York State Department of Health. The hours, which are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, are also staying the same.

"We are sad to go, but excited for what's to come," said the Bergins. "Thank you to all of our loyal customers who have become friends and family. We will miss you all, but we know that you are in great hands."