Folks who were hoping for one final dinner at Number 5 restaurant before the planned closure of the beloved Binghamton business might not get the chance.

With the state-ordered closure of restaurants due to coronavirus concerns, Number 5 owner Jim McCoy believes Monday may have been the last day of regular operations.

McCoy said he was at Number 5 when the business he's owned for more than four decades closed to diners. He estimated about 30 people were there at the time.

As he assessed the situation the following day, McCoy said "my gut feeling is we're done." He said it would be "pretty sad" if that turned out to be the case. He said that possibility "hasn't hit me yet."

A view inside the Number 5 restaurant in Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A view inside the Number 5 restaurant in Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Last week, McCoy advised customers of his intention to close Number 5 sometime in May. He also announced his plan to shut down his Endicott restaurant - Lampy's - in April. Now, both places are open only for takeout orders.

McCoy said he expects to close on the sale of his Binghamton property to developer Brett Pritchard in the next week or two. Pritchard has plans for a project he's calling the Number 5 Commons.

McCoy still is looking forward to renovating the Lampy's site on West Main Street. He said the new restaurant will be known as McCoy's Chophouse.

The new establishment is to feature a combination of Number 5 and Lampy’s menus with some additions, along with most of the employees of the two original restaurants.

Work was being performed on outdoor light fixtures at Lampy's restaurant on March 18, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Work was being performed on outdoor light fixtures at Lampy's restaurant on March 18, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From 98.1 The Hawk