Couple brings Decanter Chop House, Tavern to northwest Albany restaurant scene

ALBANY — Scheduled to open this month, Decanter International Chop House and The Tavern will be the latest additions to the restaurant scene in Albany. Housed under the same roof, the two venues will offer completely different experiences to their patrons.

Those who might think they’ve already heard of Decanter are right. Rob and Melissa Michie had the concept for this restaurant in mind when a Stonebridge Country Club representative reached out to them and asked them to handle all food and beverage services at the country club.

“I had heard that Stonebridge’s food service had a history of failing, but I was up for a challenge,” Michie said.

Michie said he spent around $60,000 on repairs and services to make the facility something he and Melissa, as managers, could be proud of.

“We opened on Oct. 22, 2022, and it was only a few weeks into service when we began to second-guess our five-year lease with them,” Rob Michie said.

According to the restaurateur, country club officials immediately started to interfere with every aspect of the food service business.

“They would not leave us alone and attempted to subcontract parts of the food and beverage service,” he said. “They even locked us out of the thermostat so we couldn’t control the temperature. It became a toxic situation, and we felt like they were trying to get us to break our lease.”

Instead, the Michies hired Albany Attorney Joe Dent, who filed a lawsuit against Stonebridge for torturous interference of contract. When all was said and done, the Michies were released from the lease.

“We took a huge loss on kitchen equipment and light fixtures but retained all intellectual property, the name of the business, menus, recipes, etc.,” Michie said.

Decanter closed May 15. By that time, they were already looking at a Westover Road location for a different venture and decided to move Decanter and The Tavern there.

Michie said foodies can expect a dining experience at a higher level at the new Decanter International Chop House.

“(There will be) foods from all over the world and the best cuts of meat,” he said. “Seafood, ocean to table within 24 hours. Everything you’ll experience here will be a level above anything seen in Albany, including the quality of food and the equipment used to prepare the food.

“Prices will start as low as $15 (for entrees), we’ll have one of the most extensive bourbon menus in the Southeast. And almost every wine will be available by the glass.”

The other half of the equation, The Tavern, will offer “elevated pub food,” the owner said.

“The Tavern will be a gastropub with elevated pub food and drinks,” Michie said. “The differences between these establishments and Cork’s (which also is owned and operated by the Michies) are that there will be no charcuterie, and the menu selection at Decanter will be at least three times more extensive.”

Michie said the restaurateurs don’t plan to stop with their latest establishments.

“This is my passion and there is more to come,” Rob Michie, who has a full-time job outside the restaurant business, said.

The couple, Michie noted, is very involved in the community, feeding 100 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, including families who are dealing with loved ones with Stage 3 or 4 cancer.

“It gives those families one less thing to worry about during the holidays,” Melissa Michie said.

The Michies also wrap and deliver toys to at least 100 needy children in the area.

“We appreciate the community’s support, and this is our way of returning that support,” the couple said.

The new location of Decanter International Chop House and The Tavern is at 629 N. Westover Blvd. The restaurants are beautifully decorated, featuring the artwork of local artist George Gallagan, and will be managed by Albany newcomer, pastry chef and partner, Lauren Monteagudo.

“It is our stated policy to treat every visitor to our establishments the same as an honored guest in our home … every day, every time, without fail, no exceptions,” Rob Michie said.

Staff Photo: Tara FletcherStaff Photo: Tara Fletcher