The Pondy Will Relocate to Rochester as Riley's

Riley's Restaurant will open at 1643 N. Broadway Ave. on December 1, 2026, following a major remodel of the space.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A sunlit, vacant restaurant interior under renovation featuring newly installed wooden booths and light hardwood floors. — The Pondy Restaurant & Bar will relocate from Mazeppa to Rochester, reopening as Riley's Restaurant at 1643 N. Broadway Ave. this December. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Pondy Restaurant & Bar is set to relocate from Mazeppa to Rochester, where it will debut as Riley's Restaurant on December 1, 2026. The new establishment will occupy the former site of Glynner's Pub at 1643 N. Broadway Ave.

Why it matters

Owner Steve Overton selected the new Rochester site specifically for its parking access and proximity to the local community. The move involves a complete remodel of the building to introduce a fresh menu and dining environment for the area.

The restaurant will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with occasional extensions until 1 a.m. for special events. The new menu at the 1643 N. Broadway Ave. location will feature risotto and lavash.

The players

Steve Overton

Steve Overton is the owner of the restaurant who is managing the relocation project and facility renovations.

Riley's Restaurant

Riley's Restaurant is the new name for the relocated Pondy Restaurant & Bar opening in Rochester.

The details

Owner Steve Overton is currently renovating the premises by installing new booths, tables, and kitchen equipment. The business is also actively recruiting new staff to support the transition and the upcoming opening in December.

Glynner's Pub launched at the Broadway site in 2005.
The former occupant, Glynner's Pub, closed in June 2025.
Riley's Restaurant is scheduled to open on December 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

This move follows the broader trend of businesses relocating to high-access areas to optimize customer convenience and parking availability. By taking over an established hospitality site, the owner positions the business to capture existing local foot traffic in Rochester.

Local diners can expect a new menu featuring risotto and lavash starting in December. The venue will also offer specialized Industry Day promotions every Monday and Tuesday for local service workers.

The takeaway

The relocation highlights how essential physical infrastructure like parking remains for the viability of local dining establishments. Residents looking for new culinary options can anticipate the opening of this venue at the start of the final month of 2026.