Nanuet Hotel Regulars Make Up The "1 Tree 2" Club

With 15 beers on tap, Bartender Sharon Lennon moves up and down the wood bar quickly because it's Friday night and the place is filling up quickly. The Nanuet Hotel Restaurant has been around since 1944 and with it being around for so long, it has accrued a list of regulars.

Gathered around one corner of the bar, these customers come frequently enough to form their own informal club: 1 Tree 2 Tilemen. There's even a green sign right by the bar with the club's name on it. Rob Klebetz is the Vice President of this club and was asked how long he's been coming to the restaurant.

"Well, I'm 47, so I'd say ... 47 years," he said with a laugh. "My parents came here. and so did I for tradition." He now has two boys he brings to make his family a third generation of regulars at the Nanuet Hotel.

The club President Mark Morano said that they formed the club about three or four years ago and the club name, 1 Tree 2, comes from the address of the restaurant: 132.

Morano hasn't been coming as long as Klebetz, but is just as loyal.

"I stumbled over it," he said about finding the place 10 years. "The staff is great, the people are great and it's more of a family place than a bar." Aside from the bar, there are two large areas with sit-down tables and a small nook for larger parties.

Another customer that also "stumbled" across the Nanuet Hotel "15 or 20 years ago," is the club's head of security, Kenny Slattery.

He also has kids and has been turning them into regulars.

"They love it," said Slattery. "It's a great family restaurant."

Another 1 Tree 2 member is Wayne Miller, a.k.a Uncle Buck or "UB." He and his family come often. When asked how long he's been frequenting the place, "forever and a day," he said.

"I'm one of the founding members (of the club)," he said. "Sharon's the best. It's a great place. good people, good food, it's family."

His daughter Allie comes often as well.

"I like coming and hanging out with them," she said referring to the club. "They rock, they're pretty awesome."

The staff are also regulars having been around for years. Server Amy O'Donohue has been with the place for four years and was named the club's legal counsel.

"My favorite (thing about working here)? I would have to say the people," O'Donohue said. "I love (1 Tree 2). It brings character to the place."

Everyone in the club agreed that Lennon, a Dublin native, was the "greatest bartender in Rockland."

"Friday in here, sometimes it's bedlam, but she's got it under control," said customer Ed McCarthy.

Leased in 1993 from the previous proprietor, George Weimer, the new owners, Paul Finnegan and Una Tuohy, are originally from Ireland. They bought it 10 years later and made big changes as they went. Some of the regulars said they "pretty much gutted the whole place."

"Decor was a major change. It was very old looking," Klebetz said. "They did a great job turning the place around."

"Best pizza in the county," Klebetz said.

"Pizza and wings," Slattery said when asked about his menu favorites.

"They make a mean BLT," said Miller. He added that the potato salad is also great.