Woods Wins Blue Hill GC Restaurant Contract

The Bill Hill Cafe will become Emmett's Castle at Blue Hill.

Pearl River resident Emmett Woods, relying on his experience running similar operations in Poughkeepsie, is taking over the restaurant, catering and vending at Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River. He won the contract Tuesday with his presentation, "The Castle at Blue Hill."

"I hope to be serving soft drinks next week," said Woods, who was at the facility Thursday getting things ready. "I have to wait for a liquor license, but I want to be operational otherwise. "

Woods was one of three candidates for the contract to meet with the Orangetown Town Board, Orangetown Parks and Recreation Director Aric T. Gorton and members of the town's golf committee Tuesday. Angelo Rubino of Nyack Seaport and Paul Guarino of the Colonial Inn also made presentations.

"All three would have been very good," said Orangetown Councilman Denis Troy. "All three had golf course experience. That was really different than the last time. Last time, two of the respondents did not have golf course experience, including one we gave it to. This time all three did. It was a very good competition."

The last time around, the contract went to Back Nine, LLC, which was removed in a settlement reached earlier this month. The town board has tried to move quickly to get a replacement. Troy said he thought there might have to be more discussion after the presentations Tuesday, but the entire panel agreed with choosing The Castle at Blue Hill.

"I think what sold the people last night was the marketing approach they had and the enthusiasm and the organization is bringing to Blue Hill to put it in its best light," Troy said. "We’re looking to meet the needs of the golfers and residents and also to grow the business there."

Woods said in an email Thurday that he will be utilizing his experience from starting Mahoney's on the Green and Mahoney's At Casperkill Country Club in the new venture at Blue Hill Golf Course. Before moving on to the restaurant business, Woods established a local contruction company. He is also the president of Rockland GAA Football.

Woods was also a founding partner in Mahoney's Irish Pub and Restaurant, but that business is not connected to The Castle at Blue Hill, as was previously reported.

"I plan to put my heart and soul into my new business at the Blue Hill Golf Course and make it a valued asset for all the residents of the town of Orangetown," Woods said.

Editor's note: Corrected to name Emmett Woods and The Castle at Blue Hill as the new vendor for the restaurant at the Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River, which will be called Emmett's Castle at Blue Hill.