For third-generation restaurateurs, expanding the family business seemed like a logical step. So, in 1984, three Legott siblings bought what was formerly known as the Seneca Manor. Bill Legott, Jeanne Legott and Patricia Knifley opened the doors of Abigails Restaurant to the general public on April 24, 1984 and have been serving the area ever since.  When we  first opened, we served dinners 6 nights a week.  The menu varied only slightly from the menu served today, serving many menu items “similar to those offered at Club 86.”  Later, we opened for lunch during the week and began serving dinners every night.

In 1986, our brother  Jim Legott, Jr. moved back from California and took his spot in the kitchen, helping to carry on the family tradition.  At this time,  we also did some remodeling and re-decorating, removing the slate floors in the bar area and carpeting the entire room.

As Jimmy Legott, Sr. readied to retire, it was time for Bill to make a change in his role. So, in the early 1990’s he and his wife Lori left Abigails to play a more active role in the other family business, Club 86, a private party house in Geneva. Since then, they have expanded the party house and ventured into many other restaurant endeavors.

The restrooms and main entrance were moved in 1994, when a new addition was built on the east side of the property. Finally, in 1995, we added deck seating overlooking the beautiful Seneca-Cayuga Canal.

In 1998, the next generation started easing into the restaurant, when Jeanne’s daughter Liz moved back from Florida.

Just this past year, we did a complete overhaul. New carpet was installed throughout the restaurant, walls were painted, new light fixtures were installed and new window treatments were hung.

Most recently, we have become famous for our chicken wings! Chef Marshall Grady entered “The Great Chicken Wing Hunt”, in which Matt Reynolds, Ben “Big Thor” Beavers and a team of filmmakers documented their journey across New York State in search of the best Buffalo wing. The “Bleu Bayou” chicken wing won Marshall and Abigails that very distinction. Since then, the Bleu Bayou wings have become a very popular addition to our menu, with people coming from all over the state to try these award-winning wings! Reynolds and his crew have their own website, www.chickenwinghunt.com, and hope to have the documentary aired on HBO when completed.