Longtime Le Roy restaurant inside a historic railroad depot shuts down after more than three decades

Rochester, New York – D&R Depot Restaurant, long located at 63 Lake St. in Le Roy, has closed its doors, ending a run that stretched back more than three decades. The restaurant occupied a restored Baltimore & Ohio Railroad depot dating to around 1901, a setting that gave it a character few modern eateries could match. For many locals, it was not just a place to eat, but a place tied to memories, traditions and the steady rhythm of a small town.

The depot-style restaurant was widely known for its hearty comfort food and its warm, almost storybook atmosphere, especially during the holiday season. Each winter, diners were greeted by an interior transformed into a festive display, complete with lights, garlands and carefully arranged decorations. One of its most talked-about features was a small Christmas tree suspended from the ceiling, surrounded by gifts, toys and a running model train that delighted both children and adults.

The closure follows a change in ownership that took place about a year and a half ago. Longtime owner and operator Sean Valdes said he and his wife, Jennifer, sold the business but initially could not sell the building itself. At the time, the depot’s entryway extended onto railroad company property, creating a legal obstacle that delayed a full sale. Valdes said that issue has since been resolved.

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The restaurant was still operating as recently as late November 2025, according to posts on its Facebook page. However, the business did not survive under its new ownership.
“Unfortunately, the new owners were unable to continue operations,” Sean Valdes said. “I am working on cleaning up the building for sale and have interested buyers when the clean-up is complete.”

The owners who took over after the Valdeses declined to comment on the closure.

D&R Depot’s story began in 1991, when it was founded by Don and Nancy Nickerson, according to reporting by The Batavian. The restaurant quickly became a local fixture, blending simple food with a setting steeped in railroad history. After Don Nickerson died in 2000, Nancy continued the business and later partnered with the Valdes family. She remained involved until her death in 2022, after which Sean and Jennifer Valdes took full ownership.

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Sean Valdes’ connection to the restaurant ran deep. He first walked through its doors as an employee in 1993, starting out as a dishwasher. Over the years, he learned nearly every aspect of the business. Jennifer Valdes was also a longtime employee and eventually became executive chef, shaping much of the menu that regular customers came to love. Their decision to sell was driven by a desire for a new chapter in their lives, they previously told The Batavian.

For the Le Roy community, the loss of D&R Depot marks the end of an era. The building itself remains, still carrying the echoes of both passing trains and countless conversations shared over meals. With cleanup underway and interest from potential buyers, there is hope that the historic depot may find new life, even if its future looks different from its past.

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to [email protected]. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.