By Jacob Mathias

Sentry Insurance’s pacesetter restaurant, @1800, announced its immediate closure last weekend in what the company said was an effort make room for possible future renovations, though further details remain unknown.

According to a news release from Sentry Insurance Corporate Headquarters, the closure is the “first step in the long-range plan to renovate the public facing areas surrounding the Sentry Theater.” Plans for the space have not yet been finalized, but the news release said the company is evaluating several renovation options. Closing the restaurant allows planners to review the space and the surrounding areas without interruptions.

“Sentry Insurance does not have a specific timeline for the renovation plans. We will be considering many options. We don’t have any preconceived notions of what that space will become,” said Sentry Corporate Communication Manager Randy Winter in an e-mail.

No issues surrounding the public facing areas were reported and other than a future renovation, the reason for the change is unknown. No details regrading the restaurants fiscal status were released nor was the renovation budget.

During the planning process and any renovation work, the Sentry Theater will remain open for performances.

@1800 opened in 2008; prior to that The Restaurant and Pagliacci’s Taverna both operated in the location since 1977. Winter said many renovation options or being evaluated but it’s uncertain whether a new restaurant will be going in the location.

Most of the existing employees of @1800 will be offered positions within the SentryWorld banquet operation, or within the company’s newest restaurant, PJ’s-Sentryworld. The number of employees who would be relocated or laid off was not shared by Winter.

Patrons with reservations or events at the restaurant will be contacted by staff to make alternate plans and accommodations.