The Bull’s Head Inn: Chris & Mary’s Cornerstone of Cobleskill

In the heart of Cobleskill, NY, the Bull's Head Inn is Cobleskill’s oldest building, dating back to 1802. Originally constructed to face south, the Inn was positioned to accommodate merchant traffic along Central New York’s trade routes. However, in 1810, when Cobleskill’s Main Street was developed, the Inn underwent a transformation—its staircase was repositioned, and front door redesigned, allowing it to face the newly established brick-lined street. Today, the Bull’s Head Inn continues to stand as a source of (haunted) history, authenticity and upscale, yet down-to-earth meat and potatoes spot for locals and visitors alike. 

If you’re not greeted by owner and general manager, Chris Guldner or his partner Mary Sagendorf, you may be greeted by Thomas Jefferson whose portrait hangs directly in the foyer. Why? Thomas Jefferson was President when the Bull's Head was built.  

"We try to embrace the spirit of authenticity," says owner, Chris Guldner.   

Once serving as a private residence, a courthouse, and even a Masonic lodge, the Inn has undergone three major fires, including one during the Battle of Cobleskill. The building’s historical significance is evident in every corner, and for Chris, who purchased the Inn in 2013 and reopened the doors in 2015, it’s a constant source of inspiration. 

Split into three separate atmospheres, the upstairs naturally lit with vintage glass windows serves as a perfect space for private events and the ground floor boasts upscale dining centered around a classic brick fireplace. The downstairs tavern is the place to be to belly up for trivia nights, live music, and casual meals. “Same menu, just a different atmosphere," says Guldner, who hand-built the tavern using reclaimed materials from around the county. "Everything you see here in the tavern—the stone cellar walls, (the original Main Street) bricks, and open wood beams—was built to make it look like it’s always been here, preserving the Inn's original charm." 

“It was reminiscent of a childhood dream,” Chris says of his initial reaction to Cobleskill. 

Mary, a Cobleskill native, introduced Chris to her hometown, and the couple soon found themselves putting down roots in the area together. After moving to the county in 2012, Chris saw an opportunity to restore the Bull’s Head while sleuthing the want ad digest, a property he had only visited once before. As someone with a background in construction, business and restaurants, Chris knew he could make the Bull’s Head a success. 

A Long Island native, he graduated from Commack High School in 1980 and soon after enlisted in the military. Over the course of nine years, he taught nuclear power operations to sailors returning to the fleet, with his final station in Saratoga County. Following his military service, Chris earned a bachelor's degree in human resources from the New School for Social Research in Manhattan. Chris spent time in the corporate world, working for companies like GE. Realizing he wanted more control over his career, he transitioned into consulting, which he still does today. Reflecting on the value of education, he advises, “If your employer is willing to pay for your education and tuition, take the opportunity. Why not?” 

It was consulting that led him to meet his wife and business partner, Mary Sagendorf.

In 2008, Chris was working on a consulting project for Boeing in Winnipeg, Canada, while Mary, a flight attendant, was flying through Chicago. "I thought the seat I upgraded to was going to be empty, but she was in it when I got there," Chris recalls. When Chris politely said, "Excuse me, I think you’ve got my seat," Mary responded by tapping the middle seat and saying, "This one’s open. You don’t mind if I keep the window, do ya?" The song ‘Excuse Me, I Think You’ve Got My Chair’ by George Strait later became the couples wedding song. 

For Chris, the Bull’s Head is a commitment to his community.

“I’ve always been involved and enjoy being part of the community,” he shares. Aside from direct contribution to local not-for-profit organizations, as a member of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce and the Cobleskill Partnership Inc. (CPI) Board, Chris works to improve the area and ignite collaboration. “The more we collaborate, the stronger our community gets,” he says, noting that the new hotel opening in Cobleskill will help boost tourism and bring more visitors to the region. The soft summertime songs from local artists sing off the Inn’s front porch to add another dimension to Cobleskill’s downtown.  

The Bull’s Head Inn is not only a historic gem but also an example of Cobleskill’s commitment to preserving its character. Listed in the National and State Register of Historic Places, it stands as a cornerstone of the Village of Cobleskill Historic District, established in 1977. Through the Historic District Review Commission, the village ensures that renovations respect the integrity of its buildings. This preservation enhances both community pride and real estate value, blending history with economic growth. 

The Bull’s Heads’ offerings reflect Chris’s desire to cater to a wide range of tastes, with a menu that includes everything from high-end steaks to comfort foods like meatloaf and fish and chips. “We want to make sure we have something for everyone,” says Chris, noting the availability of vegetarian and gluten-free options.  

As the Bull’s Head prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary under Chris and Mary’s ownership in June 2025, Chris reflects on the journey that has brought him to where he is today. “My roots are here,” he says. “Not just because we live at Sagendorf Corners, but because I’ve fully embraced Schoharie County.” 

For Chris and Mary, the Bull’s Head is more than just a business—it’s a testament to their love for history, community, and each other. And as the Bull’s Head continues to thrive, it remains a beloved gathering spot for everyone who walks through its doors or haunts from within!  

“The key to our success is the people – I am exceptionally proud of our tenacious team. The secret recipe of our business is accountability and feedback. It’s our staff that pulls off what we do here,” reflects Guldner. 

ROOTED

Interviewed and Authored by SEEC Associates, February 2025
Photos taken by Roslyn Rose Photography

RESOURCE BIN

Human
Chris Guldner and his wife and business partner, Mary Sagendorf.

Physical
Bull’s Head Inn
105 Park Pl, Cobleskill, NY 12043
Phone: (518) 234-1802
Open for Lunch & Dinner Tuesday through Sunday
Closed on Mondays

National (NR) and State (SR) Registry for Historic Places
Historic District Review Commission

Financial
National Grid Main Street Revitalization Program
Sterling Federal Home Loan Bank of NY
CDBG Small Business Assistance
SEEC Resiliency Fund
SBA EIDL
PPP

SEEC Curb Appeal Program (if application is submitted by March, 2nd!)

Intellectual/Industry
Chris earned a bachelor's degree in human resources from the New School for Social Research in Manhattan. He then pursued a master's at Union Graduate School, now part of Clarkson University. His studies in accounting and marketing proved invaluable when it came time to open the Bull’s Head. “My previous restaurants, I was shooting from the hip,” he says, noting that the marketing and business psychology he learned became crucial to running his restaurant. Chris’s accounting teacher, a monumental figure in his education, still dines at the Bull’s Head occasionally.

Digital
Bull’s Head Inn
Haunting History of The Bull’s Head

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