We love celebrating new business openings and ventures in the Saratoga region! To help highlight them all, we’ve rounded up businesses that have opened within the last year below, ranging from bookstores to bakeries to a brewery and much more.
The list is divided into new businesses opened within the last year, those that have expanded or opened another location, those that have rebranded or undergone a reopening, and we end with a couple new openings that are coming up in the near future.
New Businesses to Know About
42 Fusion: Italian-Mexican Restaurant in Ballston Spa
42 Fusion specializes in a blend of Mexican and Italian fare, and opened this spring. Owners Alicia Halse and Tino Lopez are venturing into the restaurant business for the first time. So far reviewers are raving about the calamari, Mexican lasagna, and different kinds of quesadillas.
A Peripeteia Salon: Full-Service Salon in Saratoga Springs
A Peripeteia Salon opened this spring, and is a full-service salon honed in on the latest trends in the industry. They do cuts, colors, and styling for women, men, and children. You can easily see prices and book an appointment through Vagaro.com.
Alaturco Gyro: Mediterranean Restaurant in Ballston Spa
Alaturco Gyro opened their doors last fall, although this business launch is something of a resurgence. Owners Nurgul and Rauf Ziya previously ran a restaurant called Alaturco Mediterranean Grill, that operated in two locations in Ballston Spa and Clifton Park; both closed during the pandemic. Alaturco Gryo offers to-die-for gyros, baklava, falafel, and more Mediterranean fare.
Bella Lucia Pizzeria: Pizza Restaurant in Clifton Park
Bella Lucia Pizzeria opened this past February in Clifton Park, and is run by the former Halfmoon Sandwich & Salad Shoppe owners, Melissa Craine and Sean Lee; that popular restaurant closed in August of last year after 15 years in business. Patrons can expect handmade specialty pies, calzones, wings, salads, soups, pasta dinners, and more authentic Italian fare.
Book Nook: Bookstore in Ballston Lake
Sue Rainka opened up the independent used bookstore The Book Nook in Round Lake last year, with the intention of offering a place for readers to relax and browse. Patrons will find cozy seating, a Kid’s Nook, and even a kitchen area with complimentary beverages. They carry new and older books at ultra reasonable prices.
Read more about The Book Nook from The Saratoga Business Journal >>
Bread Basket Cake Shop: Cake Shop in Saratoga Springs
After the Bread Basket Bakery in Saratoga received an increasing demand for cakes, they decided to open a secondary business devoted just to cake making. Manager Angelina Tallman used to run her own cake operation, Cakes by Angelina, before working for the Bread Basket full time. This is your go-to spot for everything cakes for birthdays, weddings, or holidays, and they also do cupcakes and cake pops.
Card Shack LLC: Trading Card Store in Saratoga Springs
The Card Shack LLC celebrated their opening at a recent ribbon cutting ceremony in Saratoga. This store offers everything any trading card enthusiast could need, from Pokemon sets and singles, to Magic the Gathering sets. Follow them on Facebook to stay updated on specials, new cards coming in, and to see when they’ll pop up at area card shows.
The Coat Room: Speakeasy-Style Restaurant in Saratoga Springs
The Coat Room opened at the end of June in Saratoga, and is described as a “speakeasy-style” restaurant and bar. The restaurant was designed by the Phinney Design Group in a space on Broadway that was once home to the United States Hotel; The Coat Room’s ambience pays homage to what was once the largest hotel in the US. Come experience what’s beyond the door labeled “Coat Room,” and enjoy a cocktail.
The Cookie Jar by Mel: Bakery in Greenfield Center
The Cookie Jar by Mel has a unique backstory to their opening last August. Owners Steve and Melissa Wojcik started the bakery with the intention to raise awareness on organ donation, after they experienced their own health scare in 2022 when Steve had a heart attack at 40 years old. He received a heart transplant that saved his life, and now the couple is spreading the word – along with delicious baked goods.
The couple ran the business out of their home to start, and now have a brick-and-mortar location at the Saratoga Escape Campground & RV Resort in Greenfield Center. A portion of proceeds from the business go towards Donate Life NYS.
Gateway House Thrift Shop: Thrift Store in Ballston Spa
The nonprofit Gateway House of Peace of Ballston Spa opened up a thrift shop earlier this year. The shop sells everything from household items and small appliances, to toys, jewelry, and small pieces of furniture. The Gateway House Thrift Shop benefits the nonprofit, which provides crucial end of life care to individuals and their families.
Golden Leaf Books: Bookstore in Waterford
Golden Leaf Books is located in Waterford, opened earlier this year, and is targeted to those who love “witchcraft and weed,” although according to at least one reviewer, “you don’t need to be ‘witchy’ to shop here.” In addition to spiritual reads and cannabis titles, you’ll find exciting new releases and books on plants, herbs, astrology, and more.
Her Rock Jewelry: Jewelry Store in Saratoga Springs
The highly rated Her Rock Jewelry opened in November of last year in Saratoga. Owner and operator Brianna Chiarello is a certified gemologist with over a decade of experience in the industry, and a particular affinity for bridal and fashion pieces.
They’re one of the first jewelers in the region to carry lab-grown diamonds – less expensive, but essentially identical to mined diamonds – and they can work with a range of budgets. Browse their reviews and see how Chiarello provides superior service to clients.
Indulgence Bakery: Bakery in Saratoga Springs
Indulgence Bakery started their venture in 2020, but just secured their Saratoga storefront this spring. As with others on this newly opened business list, Indulgence Bakery has already raked in the five-star reviews. Customers appreciate the level of communication when placing custom orders, and are thrilled that the cupcakes, cookies, and treats taste just as heavenly as they look.
Kickstart Cafe: A Motorcycle-Themed Coffee Shop in Schuylerville
Here’s a niche business for you: a coffee shop for motorcycle enthusiasts. The welcoming vibe and fun decor at Kickstart Cafe in Schuylerville, which opened late last year, creates an atmosphere that even non-bikers can appreciate. Come by to try one of their already famous breakfast sandwiches or lattes.
Learn more about Kickstart Cafe from the Saratoga Business Journal >>
Kindrid: Wine Bar in Saratoga Springs
The owners of Henry Street Taproom, Ryan and Sonja McFadden, opened up Kindrid this spring. The business has a focus on organic wines, but also offers beer, cocktails, and a menu with a large shareable selection and a few entrees.
A recent Google review says of the new place, “A wine list for the curious modern consumer paired with wonderful creative food, attentive service, a sexy, dark decor, and upbeat music.”
Neighborhood Kitchen: Takeout/Delivery/Catering/Market Restaurant in Ballston Spa
Neighborhood Kitchen, as the name may suggest, is not a dine-in restaurant, but an eatery that specializes in takeout, delivery, and catering. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and opened earlier this year in Ballston Spa. Food options include anything from chicken parm to mac and cheese to salmon, and they also have a small market with house-made and local products for sale.
Night Work Bread: Bakery in Ballston Spa
Leigh Rathner had a dream during the pandemic to open a sourdough bakery, and 2021, he and his wife Cindy Rosenberg launched Night Work Bread Co. In February of this year, they secured a spot in Ballston Spa for a bakery that now sells loaves of bread (including sourdough!), pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch items. They specialize in low-gluten recipes, and so far reviewers are loving not just the bread but the cinnamon buns, cookies, scones, and fresh coffee.
PDT Market: Gourmet Grocery Store in Saratoga Springs
PDT Market opened in March of this year to great fanfare in Saratoga. This specialty marketplace takes up space in the former Price Chopper Limited facility, and offers gourmet grocery items, deli items, seafood, produce, grab-and-go foods, and a charcuterie station, plus gifts, home goods, and it even has a full-service bar.
Sacred Spa & Wellness: Luxury Medspa in Schuylerville
What if you could experience a spa treatment at the location of a former thoroughbred farm? True Saratogians and equine lovers will appreciate Luxury Medspa, which opened last summer in Schuylerville. Customers love the attention they provide to clients, and the wide range of services available, from acupuncture to cupping, to hydrafacials, and other treatments.
Saratoga Sound Center: Music Store in Saratoga Springs
This new venture is the combination of two Saratoga businesses, Sixth Generation Strings, and Off-Track Records, which came together to celebrate their new space in Saratoga last fall. Sixth Generation Strings specializes in handcrafted violins and other string instruments, while Off-Track Records provides reasonably priced vintage records.
Skin by ASK: Skin Care Clinic in Saratoga Springs
Skin by ASK is a skincare and aesthetic spa that opened this spring after a soft opening last fall. Owner Andrew Stephen Kelly has worked for some of the most prestigious skincare practices in New York City. According to the reviews, Skin by ASK excels at answering client questions, and really taking the time to get to know the individuals before narrowing in on the right treatment.
Speckled Pig Brewery: Brewery in Ballston Spa
Speckled Pig Brewery of Ballston Spa, named in honor of the farms churning out the essential ingredients for the beer, celebrated their grand opening last September. Speckled Pig has earned high reviews during their short time in business thanks to the variety of beer, freshly baked pizza, and friendly staff, and they even have a kids area plus a rooftop bar.
Read more about Speckled Pig Brewing from the Saratoga Business Journal >>
Business That Added Another Location
Eddie F’s Restaurant: Seafood Restaurant in Clifton Park
Saratoga residents and visitors alike flock to Eddie F’s Restaurant every summer. They’re known for their generously portioned and super succulent lobster rolls (both cold-style with mayonnaise, and warm with butter!), although they have much more on the menu: whole belly clams, calamari, other seafood, plus sandwiches, burgers, salad, and mac and cheese.
The seafood restaurant that was recently featured on The Food Network’s America’s Best Restaurants opened their second location in Clifton Park in February.
Goldfish Swim School: Swimming Lessons in Clifton Park
When deciding which activities to enroll children in, swimming lessons and the corresponding water safety skills acquired is almost always near the top of the list. Those in Clifton Park have another option when it comes to swim lessons for their kids, as of last month.
Goldfish Swim School has locations across the country, and this is the second one in the Capital Region, with the first one having opened in Colonie in 2019. The swimming school offers lessons year-round.
Life Made Simple Boutique: Boutique in Saratoga Springs
Life Made Simple Boutique got its start in Burnt Hills in 2020, and celebrated their second location in Wilton Mall this past winter. Discover an array of unique items at either store, including gifts, home decor, drinkware, candles, clothing, accessories, merchandise for pet-lovers, and more fun items.
Find out more about Life Made Simple Boutique from the Saratoga Business Journal >>
Moby Rick’s Seafood: Seafood Market in Mechanicville
Moby Rick’s Seafood is a seafood market that has been a staple in Saratoga since 2012, and they opened the Mechanicville location this past January. Owner Rick Lofstad and his family have produced over 6 million pounds of fish annually, according to their website, which is about one-sixth of the state’s finfish production. There are separate menus for each location, where you’ll find choices like steamed clams, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, and smoked salmon.
The Painted Lemon: Italian Restaurant in Clifton Park
For authentic, fresh Italian food and an exceptional wine list, check out The Painted Lemon, which opened this past winter in Clifton Park. The restaurant’s original location is in Sherman, Connecticut.
Their impressively robust menu includes a variety of salads and appetizers from Beets Carpaccio to Mussels alla Tarantina, chicken and seafood dishes like Chicken Marsala and Filet of Sole Francese, and then there are the many pasta and pizza options. Mangia!
Premier Homes Elite Realty: Real Estate Agency in Mechanicville
Premier Homes Elite Realty celebrated their opening this spring in Mechanicville. Owners Kyle and Chrystal Chadwick bring valuable experience in the industry to the table, from buying and selling to renovating, to working with tenants.
Smoothie King: Smoothie Bar in Saratoga Springs & Clifton Park
The Clifton Park Smoothie King opened last October as part of an overall expansion by the smoothie giant to open several Capital Region smoothie bars. After the Clifton Park location reportedly turned out above-average sales, the Saratoga Springs spot opened in January.
Smoothie King has nearly 1,150 smoothie bars across the country. The company prides itself on providing health conscious drinks that contain whole fruits and organic vegetables, and none of the stuff you don’t want: artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, sodium benzoate, etc.
Stretch Zone: Wellness Center in Clifton Park
The Stretch Zone is a stretching and wellness center based in Florida with locations across the country, and they opened up their Clifton Park spot last summer. The center is open to anyone – serious athletes, those working with physical limits, individuals looking to increase flexibility or relieve stiffness, and anyone who’s curious about the benefits of stretching.
The Sugar Fairy Bakes: Bakery in Malta
The Sugar Fairy Bakes started out in 2019, when Stacie Blair began selling her baked goods at local farmers markets and craft fairs. She opened her first storefront in Mechanicville in 2021, and the second location in Malta this spring. Customers love the breakfast sandwiches, cookies, cream puffs, and cupcakes.
TriNova: Instrumentation Company in Clifton Park
TriNova has a handful of locations in the US and one in Canada, and is based in Alabama. After leasing a space in Ballston Spa, the manufacturing business celebrated their new location in Clifton Park last November. This facility will be their main hub for their clients in the Northeast.
Upton Coffee Company: Coffee Shop in Stillwater
Upton Coffee Company celebrated their soft opening earlier this month in Stillwater. Although the new business doesn’t appear to have a website yet, they have been diligently posting photos, updates, and menu items on their Facebook page. Follow them to stay updated on a grand opening in the near future.
Rebrands, Reopenings & New Spaces
Bellatas Medical Aesthetics: Medical Spa in Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs welcomed a new medical spa last December, Bellatas Medical Aesthetics. Bellatas is Latin for “your state of being, beautiful.” The company started out in Clifton Park in 2019 by nurse practitioner Laura Newey, who brings her patient-centered approach to the spa. Browse their reviews and you’ll see patrons love the clean, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with solid results from the treatments.
They even have some expansion plans in the works with a new IV Infusion Therapy line, as well as bringing on a nurse to help with the growth in demand and appointments.
Botanicals Spa & Suites: Day Spa in Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Botanicals Organics Spa & Store moved from their Henry Street location in Saratoga Springs to Excelsior Avenue and rebranded as Botanicals Spa, as of last November.
The new location away from downtown serves owner Franesa Pyle’s intention to make clients feel as if they are immersing themselves in nature when they walk in the door. Fans of the former business venture can expect the same great services and treatments that were offered before, with plant-based, non-synthetic products.
Chuck’s Store: A Cafe & Grocery Store in Galway
Chuck’s Store was a Galway staple for 58 years until its closure in 2016. As of May of this year, the grocery store and cafe is open again, thanks to the new owner Jessica Bellone.
Just as the store is a blend of few elements, Bellone brings an extensive resume with her to the business, having worked in finance, property management, and as a chef.
Here’s What’s Coming Up in the Near Future
Friends Coffee Shop: Coffee Shop in Saratoga Springs
The Friends Coffee Shop will celebrate its opening at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on July 12. The shop’s proceeds will go towards the library, and the operation is run by the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Patrons can expect everything from coffee, tea, and cocoa, to lemonade, juice, cookies, and muffins.
Hoffman Car Wash: Car Wash in Gansevoort
Hoffman’s Car Wash, which has many locations in the Capital Region, is undergoing an expansion that includes a new location in Gansevoort. The car wash is expected to open this December.
Make it a point to visit at least one of these establishments this summer, and help support the Saratoga area!
See our last business openings roundup >>
This article is sponsored by Saratoga County Tourism. Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or view of Saratoga County Tourism or its members.
Sources:
- Albany Business Review: Hoffman Car Wash lands $6.5 million loan for its next Saratoga County project
- Automation.com: TriNova Settles in at New Northeast Location
- The Daily Gazette: Waterford bookstore targets witchy weed lovers
- Daily Voice: New Clifton Park Pizzeria Promises ‘Authentic, Delicious Italian Cuisine’
- News 10 ABC: The Coat Room opens in downtown Saratoga Springs
- News 10 ABC: New owner reviving Chuck’s Store in Galway
- News 10 ABC: Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant opens in Ballston Spa
- News 10 ABC: Motorcycle-themed coffee shop opens in Schuylerville
- News 10 ABC: New coffee shop opening in Stillwater
- News 10 ABC: New seafood eatery in Clifton Park sets opening date
- News 10 ABC: Nonprofit to open new thrift shop in Ballston Spa
- News 10 ABC: Saratoga Springs Public Library once again has a coffee shop
- News 10 ABC: Takeout, delivery food business opening in Milton
- Saratoga Living: Bread Basket Bakery Unveils Dedicated Cake Shop
- Saratoga Living: Kindred, a New Wine Bar by the Owners of Henry Street Taproom, Coming to Downtown Saratoga
- Saratoga Living: Night Work Bread Opens Bakery in Ballston Spa
- Saratoga Today: Coffee Shop Reopens at Saratoga Springs Public Library
- Saratoga Today: Goldfish Swim School Opening Clifton Park Location This Summer
- Saratoga Today: Indulgence Bakery Celebrates Storefront Opening in Downtown Saratoga Springs
- Saratoga Today: Moby Rick’s Mechanicville Location Launching ‘Soft Opening’ Today
- Saratoga Today: PDT Market To Open in Downtown Saratoga Springs
- Saratoga Today: Saratoga Spa Relocates from Downtown Saratoga to Empire Run Location
- Saratoga Today: Skin by ASK Opens in Downtown Saratoga Springs – Luxury Skin Specialist Brings Celebrity Favorite Technique Skincare Treatments to Upstate NY
- The Saratogian: Alaturco Gyro serves up Mediterranean fare to region
- The Saratogian: Area Nurse Launches Medical Spa Service Business in Saratoga Springs
- The Saratogian: Her Rock Jewelry set for grand opening in Saratoga Springs
- The Saratogian: Premiere Homes Elite Realty Celebrates Grand Opening in Stillwater
- The Saratogian: Snapshot: Card Shack LLC celebrates opening in Saratoga Springs
- The Saratogian: Two Musical Businesses Celebrate Grand Opening as Saratoga Sound Center
- The Times Union: Smoothie King expands to 10 new Capital Region locations
- WNYT News Channel 13: New place to stretch opens in Clifton Park
- WNYT News Channel 13: Saratoga Springs welcomes new medical spa
