Category Archives: Business News

By Staff Writer

The first week of service at Hattie’s Culinary Lab, powered by the Social Enterprise and Training (SEAT) Center, marked an enthusiastic start for a new culinary venture that combines workforce training, community engagement, and the enduring legacy of one of the Capital Region’s most iconic restaurant names.

Located in the historic Hattie’s Albany space on Madison Avenue, the lab officially opened to the public on Oct. 9, launching a new chapter for both Hattie’s and SEAT. The innovative partnership transforms the restaurant into a hands-on classroom where students receive comprehensive training in both back-of-house and front-of-house hospitality operations while serving guests during live dinner service.

Hattie’s Culinary Lab operates every Thursday and Friday evening with two seatings—5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.—offering a prix fixe menu priced under $40 per person. The menu combines Hattie’s beloved Southern classics with globally inspired dishes designed to broaden student-chefs’ culinary education.

“We had a good turnout — every reservation built the students’ confidence even more,” said Jennifer Lawrence, founder and CEO of the SEAT Center. “The community is thrilled to see an establishment dedicated to training young professionals. Guests love the opportunity to support young people and their future while dining out. Many people raved about the food, service, and overall energy inside the restaurant.”

By Paul Post

Dust is still settling from 49 days of Saratoga racing, which attracted more than 1.2 million fans and generated over $1 billion in all-sources wagering.

But local officials already are anticipating an even better season next year when the Belmont Stakes returns to the historic track for a third and final time, complemented by major plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

This year’s regular 40-day Saratoga Race Course meet was preceded by the five-day Belmont Stakes and four-day July 4 racing festivals.

“Saratoga County has enjoyed not only international and national media exposure, but the economic impact is considered significant and substantial,” said Greg Connors, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation president. “An independent analysis of the impact on Saratoga County by the world-class racing industry estimates $9 million dollars per day in economic impact realized. The easy math, of course, is that the 49 days of thoroughbred racing added close to $450 million dollars to the Saratoga County economy.”

The Saratoga International Flavorfeast will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 11, showcasing food and culture from around the world in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Presented by Saratoga Food Fanatic, Network Saratoga and Discover Saratoga, the event features international cuisine from local restaurants and vendors, offering $2 food samples from countries including Ireland, Italy, India, Guatemala, Spain and Mexico. Passport maps will be available beginning at 11 a.m. at the Spa City Motor Lodge, Division Street and Broadway.

The day will also feature multicultural performances such as African drumming, Asian dance, fiddling and accordion music at several downtown locations. A full list of restaurants and performances will be posted the week of the event at www.saratogaflavorfeast.com.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

By Rod Bacon

A pair of entrepreneurs well versed in the hospitality industry have launched Saratoga Springs’ newest dining venue.

Clark Gale and Zac Denham, who created Bocage Champagne Bar on Phila Street in 2022, have opened Standard Fare directly opposite it.

Touted as “A Fresh Take on Comfort Food in Saratoga Springs,” the owners say they are taking popular menu items and elevating their presentation. 

“Our focus is on creating dishes that we all have familiarity and warm memories of, and present them in a really great way,” Gale said. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel on dishes like meatloaf or pork chops or roast chicken but we’re delivering them in a way different from the traditional presentation.” 

The executive chef creating this delightful fare is Connor DeMarco, who also oversees the kitchen at  Bocage Champagne Bar. A Saratoga Springs native, he has created unique cuisine at Lillian’s, Merry Monk, Fish at 30 Lake, Rascals Steakhouse at Crossgates, The Merc, Prime, and Cantina. He also spent some time working on the southwest coast of Florida.  

“Standard Fare isn’t just about food, it’s about energy,” said Gale. “You can feel it in the dining room, see it in the kitchen, and taste it in every bite. We’ve been blown away by the creativity of the kitchen team.”

Gale, a native of Massena, N.Y., began his executive career as general manager of New York City’s iconic Cafeteria, a $12 million a year operation. Subsequently, he contributed his leadership and operational skills to Brooklyn Winery, Butter Group, 1 Oak, Burger & Lobster, and Chow Down Hospitality Group.

In 2016, he became director of operations for Barcade, a $36 million per year powerhouse in the hospitality industry, where he managed locations in seven states.

The Saratoga County Business Showcase is returning this fall, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the area’s diverse economic landscape. 

The event is scheduled for 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Spa State Park and is open to the public. A post-event exhibitor mixer will also take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

This popular expo is the chamber’s premier event for businesses and organizations of all sizes and industries looking to grow, connect, and build their brand throughout Saratoga County’s thriving business network. From startups to seasoned corporations to B2B service providers, this event offers a platform to meet potential clients, collaborators, and fellow professionals.

“This showcase is our largest professional networking event of the year, and presents a phenomenal opportunity for anyone looking to cultivate valuable relationships, explore new opportunities and establish impactful connections within our community,” Chamber President Todd Shimkus said. “We anticipate a great turnout of exhibitors and attendees eager to engage within a lively networking environment.” 

The premier sponsors of this year’s Saratoga County Business Showcase are Adirondack Trust Company, AIM Services Inc. and Arnoff Moving and Storage, which will offer convenient on-site assistance to exhibitors moving in displays on the day of the event. 

Area professionals are invited to make connections amid a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Eventgoers will have the chance to interact with exhibitors to grow their network and find potential future partners. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards. 

By Rod Bacon

Lucky Petroleum, Inc. has added to its roster of fuel stops/convenience stores with the opening of another Lucky’s Market, this one on Northline Road in Ballston Spa.

According to store manager Manraj Cheema, this is the 10th location in the region for the company, a supplier of petroleum products headquartered in Hudson, N.Y. Other locations are in Plattsburgh, Menands, Watervliet, Kerhonkson, Ellenville, and another in Ballston Spa, which is operated by Manraj’s uncle, Gagan Billing.

The new market is a renovated Sunmark Credit Union building purchased from Gary DeRusso, president of Saratoga Springs-based Adirondack Land Development, LLC. Designs for the renovations were developed by Nolan Engineering, PLLC, of Burnt Hills. Renovations started in May 2024 and were completed last month.

The fuel stop has six island with 12 gas pumps. Regular, Midgrade, Premium, and Diesel are available, as well as a propane exchange. Non-ethanol is not available.

By Rod Bacon

A popular Ballston Spa eatery that went through some hard times and eventually closed has reopened under new ownership and with a new name.

Ashley Livingstone, who was the manager of the Route 50 Diner for five years, has leased the space and renamed it Doubleday Diner.

According to Livingstone, the previous owner, Walter Hyra, passed away during Covid and his son, Bryan Hyra, took over operations. He was unable to make a go of it and it closed permanently in November 2024. Livingstone signed a lease with plaza owner in March. A Chinese takeout restaurant and a nail salon occupy the rest of the plaza.

 Livingstone purchased all new kitchen equipment from Restaurant Depot in Colonie, as well as installing new carpeting and seating. There are 13 tables and three seats at the counter. 

“We installed everything ourselves,” she said. “We had friends who came and helped us get it done. It’s been a team effort, for sure.”

The team includes Chef Sergio Felix, who is also the chef at Compadres Diner in Gansevoort, as well as Ashley’s mother, Linda Livingstone, and Manuel Felix. There are also 15 kitchen and front-of-the-house employees.

“That number fluctuates,” Livingstone said. “We are busier in the summer and I like to give high school and college kids an opportunity to earn money while they’re on vacation.”

She noted that she has been in the restaurant business for 16 years and Sergio Felix for 10.