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New Fishkill Restaurant 'Kinda Kozy' Hopes To Become Neighborhood Favorite

FISHKILL, N.Y.- When Fishkill's Toni Fusco thought about opening her own restaurant, she had the same vision many restaurant owners have - to be that good old neighborhood hangout, where everyone knows your name.

Kinda Kozy owner Toni Fusco (L) in the dining room of her Fishkill restaurant.

Kinda Kozy owner Toni Fusco (L) in the dining room of her Fishkill restaurant.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Kinda Kozy owner Toni Fusco (L) at her Fishkill restaurant.

Kinda Kozy owner Toni Fusco (L) at her Fishkill restaurant.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Kinda Kozy in Fishkill.

Kinda Kozy in Fishkill.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

So Fusco set out to create just that.

The 14-year Fishkill resident opened Kinda Kozy in November, and after some early growing pains is back in full swing - specializing in 'modern American fare' like pasta dishes (and daily specials), burgers, salads, wraps, and featuring local craft beers.

"I want it to be that comfortable bar/restaurant where people want to come for food and drink," Fusco told Daily Voice. "I want to have comfort food, and a comfortable place - like 'Cheers' - where families can go."

The restaurant plans to have karaoke nights and feature live entertainment in its dining room and will offer outdoor seating in good weather. French doors in the dining room also open, giving the room an outdoor atmosphere.

Fusco, who worked at neighboring Aroma Osteria before opening her own place, said emotions have been a roller coaster so far as the restaurant got off the ground. She originally had planned the business as a joint venture with a friend, but that didn't work out and Fusco was left to chase the dream on her own.

She hasn't looked back.

"I am excited about having people enjoy the kind of atmosphere that I created," Fusco said. "I hope people will come... enjoy the food and the atmosphere, make memories.

"I think we can be a place where families want to be, then we can get that night crowd, with karaoke nights, and live entertainment," she added. "I'm still learning about it all, taking it slowly."

Kinda Kozy is located at 1126 Main Street in Fishkill.

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