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Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul New Yorkers can now enjoy fairer access to coveted restaurant reservations. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 19, prohibits third-party reservation platforms from arranging reservations without a restaurant's consent. The platforms often charge consumers additional fees, creating a costly “black market” for popular dining spots and making it harder for diners to secure tables without paying a premium. “We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the …

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by Michael Mashburn
Real Estate
$4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market $4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market
$4.3M 'Iconic' Mansion, Former Restaurant Among Capital Region's Priciest Homes On Market House hunters have a rare opportunity to own a piece of culinary history. Saratoga County’s Villa Balsamo – located in Saratoga Springs at 2255 Ballston Avenue – is currently the county’s most expensive home on the market at $4.3 million. Built in 1929, the 14-acre estate was opened to the public as a restaurant in 1976, regularly welcoming in hungry travelers heading to Saratoga Race Course on Route 50. The restaurant closed after the 2017 season and the property has been for sale since July 2023. The main staircase at Villa Balsamo. eXp Realty “Nestled in the picturesque Saratoga S…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report
Biggest Food, Beverage Trends Revealed In 2023 Grubhub Delivered Report An analysis of orders from diners across the US in 2023  by Grubhub has uncovered the biggest food and beverage trends of the year. Spoiler alert: Spice is nice. In 2023, over 53 million items were ordered with added spice, the report on deliveries says.  Classic favorites like Sriracha (a sauce made from chili peppers) were added over 91,000 times, and buffalo chicken wings came in first as the most ordered wing flavor followed by lemon pepper, BBQ, teriyaki and garlic parmesan. The report notes that in 2023 diners enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zones and break…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors 'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors
'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors A struggling, veteran-owned restaurant in the region serving breakfast and lunch is shuttering after just over a year in business. Rensselaer County eatery Cafe Twelve 04, located in Rensselaer at 1204 Washington Avenue, will serve its last guests on Sunday, Oct. 29, the business announced on Facebook. “Whelp… Not a post I want to be posting but it’s only right, Sunday will be my last day open at the cafe,” owner Chris Phelan said. “Definitely not an easy decision by any means.” After launching the restaurant in August 2022, Phelan, a US Army veteran, spent “countless dollars and hours” t…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Capital Region Closing ‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Capital Region Closing
‘Time To Say Farewell’: Popular Restaurant In Capital Region Closing In the half decade since opening her restaurant in the region, Grace Thompson has met plenty of strangers - as well as a regular cast of “characters” - who have stopped in for a bite to eat over the years. Her Albany County eatery Gracie’s Kitchen, located in Voorheesville at 39 Voorheesville Avenue, will say goodbye to those characters on Sunday, Oct. 8, when the restaurant permanently closes. “Since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has tackled historic inflation, a virtually empty labor pool, a volatile supply chain, and incredible disruption that has made it impossible for many res…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
'This Is The End': Popular Capital District Sandwich Shop Closing After 15 Years 'This Is The End': Popular Capital District Sandwich Shop Closing After 15 Years
'This Is The End': Popular Capital District Sandwich Shop Closing After 15 Years After more than 15 years in business, a popular Capital District sandwich shop is closing its doors for good. Saratoga County eatery Halfmoon Sandwich & Salad Shoppe, located in Halfmoon, made the announcement in a Facebook post Wednesday, Aug. 10. “Everything that has a beginning, has an end. This is the end,” reads the post. “Thank you for 15 amazing years. Thank you for all of your loyal support. Thank you for allowing us to be your trusted hometown deli. Thank you for it all.” Located on Route 9, the restaurant serves up a wide selection of “award winning” sandwiches, paninis, an…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
Husband-Wife Tandem Of Ex-College Basketball Coach, News Anchor Operating Two NY Eateries Husband-Wife Tandem Of Ex-College Basketball Coach, News Anchor Operating Two NY Eateries
Husband-Wife Tandem Of Ex-College Basketball Coach, News Anchor Operating Two NY Eateries A background in television broadcasting isn’t typical of most restaurateurs, but it doesn’t seem to be hurting New York husband and wife team, Mo Cassara and Elisa DiStefano. In May 2022, the couple celebrated the reopening of their freshly-renovated restaurant on Long Island, The Point Bar & Grill, located in Point Lookout. It’s just three blocks away from their other eatery, MO’NELISA Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, which they opened in 2016. Diners will no doubt recognize Cassara, a former Hofstra University basketball coach turned analyst for CBS Sports Network and ESPN. DiStef…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts
Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali's Sexual Misconduct Trial Starts The sexual misconduct trial of celebrity chef Mario Batali, who has run restaurants in New York and Connecticut -- in Westchester and Fairfield counties -- is underway in Massachusetts. On Monday, May 9 in Boston, a woman testified that Batali, age 61, kissed and groped her while attempting to take a selfie at a Massachusetts restaurant after the chef waived his right to a jury. Related story - Ex-Westchester, Fairfield County Restaurateur Mario Batali Now Under Investigation By NY AG Instead, a judge will decide Batali’s fate at the conclusion of the trial, where proceedings are expected…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
New Restaurant Off To Strong Start In Northern Westchester New Restaurant Off To Strong Start In Northern Westchester
New Restaurant Off To Strong Start In Northern Westchester A new seafood restaurant that recently opened its doors in Northern Westchester has been seeing positive feedback from customers due to its fresh dishes. Coral Seafood Restaurant opened its doors in Somers around the beginning of October, according to Elsa Isa, the restaurant's manager. The restaurant is located at 63 Route 6 in Baldwin Place. Isa said business started off slow as it took time for customers to discover the eatery had opened, but now business has picked up, and the restaurant has been especially busy on the weekends. She said customers can make reservations, alth…

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by Nicole Valinote
Lifestyle
Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best
Chef From Northern Westchester Voted World's Best A celebrated chef from the region has been named the world's best by an association of highly-rated restaurants, according to a new report.  Les Grandes Tables Du Monde, an association of 179 restaurants across 23 countries, announced that Chef Daniel Boulud, a resident of Northern Westchester County, was voted the world's best restaurateur, according to AFP news. Boulud opened his flagship restaurant, "Daniel," in New York City in 1993. "At the heart of Manhattan, Restaurant Daniel is a celebrated culinary destination that blends refinement and sophistication with New York style and …

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by Nicole Valinote
Lifestyle
New Hudson Valley Restaurant Offers Ramen, Vegetarian Dishes & More New Hudson Valley Restaurant Offers Ramen, Vegetarian Dishes & More
New Hudson Valley Restaurant Offers Ramen, Vegetarian Dishes & More The owner of a new Hudson Valley restaurant said the eatery, which opened earlier this summer, focuses on Asian cuisine "with an American twist." Underground Ramen & Taco opened its doors in Rockland County on Friday, July 2. The restaurant, located in Chestnut Ridge, is located at 811 Chestnut Ridge Road.  Hank Barrett opened the location with David Benitelli, who also owns Harvest Moon Caterers. Barrett said he and Benitelli saw an opportunity when the location became available.  He said they saw that they had a niche by opening a place that offers a blend of rame…

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages
Chipotle Increasing Prices In Order To Raise Employees' Wages Chipotle Mexican Grill is increasing menu prices to cover the costs of raising its workers’ wages, the company announced. Consumers will see price increases of approximately 4 percent at the popular Mexican food chain, with that money being used to increase employees’ paychecks following the company’s announcement that hourly wages for workers would reach an average of $15 by the end of the month. The price hike is likely not to be felt too badly by consumers, with company officials saying that it will amount to quarters and dimes while dramatically boosting their ability to pay employees. …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
COVID-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol COVID-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol
Covid-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol Hold the Cuomo Chips. New York State lawmakers are making moves to repeal several COVID-19 restrictions put in place by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including the mandate that food must be sold with drinks at bars and restaurants. During the height of the pandemic, Cuomo issued a series of Executive Orders to help curtail the spread of the virus, including restricting sales at restaurants, which prompted some eateries to begin selling bags of potato chips - dubbed Cuomo chips at some locations - or other small items to skirt around the rule. Original story - COVID-19: Restaurant Adds $1 'Cuomo Chi…

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: NY Restaurants Want Permanent Extension For Takeout Drinks COVID-19: NY Restaurants Want Permanent Extension For Takeout Drinks
Covid-19: NY Restaurants Want Permanent Extension For Takeout Drinks Restaurants have been among the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, though if there was one silver lining for the industry, it has been the discovery of expanded alcoholic takeout and delivery options. On the one-year anniversary of the shutdown of eateries, the New York State Restaurant Association called on state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to extend the “wildly popular” service. According to the NYSRA, in the past year, since the initial COVID-19 shutdown, the takeout and delivery service has become so popular that 86 percent of New Yorkers want it to remain in …

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 COVID-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65
Covid-19: Founder, CEO Of National Restaurant Chain Dies At Age 65 The founder and chief executive officer of a national restaurant chain died by suicide amid a battle with COVID-19-related symptoms, the company announced. Kent Taylor, who launched Texas Roadhouse in 1993, was 65 years old. The symptoms included severe tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, and his suffering had increased in recent days, the company, Texas Roadhouse, announced in a statement sent to CNN. Taylor died on Thursday, March 18. "Kent leaves an unmatched legacy as a people-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people company that just happened to se…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: NY Restaurants Outside NYC Can Soon Increase Indoor Capacity COVID-19: NY Restaurants Outside NYC Can Soon Increase Indoor Capacity
Covid-19: NY Restaurants Outside NYC Can Soon Increase Indoor Capacity Restaurants outside of New York City will soon be able to increase their indoor capacity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Those restaurants, which have been operating at 50 percent capacity, can now move to 75 percent capacity starting Friday, March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday, March 7.  Data has shown that restaurants can operate safely and in accordance with strict health protocols at 75 percent capacity, Cuomo said.  New York City restaurant capacity will remain at 35 percent capacity. "Our fight in the war against COVID-19 continues, but we are encouraged by th…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Popular Area Diner Days Away From Closing Permanently After Half-Century In Business Popular Area Diner Days Away From Closing Permanently After Half-Century In Business
Popular Area Diner Days Away From Closing Permanently After Half-Century In Business After more than 50 years, one of the Hudson Valley's mainstay eateries, and dare we say legendary restaurants, the Barclay Heights Diner, is closing its doors after losing its lease. Located in Saugerties in Ulster County, the Barclay is one of those few places where you can grab a good meal while at the same time visit with the locals in town and find out the hot news. Oh, if those booths could talk. Around since the 1960s, the diner has been run for the past 17 years by Linda and Nick Lopez, who said in a goodbye letter to customers that Sunday, March 7 will be their final day. The coupl…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: Some NY Restaurant Workers, Taxi Drivers, Others Could Soon Be Eligible For Vaccine COVID-19: Some NY Restaurant Workers, Taxi Drivers, Others Could Soon Be Eligible For Vaccine
Covid-19: Some NY Restaurant Workers, Taxi Drivers, Others Could Soon Be Eligible For Vaccine With additional allocations of COVID-19 vaccines expected by the federal government in the next few weeks, local governments will have the option to determine whether taxi drivers, restaurant workers, and facilities for the developmentally disabled are eligible to be vaccinated moving forward. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that in the next three weeks, the federal government will be increasing the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine doses to states by more than 20 percent, and will be upping the allocation of doses directly to pharmacies by 10 percent, allowing for additional flexibility loca…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Executive Order Caps Third-Party Food Delivery Fees In Dutchess County COVID-19: Executive Order Caps Third-Party Food Delivery Fees In Dutchess County
Covid-19: Executive Order Caps Third-Party Food Delivery Fees In Dutchess County Dutchess County officials have announced a temporary cap on service fees charged by third-party food delivery companies to no more than 15 percent of the cost of the food order amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Marc Molinaro signed Local Emergency Order No. 13, on Thursday, Jan. 14, in an effort to help support local restaurants struggling during the pandemic. “The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted many industries, but none more so than the foodservice and hospitality industry," Molinaro said. "By temporarily capping the fees to no more than 15 percent,…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
COVID-19: NY Restaurant, Bars Affected By Pandemic Can Apply For Grants COVID-19: NY Restaurant, Bars Affected By Pandemic Can Apply For Grants
Covid-19: NY Restaurant, Bars Affected By Pandemic Can Apply For Grants Thousands of restaurants and bars across New York hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for help from the “Raising the NYS Bar” Restaurant Recovery Fund. The fund, made possible through financial donations led by Diageo North America and supported by Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits, will be implemented by the non-profit National Development Council.  With more than $3 million in funding available, many restaurants or bars could receive up to $5,000 to help them through the pandemic. The fund is meant to help eligible restaurants adjust their operations to the impacts …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY COVID-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY
Covid-19: Indoor Dining To Close In NYC, Possibly Other Areas; New Rules For Gyms, Salons In NY The New York State Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have made some revisions to guidance for certain businesses as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations keep increasing. With hospitalizations up to 5,159, the highest since mid-May, and the positivity rate statewide rapidly climbing, Cuomo announced on Friday, Dec. 11 that some businesses will be rolled back to help curtail the spread of the virus. As of Monday, Dec. 14, indoor dining in New York City will be closed, though outdoor dining and takeout will still be permitted.  Cuomo also said that health officials are evaluating…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives COVID-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives
Covid-19: Here's What Will Happen To Outdoor Dining As Cold Weather Arrives Restaurants already struggling to stay afloat due to the COVID-19 outbreak have a new challenge rapidly approaching as the weather begins shifting, limiting outdoor dining options. The pandemic forced extreme restrictions on restaurants and bars for the past six months, with many scrambling to arrange temporary, and now possibly permanent outdoor dining options, while even more were forced to shut down for good due to a lack of business. Since mid-March, occupancy at restaurants has been restricted, face coverings must be worn by patrons and staff, social distancing must be practiced at all…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions COVID-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions
Covid-19: Indoor Dining Will Now Be Allowed In NYC With These Restrictions One of New York City’s greatest attractions has been given the green light to start reopening amid the COVID-19 outbreak. During a COVID-19 press briefing in Manhattan on Wednesday, Sept. 9, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that restaurants in New York City will be permitted to resume indoor dining, albeit at 25 percent capacity, beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Cuomo said that he has set a deadline of Thursday, Nov. 1 to determine whether restaurants will be able to reopen up to 50 percent capacity. When restaurants reopen, they will be under strict guidance from the state that inclu…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic COVID-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic
Covid-19: New Data Reveals Staggering Number Of Restaurant Closures During Pandemic New data is revealing just how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic has been to the restaurant industry. Yelp's latest Local Economic Impact Report, released this week, reports that nearly 16,000 restaurants have permanently closed throughout the nation since the outbreak began in March. Of the 26,160 total restaurant closures listed on Yelp as of mid July, 15,770 were permanent. New York has seen the third-most restaurant closures at 8.4 percent, behind California (14.4 percent) and Texas (8.5 percent), according to Business Insider. Restaurants have passed the retail industry to accou…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week COVID-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week
Covid-19: Reopening Of Indoor Dining In New York City May Be Pulled Back This Week New York City is set to enter Phase 3 of reopening its economy as of Monday, July 6, though it’s unclear whether reopening indoor dining will be advisable, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. During a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing on Monday, June 29 in Manhattan, Cuomo said that the state is monitoring the data and will make a determination this week on how to best move forward with indoor dining in the densely populated New York City.  “One of the issues we're working on in New York, indoor dining has shown that it has been problematic,” Cuomo said. “That a virus spreads in closed…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: NY Restaurant Industry Has Lost 250K Jobs, $2 Billion COVID-19: NY Restaurant Industry Has Lost 250K Jobs, $2 Billion
Covid-19: NY Restaurant Industry Has Lost 250K Jobs, $2 Billion The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which forced the closure of all non-essential businesses in the tristate area, has cost restaurants billions of dollars statewide in just a few short weeks. A new report from the National Restaurant Association determined that New York restaurants have lost approximately $1.9 billion in sales, and more than 250,000 jobs have been cut since the outbreak. The lost sales mark a 58-percent decrease compared to this time last year. The numbers come approximately two weeks after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo limited bars and restaurants to takeout and deli…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Openings Delayed For New Pizzeria, Planet Wings In Area Openings Delayed For New Pizzeria, Planet Wings In Area
Openings Delayed For New Pizzeria, Planet Wings In Area The much-anticipated return of Planet Wings and Pizza E Birra on Main Street in Poughkeepsie has been put on hold for just a while. Planet Wings, which was a staple in Poughkeepsie until an electrical fire forced its owners to close in 2017, was set to reopen at a new location on Monday, March 2. However, the owners of the eateries announced they would have to push back the grand re-opening. “To our customers: We had planned to open our new location in Poughkeepsie on Monday, but due to some unforeseen issues, we will need a couple of more days,” they wrote on Facebook. “We needed a couple…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Former Mario Batali Restaurant, Tarry Lodge In Westchester, Will Close, With 50 Losing Jobs Former Mario Batali Restaurant, Tarry Lodge In Westchester, Will Close, With 50 Losing Jobs
Former Mario Batali Restaurant, Tarry Lodge In Westchester, Will Close, With 50 Losing Jobs As famed chef Mario Batali's attorneys appeared in a Boston court on Friday, Aug. 30 in connection with charges of indecent assault and battery, news came that the Tarry Lodge in Westchester will be closing. According to a WARN notice, required by the state when jobs are terminated, the Lodge in Port Chester will close on Friday, Nov. 22, and 50 people will lose their employment.  The reason given on the notice for the restaurant's closing was "due to construction occurring on the premise." Officials who operate the company could not be reached for comment on Friday to comment wh…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes
Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Admits To Evading $816K In Taxes A nationally known food celebrity known as "Lord of the Pies" who owns restaurants in Westchester and Fairfield counties has admitted to filing false income tax returns and payroll tax returns totaling nearly a million dollars.Bruno DiFabio, 49, of Ridgefield has ownership interest in the following: Pinocchio Pizza in New Canaan and Wilton, Connecticut; Amore Pizza in Scarsdale, Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford; ReNapoli Pizza in Old Greenwich. DiFabio’s business partner, Stamford resident Steven Cioffi, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false t…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
POLL: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For? POLL: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For?
Poll: IHOP Is Changing Its Name To IHOb -- But What's The 'B' Stand For? Click here for an updated story: IHOP's Big Reveal: Restaurant Explains Why It Will Now Be Called IHOb Is the International House Of Pancakes having an identity crisis? America's beloved breakfast joint is changing its name to IHOb. CLICK HERE to find out what the B stands for.

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by Cecilia Levine