By Maureen Werther
The building that housed the well-known Ecobelli’s Restaurant on Route 50 in Ballston Spa–vacant for some time–has opened again under new ownership as the Ballston Spa Diner-Restaurant.
Owner Theodore Sourlis said he hopes to fill a void in the Ballston Spa area by offering a diverse menu that includes breakfast and featuring locally produced organic eggs, paninis, wraps, burgers, and dinner entrees ranging from steaks, chops, and seafood to authentic Greek and Italian specialties.
Sourlis has been in the restaurant business for 31 years, owning and operating the Dix Hills Diner in Long Island for 17 years before relocating to Amsterdam five years ago to take over the Olympic Diner, where he is still a 50 percent owner.
Sourlis said he happened to be driving through the area last year and noticed the vacant building. Interested in finding out more about the property, he contacted a real estate agent and, three months later, closed on the transaction.
There were extensive repairs and renovations that took nine months to complete, he said.
Sourlis said lunch and dinner specials will change every few days and, in true diner fashion, breakfast is available all day long. There is also a children’s menu. There are extensive dessert offerings as well.
The liquor license is still pending. Once he receives that, Sourlis said he will open the bar and lounge area adjacent to the spacious dining room.
Sourlis is happy about the positive responses he is hearing from his customers.
“Everybody I talk to says the same thing–that Ballston Spa needed a good diner,” he said.
The business held a grand opening in February that Sourlis said was well attended.
Ballston Spa Diner-Restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.