Saratoga Business Journal

Vischer Ferry General Store Offers Breakfast And Lunch; Also Jewelry, Soaps, Lotions, More

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Louise McManus, left, and Anouk Booneman are the owners of Vischer Ferry General Store at 357 Riverview Road, Rexford, that features a café open for breakfast and lunch.

By Liz Witbeck

Vischer Ferry General Store, owned and operated by Louise McManus and Anouk Booneman, features retail space as well as a café open for breakfast and lunch.

The store, at 357 Riverview Road, Rexford, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 22.

“People have been thrilled,” said McManus, who opened the store in December. “They want a place to eat and to walk to. Some people even come in twice a day.”

McManus worked at the bridal shop Lily Saratoga for 10 years and also worked as a jewelry designer before opening the business. She brings to Vischer Ferry General Store her knowledge of the retail industry and is responsible for purchasing items for that portion of the store.

“My inspiration is trying to carry unique things that nobody else carries,” said McManus. “I am very inspired by nature. I love the nature preserve that we have here. Many of our items are tied to nature in some way. We also have a lot of books, history related items, and local items.”

Some of McManus’ favorite items at the shop include the jewelry line by Alex Monroe. The line features nature-inspired pieces, such as rabbits and birds. Another favorite is Library of Flowers, a bath and body line featuring lotions, perfumes, soaps, candles, oils, bubble bath, shower gels, and more.

Ballston Spa Fitness Expands, Adds Indoor Cycling Studio With Six Certified Instructors

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Tiffany Robyck, owner and founder of Ballston Spa Fitness on Ralph Street in Ballston Spa, offers a new array of fitness programs in a new indoor cycling studio called Ballston Spa Cycle.

Ballston Spa Fitness has expanded its facility with the addition of a new indoor cycling studio called Ballston Spa Cycle.

“I’ve wanted to do this for several years,” said Tiffany Robyck, owner and founder of Ballston Spa Fitness. “I am an outdoor cyclist and I love to ride. I wanted to share my love for riding and indoor cycling workouts, and I saw a need for this in the Ballston Spa area.”

Ballston Spa Cycle is in the same location as Ballston Spa Fitness, 18 Ralph St.

There are six certified indoor cycling instructors who offer classes at various times every day of the week. Classes are 45-60 minutes long.

Business Briefs: May 2016

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

NBT Bank was named 2015 Financial Institution of the Year at the 12th annual LPL Financial Institution Services Program Leadership Conference held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

NBT Bank was nominated by LPL growth consultants and selected from more than 750 financial institutions based on quantitative and qualitative factors, including year-over-year growth, thought leadership and innovation

The annual conference is one of the industry’s largest gatherings of financial institution investment program leaders, with more than 250 bank and credit union program managers and executives in attendance this year. The conference provided attendees with the opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities in today’s financial services environment and the importance of wealth management for the long-term growth of community banks and credit unions and to network with peers.

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The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association will be sponsoring a Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, May 17, from 7:30-8:30 a.m., hosted by Community Emergency Corps, 78 Thompson St. in Ballston Spa.

Community Emergency Corps, which celebrates 50 years of service in 2016, is a nonprofit, emergency medical service organization that serves the Village of Ballston Spa, the Town of Milton, part of the Town of Ballston. The breakfast falls will include a demonstration of life-saving equipment, as well as a discussion about the world of EMS.

Cost for the breakfast is $5 with advance reservation or $10 that morning, both payable at the door. Business and community members are welcome.

The BSBPA sponsors networking breakfasts every month at different locations in Ballston Spa. For more information or to RSVP, call 885-2772 or email info@ballston.org.

Beekman Street Cafe Opens On West Side In Saratoga Springs' Beekman Street Arts District

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Darren DeVietro, left, and his father Dominick DeVietro, have opened the Beekman Street Cafe in the Beekman Street Arts District in Saratoga Springs.

By R.J. DeLuke

A new restaurant serving breakfast and lunch has opened on the west side of Saratoga Springs, specializing in fresh breakfast sandwiches, homemade baked goods and its unique blend of coffee.

Beekman Street Cafe opened in April at 51 Ash St. in the Beekman Street Arts District (at the corner of Beekman and Ash streets), “quietly,” said co-owner Darren DeVietro, and its official grand opening was held May 1.

He owns the business with his father, Dominick DeVietro. The pair has owned the restaurant 62 Beekman St., just down the block, for nearly three years.

DeVietro said about a year and a half ago, 62 Beekman started making its own homemade desserts (he is the baker) and “they just took off” in popularity. With the demand growing, and limited space, they started looking for another place where the baking could be done.

The building, formerly Rena’s Fine Flowers, became available and “we jumped at it,” DeVietro said. “We love the arts district. We love where we”re at and all the locals.”

Adirondack Cruise And Charter Company Sets Sail, Offering Boat Tours On Saratoga Lake

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Hal Raven has started a boat charter and cruise company on Saratoga Lake.

By Sarah Jean Worden

There’s a new way to enjoy Saratoga Lake this summer with the introduction of local entrepreneur Hal Raven’s latest venture, Adirondack Cruise and Charter Co.

“Don’t worry about driving,” said Raven. “Grab a bottle of wine and come out with us.”

Raven runs a boat charter and cruise company that will take people around the local lake. Tours will typically be two-hour rides for up to eight people with a cost starting at $275.

Starting small this season with just one eight-passenger pontoon boat, Raven already has big plans for the future of his business. He anticipated adding a 30-passenger vessel to his lineup to accommodate larger parties. Part of his vision includes early 1900s-style steamboats like ones that used on the lake a century ago.

“It just seems so Saratoga,” he said.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers And Brews Is Set To Open On Former Pizzeria Uno Site In July

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

This rendering shows a typical Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews building in the 500-plus restaurant chain. Company officials are anticipating a July opening.

Courtesy Red Robin

By Liz Witbeck

Red Robin will open a new restaurant in summer 2016 at 3008 Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, on the site that was once Uno Pizzeria & Grill, which closed last year.

“We can confirm that Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is planning to open a new restaurant in Saratoga Springs in summer 2016,” said Les Lehner, senior vice president of real estate at Red Robin.

He said the restaurant is tentatively slated to open in July. It is located on 1.3 acres of property.

Lehner said renovations for the site include improving the patio space with lighting; moving the dumpster and enclosure areas; and enhancing the curb. The exterior will also be modified to have the Red Robin look and signs. There will not be a drive-through at the location.

Bike Party Returns To Henry Street In June With A Race, Parade, Family Activities, More

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Bike riders enjoy themselves at last year’s Henry Street Bike Party, organized by the Henry Street Business Group. It will take place again on June 16 between Lake Avenue and Caroline Street.

Nicole DeHaven, Two Danes Photography

Business owners on Henry Street Saratoga Springs will hold the second annual Henry Street Bike Party from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12.

It will feature an adult big wheel race, a kids bicycle parade and story ride in Congress Park, a bike decoration contest and exhibit, a bike rodeo, free bike helmets and safety gear, bicycle stunts and tricks contest, live surf rock music, food, drinks, vending and more.

All activities are suitable for the entire family, organizers said.

Officials said this year’s event seeks to attract bike enthusiasts of all ages, and aims to promote bike culture, safety and expanded citywide programs to support bicycle-friendly initiatives.

A block of Henry Street, between Lake Avenue and Caroline Street, will be closed to traffic beginning at 7 a.m. that day.

Persistence Pays Off For Tom Stock, A Local Photographer Marking 25 Years In Business

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Tom Stock, a Gloversville native, started his local photography business in 1991 and never looked back. He celebrates 25 years in business in 2016.

By Maureen Werther

Tom Stock recalled an exact moment just like it was yesterday. He was driving home after a long day of work–a 16-hour day, to be precise–when he found himself driving behind a new, bumble bee-yellow Jeep with a bumper sticker that read, “If you’re not the lead dog, the view never changes.”

That bumper sticker was the impetus Stock needed to become his own boss.

Born and raised in Gloversville, he moved to Delaware after graduating from Syracuse University and began working for a commercial and industrial photography company. While he was doing the kind of photography that he loved, he realized that he needed to be working for himself.

Two months later, after doing extensive market surveys, he packed his equipment in his car and drove to Saratoga Springs, where he set up shop. He hasn’t looked back.

Stock recalled that in January of his first year in Saratoga, his business earned a whopping $6. But he was undaunted. His mother phoned him to tell him about jobs she saw in the classified ads. He would tell her, “Mom, I already have a job.” Her reply would be something like, “How many hours did you spend today doing photography?”

His answer, he said, was: “I’m working on my business.”

$350,000 Grant Coming To Corinth To Help Improve Housing For Income-Eligible Buyers

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

New York state has more than $1.2 million in state grants to promote home ownership and improvement programs for low- and middle-income New Yorkers, including $330,000 for Corinth to significantly improve a dozen homes for income-eligible households.

“By expanding home ownership opportunities across the state, we are building stronger, more vibrant communities from the ground up,” Gov. Mario Cuomo said. “This is one more step toward ensuring that all New Yorkers have a safe, affordable and decent place to call home.”

Home ownership, improvement and preservation programs are among the many initiatives that form the foundation of Cuomo’s new, $10 billion House New York 2020 program to create or preserve 100,000 affordable units over the next five years.

According to the governor, since 2011, HCR community renewal programs have awarded more than $440 million in grants for various projects ranging from public facilities improvements to home ownership.

The Corinth Home Improvement Program will use the $330,000 in funds to improve 12 single-family homes located on scattered sites in Corinth, placing the highest priority on ensuring that residents are living in safe homes. Most of the homes in the town were built over 70 years ago, and grant funds are needed to address typical repairs that may be too costly for many homeowners to afford, according to the governor.

Huntington Learning Center Prepares Students For College Entrance Exams And Other Testing

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Katherine Hagen is the executive director of Huntington Learning Center.

By Jill Nagy

Huntington Learning Center in Clifton Park offers individualized tutoring for young people trying to catch up, attempting to get a leg up on their peers, or looking for help preparing for college entrance exams or other standardized tests.

The center, a franchise of a national company, has been owned since 2014 by Randal and Katherine Hagen. Hagen is the executive director. Her husband, Randal, is part owner but not active in the business. The facility opened under other ownership in 2008.

The tutoring facility serves children in grades K-12, and a few adults working toward high school equivalency certificates. There are three tracks: academic skills, exam preparation and subject matter tutoring.

The first track concentrates on reading, math, writing and study skills for grades K-12. The students are trying to get caught up or, in some cases, get ahead and move into an accelerated track in school, she said.

Exam preparation provides one-on-one instruction for students preparing for college entrance examinations, military placement tests, the high school equivalency (TASC) exam, and Common Core exams. It is a Common Core-aligned center, she said, with a curriculum that tracks Common Core standards. Time is also devoted to test-taking strategies and techniques to minimize test anxiety and stress.