Saratoga Business Journal

Harvest Moon Market Opens In Clifton Park, Offers Fresh Fish Received Daily From Boston

March 4, 2016November 29, 2017

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Jim Laiacona recently opened Harvest Moon Market in Clifton Park.

By Liz Witbeck

People looking for places to buy fresh fish may be excited to know about the opening of Harvest Moon Market in Clifton Park.

Harvest Moon Market opened at 1512 Route 9 in the Save More Beverages Plaza.

Owner Jim Laiacona has been involved in the fresh produce industry his entire life. He previously worked with his father at Michael Laiacona Produce, and was also the owner of Harvest Cut Produce. He sold the business two years ago, which now operates as Capital City Produce.

Laiacona said he decided to partner with friends and family to create a fish market. Doug Freeman is the fish specialist at the store. Laiacona’s wife, Jeanne, and their son, Jesse, help with the cooking of many products at the store.

Harvest Moon Market receives deliveries five days a week from Boston, the owner said. All of the fish is thoroughly inspected for quality and arrives fresh each day.

Some of the fish at the market includes cod, haddock, monk fish, Chilean sea bass, scallops, shrimp, lobsters, and more.

“If it swims, we own it,” said Laiacona. “Our salmon we’re featuring right now is a Norwegian salmon. It’s delicious.”

For those who have never been to a specialty fish market for their purchases, Laiacona said customers will see a significant increase in the quality of the product at a store like Harvest Moon Market.

Palio Plans To Close Saratoga Springs Office In June; To Consolidate In NYC And Los Angeles

March 4, 2016November 8, 2017

By R.J. DeLuke

Palio Communications, the area’s largest communications and advertising firm, is closing its office on Broadway in Saratoga Springs and moving its headquarters to New York City.

Lori Goodale, corporate relations director for the company, said Palio will consolidate operations at its New York City headquarters and Los Angeles office.

The Saratoga Springs office will close in June, she said. Some staff will continue to work at Palio, relocating to New York City. Other staff will transition to other agencies inside inVentiv Health.

The company employed 108 people in Saratoga Springs at the end of 2014 when it reportedly finished the year with $31.7 million in revenue.

“The move to consolidate our Saratoga Springs office with our existing New York and Los Angeles hub locations is the latest chapter in Palio’s journey and supports the agency’s growth strategy,” said Goodale.

Laura Farrar-Pileckas' Love Of Fashion Led To Creation Of Her 'Violet's Of Saratoga' Shop

March 4, 2016November 29, 2017

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Laura Farrar-Pileckas is the owner of Violet’s of Saratoga at 494 Broadway.

By Jill Nagy

Violet’s of Saratoga, a women’s clothing and accessories store at 494 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, reopened in February after a major makeover. Owner Laura Farrar-Pileckas plans a party on March 10 to show off the new look and celebrate the reopening.

In the meantime, the shop is fully stocked and open for business.

Violet’s has “a fresh new feel,” more modern and plush, with new furnishings and light fixtures, as well as a few new brands of merchandise, according to Pilleckas. “I’m excited about the season coming up,” she said, and she hopes that customers will share her enthusiasm.

Pileckas opened Violet’s nine years ago as a women’s clothing store. A few years later, she opened Stella’s, a women’s shoe store. The two were later combined into the store at its present site in the Collamer Building, near the Saratoga Springs City Hall.

Pileckas said that she “always loved fashion” and also enjoyed business, including working in retail. She has a bachelors degree in finance and worked for five years in that field in Boston.

Then, she “decided to become an entrepreneur. … I couldn’t see myself sitting at a desk for the rest of my life.”

Leon’s Mexican Restaurant Finds New Home In Carousel Village Off Route 50, Ballston Spa

March 4, 2016November 8, 2017

After some 14 years of operating in Saratoga Springs, not far from Saratoga Race Course, Leon’s Mexican Restaurant has moved to the Carousel Village off Route 50 in Ballston Spa.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Liz Witbeck

Leon’s Mexican Restaurant recently moved to a new location, opening at 2100 Doubleday Ave. (Route 50) in Ballston Spa in January.

The restaurant was previously located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Leon’s Mexican Restaurant is located in Carousel Village, the previous location of the Three Olives restaurant.

The business has been operating for the past 14 years. Roberta Acosta is owner of the establishment. Her entire family helps with the business.

“We sold the property and we were looking for a more modern building,” said Acosta. “We wanted something with more traffic. As a mom, I was excited because this has parking. It’s in a plaza. We looked at things in downtown Saratoga, but we didn’t like anything because there was no parking. This came up and it was the perfect fit. I was really happy.”

Renovations done prior to opening included adding new equipment to the kitchen, painting, new signs and decorating the interior. Leon’s Mexican Restaurant has shipped in many interior decorations from Mexico, including their lights and their glassware.

Saratoga Native Justin Wilock Opens Second Men's Formal Wear Shop Off Weibel Avenue

March 4, 2016November 29, 2017

Justin Wilock, owner of Mr. Formal Wear, says he dreamed of owning a business in Saratoga Springs. His shop on Weibel Avenue opened recently and he also owns one in Clifton Park.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Justin Wilock dreamed of owning a business in his hometown of Saratoga Springs. A 2007 graduate of Spa Catholic High School, he made that dream a reality with the opening of Mr. Formal Wear, off of Weibel Avenue at Hempstead Place.

The tuxedo shop is Wilock’s second Saratoga County location.

Mr. Formal Wear, also located on Route 9 in Clifton Park, is a full service formal men’s wear operation.

“I have always wanted to open up a store in Saratoga. I know how popular Saratoga is and now more than ever a destination place for weddings with all the wedding venues around this beautiful city,” said Wilock.

Wilock said his business differs from most traditional men’s formal wear because of a commitment to keeping up with the latest fashion trends and its ability to add a modern “twist” on the tuxedos. They also sell suits, ties and, dress shirts.

Ballston Spa Diner-Restaurant Opens For Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner In Ballston Spa

March 4, 2016November 8, 2017

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.

Empire State College Gets Grant To Develop A Bachelor’s Degree Program In Health Science

March 4, 2016November 8, 2017

SUNY Empire State College was awarded $400,000 to develop a Bachelor of Science degree program in health science, a new program that will contribute to achieving SUNY’s system-wide completion agenda of awarding 150,000 degrees each year by 2020, officials said.

Modeled after the college’s successful RN-to -B.S. in Nursing program, SUNY Empire’s new bachelor’s degree will provide a clear, direct and efficient path for radiologic technicians, emergency medical technicians, dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants and many others who have earned an associate and want to complete their bachelor’s degree, according to the college.

“The B.S. in health science is the latest example of SUNY Empire’s dedicated faculty and staff using innovative, alternative and flexible approaches to higher education that transform people and communities through rigorous programs that connect individuals’ unique and diverse lives to their personal learning goals,” said Associate Professor Kim Stote, who was a member of the team that developed the successful proposal. “The B.S. in health science is designed to promote seamless academic progression for students moving from the associate to completion of a bachelor’s degree.”

Graduates of this program can become direct-care providers, managers, educators or individuals focused on state-population health issues.

“The program will also take advantage of the college’s partnerships with SUNY’s community colleges and several hospitals and health-care organizations throughout the state,” said Merodie A. Hancock, president of the college. “Having this new bachelor’s degree in place will mean more and better job prospects for people working in health care, and their families, across the state. Better-educated employees, in turn, will mean improved health care for New Yorkers.”

The college’s School of Nursing already has articulation agreements with 26 of SUNY’s 30 community colleges. Part of the new program calls for the college to work with its current community college partners to extend the agreements to include health sciences.

Officials said the college will leverage other existing partnerships which currently provide a path to degree completion for radiologic technicians, including at Catholic Health System on Long Island, Glens Falls Hospital, Hudson Mohawk Health Education Center in Glens Falls, New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, Peconic Bay Medical Center Radiology in Riverhead, Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs and Champlain Valley Radiology, in order to begin the process of scaling up the new program across the state.

Business Briefs: March 2016

March 4, 2016November 29, 2017

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association hosts its 2016 annual meeting and community mixer on Monday, March 21, at Next Door Kitchen & Bar, 51 Front St. in Ballston Spa.

The annual meeting and mixer is an opportunity for members and non-members to review BSBPA accomplishments, honor outgoing board members and welcome new ones. The evening begins with a social hour and buffet at 6 p.m., followed by the official meeting at 7 p.m.

Cost is $30 per person. Paid reservations are available online at www.ballston.org. When filling in order information, indicate names of attendees in comment section for name tags. Limited admission will also be available at the door. This event is open to the public.

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Saratoga Bridges received an $11,700 grant from the GlobalFoundries-Town of Malta Foundation for a kitchen refurbishment project at its home on Meadow Rue Place in Malta.

Saratoga Bridges staff will be addressing items such as purchasing appliances and fixtures that are energy efficient and replacing the flooring, countertops, cabinets and medical closet.

When the agency purchased the house in 2000, it was 13 years old. Initially, it spent $17,000 in modifications. Since then, they painted, installed a fire alarm, purchased a new furnace and replaced some carpeting. However, they were not able to update the kitchen at that time. Those issues will now be addressed.

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The Saratoga Hospital and Nursing Home Volunteer Guild is offering five $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors in the greater Saratoga County region that have been accepted into college to study in the health care field.

Graduates may be pursuing a broad range of medical careers such as pre-med, nursing, bio-medical research, pharmacology, medical imaging, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, physician’s assistant, mental health and health care management.

Eligible students must be entering college in September, have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and a documented record of community service. Application deadline is April 4. Winners will be honored at the guild’s annual recognition dinner on May 19.

Requirements and applications are available at www.saratogahospital.org/about-us/volunteering/, at the front desk at Saratoga Hospital, or by email request through Betsy St. Pierre, volunteer services, Saratoga Hospital, at estpierre@saratogacare.org.

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Home Made Theater in Saratoga Springs was awarded the title of Best Community Theatre by NY Theatre Guide.

HMT was nominated along with four other theaters in New York state. An online vote resulted in this win for HMT, which is part of NY Theatre Guide’s Best of 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The awards are designed to honor local performing arts, entertainment and education organizations for their creativity, talents, and contributions across all of New York state. Voting was held online and ballots were cast by thousands of New Yorkers across the state.

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The Saratoga Women in Business (SWIB) group meet 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, in the Arches Room at the Gideon Putnam Hotel, in the Saratoga Spa State Park at 24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs.

The SWIB group targets female business leaders in the greater Saratoga Springs area and offers free bi-monthly fellowship opportunities. Wine and light snacks, sponsored by area businesses, are provided at each gathering. Voluntary cash contributions will be collected at the door in order to help fund future SWIB events.

The March nonprofit spotlight will be on Saratoga Bridges, which provides professional services to people with developmental disabilities and their families.

To learn more about the Saratoga Women in Business group or to register for the free March 30 event, visit www.saratogawomeninbusiness.com. The registration deadline is Friday, March 25.

Ravenswood Pub In Clifton Park Gets New Ownership, But Still Offers Its Familiar Menu

March 4, 2016November 8, 2017

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH

Stephanie VanAuken is the new owner of Ravenswood Pub at 1021 Route 146 in Clifton Park.

Originally opened in 1984, Ravenswood has been owned by Wayne T. Beale since 2013. He currently owns three other Saratoga County neighborhood taverns: Rusty Nail Grill and Tavern in Clifton Park (1999), Bentley’s Tavern (2002) and the Mill on Round Lake (2008).

A local veteran of the hospitality industry, VanAuken owned Mama’s Pizza in Clifton Park for 23 years before selling it in 2005.

She said since then, she often ran into former customers who expressed how much they missed her and urged her to get back into the restaurant business in that part of town.

It dawned on VanAuken that Ravenswood would be an ideal way to enter the business again and re-connect with her former customers. She said she approached Beale to see if he had any interest in selling the business.

According to VanAuken, Beale didn’t at first, but she was persuasive.

Saratoga Hilton Hotel Under New Ownership; Physical Upgrades Planned; New GM Named

March 4, 2016November 8, 2017

Mik Mahdavi, left, and Darryl Leggieri, are general manager and director of sales and marketing, respectively, of the Saratoga Hilton, bought recently by Driftwood Hospitality Management.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

BY R.J. DELUKE

The Hilton Saratoga, the hotel attached to the Saratoga Springs City Center in downtown, is under new ownership.

Driftwood Hospitality Management of North Palm Beach, Fla., recently purchased the hotel on Broadway from Saratoga Hotel Associates.

“We are excited to say the property will remain a Hilton Hotel,” said Driftwood President David Buddemeyer.

Driftwood Hospitality’s portfolio includes several Marriott International Inc., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hyatt Hotels Corp., Wyndham Worldwide and Choice Hotels International Inc.

Buddemeyer said the on-site general manager is Mik Mahdavi, who has experience in the Driftwood company. Darryl Leggieri is director of sales and marketing.