By Paul Post

Scott Johnson and partners have welcomed guests to Sperry’s Restaurant since 2010 when they reopened the iconic Spa City landmark, which had been closed for about a year.

The popular eatery entertains a “Who’s Who” list of horse racing industry celebrities each summer.

“Anybody who’s anybody has eventually ended up at Sperry’s,” said Johnson, an attorney and former three-term (2008-13) Saratoga Springs mayor. “It would be easier to tell you who hasn’t come here than who has.”

But after 13 years, his group is handing stewardship of the establishment to new undisclosed owners. He declined to identify the party’s identity pending completion of the sale, but said they’re experienced restaurant owners. 

The sale is under contract with a closing date on or before April 15.

“It’s time for me to start downsizing what I deal with on a regular basis,” Johnson said. “The restaurant was one of those things. I decided it was time to sell. We’ve been approached before by people who showed interest. The timing wasn’t’ right. This time around was different.”

By Christine Graf

Bass Pro Shops, a national retailer for outdoor gear that  bills itself as “North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company,” has plans to come to Clifton Park.

In February, Bass Pro Shops submitted an application to build a 70,000-square-foot “destination retail store” in Clifton Park at 400 Clifton Park Center Road, the former home of Northstar/Mohawk Chevrolet.

If approved, the Bass Pro Shops Outpost store will employ approximately 100 full-time and part-time workers.

The Clifton Park location—its fourth in New York state—will feature a custom design that will pay tribute to the great sporting heritage of the local region as well as to the sportsmen and women of New York, a company statement said. 

Within the store will be a large aquarium and water features stocked with native fish species, thousands of local antiques and artifacts, hundreds of trophy fish and wildlife mounts, and murals depicting local scenes. 

A Hudson Valley-based company is in the process of converting the Pavilion Grand Hotel in downtown Saratoga Springs to a boutique apartment community called Perennial.

The property, at 30 Lake Avenue, previously a hotel before transitioning to extended stay residences, was purchased in December 2021 by Aker from Prime Companies.

Comprised of 48 residences, Perennial offers pet-friendly, comfortable living spaces including spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom residences and expansive penthouses. Its duplex penthouse apartments are designed for gathering, featuring open layouts with large private terraces, generous kitchens and separate wet bars.

Officials said the “Perennial” name is inspired by the year-round resident, an active participant in the community and a frequent consumer of local businesses and culture.  

“Delivering this transition has been an exciting undertaking for us,” said Tina Ladd, Aker senior vice president. “The unique history of Saratoga Springs and the 19th century Pavilion Hotel, this property’s namesake, were inspiring elements to work with. It is our goal with all of our projects to engender a sense of community and encourage resident engagement.”

By Christine Graf

Local entrepreneur John Bardino has expanded his shipping business brand with the opening of his newest business, Saratoga Crating.

He opened the new shop after his Mail Center USA pack-and-ship company, also in Clifton park, was hired to ship items that were sold at the Jim Taylor auction in Gloversville. That October auction included a collection of 131 classic vehicles, as well as tables full of automobilia—collectibles related to classic cars.

“It was a $21 million auction, and they called on us to pack and ship a lot of the stuff. It took two and half months, and there were some large neon signs and a lot of other things that needed to be crated rather than corrugated (packed in a box),” said Bardino. “So, we just ventured into crating right then and there. I hired my first subcontractor—a builder—and we started building the crates.”

Saratoga Crating operates out of Mail Center USA’s location at 641 Grooms Road in Clifton Park. Bardino also owns Saratoga Classics, an online used auto parts retailer, as well as Milton Pack and Ship at 15 Treible Ave. in Ballston Spa.

By Paul Post

When Bob Blais—Saratoga Springs native and graduate of Saratoga High School—took the office of village of Lake George mayor there was only one special event in Lake George, a weekly Tuesday night band concert.

Now there’s an endless variety of year-round attractions such as Americade motorcycle rally, Adirondack Nationals car show, Ice Castles and a full lineup of events at Charles R. Wood Park’s Festival Commons like the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival and numerous concerts.

Together they draw tens of thousands of visitors to Lake George each year, which drives the local tourism economy. But without Blais’ leadership, it may not have been possible.

“People say, ‘How come you’ve been mayor for 52 years?’ It just takes me longer,” he said. “But I like to think when we get it done, we do it right.”

Blais’ career as America’s longest-tenured mayor is scheduled to end March 31 when his retirement takes effect. But his contributions to the area’s economic development will be felt for many years to come.

“His greatest attribute is his clear passion for the area,” state Sen. Dan Stec said. “It comes through in everything he says and does. Any time you talk to Bob Blais you can see this true love of Lake

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce  is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award.

The winner will be honored at the Chamber  annual gala on May 11. 

Nominations should be emailed to Todd Shimkus, Chamber president, at tshimkus@saratoga.org no later than Friday, March 24.

“Each and every day, we experience what it’s like to live in a thriving community thanks, in part, to individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to make Saratoga County one of the best places to live, work, and play,” said Shimkus. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to recognize a few select individuals who have made a remarkable commitment to our community.”

The award was created by unanimous vote of the Chamber board of directors in 2017. It  recognizes and honors Joseph Dalton, who served as president of the Chamber from 1970 to 2010. During his tenure, the Chamber’s membership, influence, and impact grew significantly as a direct result of Dalton’s leadership, passion, and commitment to establishing Saratoga County as a great place to live, work, and play.

Past recipients include Steve Sullivan (2018), Tom Roohan (2019), John Munter Sr. (2020), Julie Stokes (2021) and Cliff Van Wagner (2022).