Family-Run, Authentic Greek Restaurant Opens in Downtown Albany
Press release from Capitalize Albany Corporation
Media Contact: Michael Bohne | (518) 434-2532
MARCH 14, 2018 - ALBANY, NY - A new regional chainlet has emerged. The Greek House, located on 3rd Street in Troy, has expanded operations — bringing the family-run kitchen concept serving simple and authentic Greek dishes such as kebabs & gyros to downtown Albany. The Taverna, supported in part by the Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program, was officially welcomed to 38 South Pearl Street on Wednesday. Mayor Kathy Sheehan was joined by Capitalize Albany Corporation and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) for an official ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome The Taverna and this concept’s second location in the Region.
“My administration works each day to ensure we are strengthening our existing small businesses and attracting new establishments,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “The Taverna is another example of a family-run, authentic eatery choosing to join our vibrant Downtown Albany neighborhood, and I wish them the best of luck.”
“We would like to thank Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Capitalize Albany and the Downtown Albany BID for taking time to celebrate our official opening,” said Taverna Co-Owners Chris Krystallis and Christine Magill. “We are grateful to everyone for their support in welcoming The Taverna.”
Located directly across from the Times Union Center at the recently renovated 40-48 South Pearl Street, The Taverna serves up authentic Greek food in a bright, casual environment. The menu features Mediterranean dishes ranging from burgers and gyros (including a vegan gyro) to spanakopita and moussaka.
“We are excited to welcome The Taverna as downtown Albany’s restaurant landscape continues to diversify," said Capitalize Albany Corporation president Sarah Reginelli. "Due to its size, hours and unique features, The Taverna will serve as a key amenity for those living, working and visiting downtown. Capitalize Albany and the Capital Resource Corporation look forward to working with other retailers and small businesses interested in opening a new storefront with the Downtown Retail Program."
“The BID is excited to welcome “The BID is excited to welcome Downtown’s newest restaurant, The Taverna, and we are so pleased that Chris and Christine chose South Pearl Street for their second location,” said Georgette Steffens, executive director for the Downtown Albany BID. “It’s incredibly exciting to watch new restaurants and retailers open in the District. Each new business and its owner(s) further transform the cultural landscape of our city into a true urban center that’s filled with the ideas, expertise, and appetizing flavors of many diverse backgrounds. The Taverna adds to Downtown’s appeal as a culinary destination and we wish them all the best.”
In early 2016, the City of Albany’s Capital Resource Corporation utilized resources set aside for strategic initiatives to fund the creation of two Capitalize Albany Corporation grant programs. Capitalize Albany launched its Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program aimed at downtown business attraction and retention. The grant awarded assisted this small business with build-out of the space, making the space practical for its operations.Fulfilling an important implementation goal of the Impact Downtown Albany strategic plan, attracting or supporting a new regional chainlet was identified as a priority by the Plan’s stakeholders, consultants and market research analysts. Read more.
