ALBANY, NY: A grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony two years in the making was held today, March 17, 2022. Joining Owner Leyla Kiosse and Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) Executive Director Georgette Steffens in celebrating The Yard Hatchet House & Bar at its 16 Sheridan Avenue location were City of Albany Treasurer Darius Shahinfar, Assemblymember John McDonald, Albany County Senior Policy Analyst Lucas Rogers, Capitalize Albany Corporation President Sarah Reginelli, and Redburn Development Partners Principal Jeff Buell.
The celebration comes two years after the doors to the axe-throwing and indoor yard game destination briefly swung open in March 2020. A lawyer by trade, Kiosse’s chosen field didn’t afford her creative opportunities, so she began developing plans for The Yard, which both allowed her creativity to flourish and achieved her goal of offering year-round activities. Knowing she wanted to open in downtown Albany to be part of the transformation happening, she found The Yard’s home inside Redburn Development’s The Knick building.
Interior renovation of the space started in September 2019, and was supported in part by the Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program, a program made possible by the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation (CRC) and administered by Capitalize Albany. The result is a 3,500-square-foot destination that is home to 8 axe-throwing lanes, a full bar, a spacious deck, and an indoor game space where visitors can play more than 10 lawn games including cornhole, ladder golf, and Kubb. While those aspects of the business were part of the plan all along, COVID-19 accelerated one idea Kiosse had for down the road and was a catalyst for another that might not have been realized otherwise.
Boozy Moo!, the alcohol-infused ice cream brand that Kiosse launched in June 2020 was a direct result of the pandemic. While many were baking sourdough bread, the entrepreneur was making ice cream while trying to figure out what to do with The Yard and its alcohol stock. It was then, she says, that she got the idea for the sweet treat that offered her the ability for a takeout option. Initially launching with 10 flavors, the brand has grown to encompass more than 20 custom creations crafted with premium alcohol and featuring unique names including Cawfee Tahwk, Mom Jeans, Loaded Cookie Monster, and Tipsy Smurf.
Kiosse’s goal was always to create a fun spot for locals to come hang out, and it was social distancing mandates that pushed her to move up plans for the deck; with support from the City of Albany’s Small Business Adaptation Program, made possible by the City of Albany IDA and CRC, Albany Community Development Agency, and Capitalize Albany, she was able to purchase three greenhouses and PPE for The Yard to offer outdoor seating and operate safely during its reopening period. Creativity still at the forefront, she began decorating the spaces to help fight her frustration over the pandemic and to give guests something unique to experience.
From there, she decided to outfit each greenhouse with a different décor and pair it with themed cocktails. The idea paid off in a big way, with greenhouses selling out nearly two weeks in advance when they launched in fall of 2020. Rented in 90-minute increments, this year’s themes are Under the Sea, Wonderland, and Barbie. Guests are also able to connect to a Bluetooth speaker to create their own playlist while visiting.
Not one to be slowed down, Kiosse continues to make plans for the future of The Yard and Boozy Moo!, with additional yard games and non-alcoholic ice cream in the works. And, because The Yard can be rented for events, she is also working with The Balloonary to offer balloon arrangements and decorations as part of a party package. More immediately, The Yard will be hosting grand re-opening events that start today with free lawn games and discounted axe-throwing from 6:00-8:00 PM, BOGO Happy Hour on March 18, free bucket of beer with lawn games booking on March 19, and live music on March 25 and 26. For full details, see The Yard’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
The Yard Hatchet House & Bar and Boozy Moo owner Leyla Kiosse said: “The community support for The Yard has been a definite shining moment over the past two years, and the way in which people beam when they walk into The Yard is always gratifying. When I started planning for this business to help foster my creativity, I didn’t realize how creative I would have to be, but I am grateful to be part of the Downtown community.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: “I want to congratulate Leyla Kiosse on persevering as a new business owner after having opened her doors the month that everything shut down for the pandemic. Your motivation to start The Yard Hatchet House & Bar and subsequent innovation to create the Boozy Moo! Ice Cream brand during COVID is commendable. I have been to The Yard Hatchet House & Bar on a few different occasions and partook in some of the wonderful ice cream flavors, but the most delicious was Leyla’s offering during the Downtown Stroll – the Twisted Peppermint Hot Chocolate that had everyone wanting seconds and thirds! I look forward to seeing your businesses continue to thrive and will certainly continue to patronize this fantastic spot.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said: “Like many other many other events and milestones, the ribbon cutting for the Yard Hatchet House had to be put on hold because of the COVID pandemic, but it was well worth the wait. This new business adds another fun activity to do in Albany County, and contributes to the exciting revitalization taking place in downtown Albany. Whether you’re planning an event or just out with some friends, Owner Leyla Kiosse isn’t cutting any corners when it comes to the entertainment and experiences offered at the Yard.”
Assemblymember John McDonald said: "Congratulations to Leyla on this expansion of her successful and innovative business. Not only does The Yard Hatchet House & Bar offer a fun and entertaining night out for folks but the Boozy Moo! product has become incredibly popular. Opening during a pandemic is challenging at best and Leyla has persevered and I applaud all of the partners who have come together to support this business and helped it to grow. This grand re-opening is something to celebrate and it is said that ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ and when COVID-19 protocols forced change, Leyla created something even bigger and better."
Capitalize Albany Corporation President Sarah Reginelli said: “It is a testament to the strength of Leyla Kiosse’s vision and her personal fortitude that this official day of celebration has finally arrived. It’s exciting to see The Yard’s development and transformation since it opened just prior to the pandemic lockdown. The future of this unique business is brighter than ever and it will continue to play a key role in the ongoing effort to strengthen Downtown’s retail landscape and support the Clinton Square neighborhood’s revitalization.”
Redburn Development Partners Principal Jeff Buell said: “The Yard was our first commercial tenant in our Downtown Albany Portfolio. Creating an active, lively downtown was one of our main goals in completing this development – and the Yard does exactly that. Congratulations go out to Leyla and her team.”
Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: “We talk frequently about Downtown being Albany’s fastest-growing neighborhood, and that is due in no small part to the entrepreneurs who invest their time and money here. When Leyla decided to open The Yard, she couldn’t have anticipated how much her creativity would come into play, and we applaud her ability to change course and expand offerings to make this an incredible venue to gather and create memories with friends, family, and coworkers. As Leyla was inspired to open based on development taking place here, she is no doubt inspiring fellow businessowners to follow suit, and we are grateful for her part in fostering a destination for living, working, and playing.”
The Yard Hatchet House & Bar, located at 16 Sheridan Avenue, is currently open Wednesday-Thursday 4:00-10:00 PM, Friday 4:00 PM-Midnight, and Saturday 2:00 PM-Midnight, with an expansion of hours coming in the warmer months. For more information, and to book your reservations, visit theyardalbany.com or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/theyardalbany and Instagram at instagram.com/theyardalbany. Boozy Moo ice cream is available at The Yard and via delivery. For more information, and to order online, visit boozymoo.com or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/BoozyMoo and Instagram at instagram.com/boozymooicecream.
# # #
Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit New York’s Capital City. The BID is a private, not-for profit 501(c) (3) organization. For more information about Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org or call 518.465.2143.
