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Short-Term Rentals: Nuisance or New-Age?

Written by Dan Wade, Esq. on . Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report.

In our modern world, where the rules of economics are changing, and phrases like “side hustle” and “multiple streams of income” have crept into our lexicon, it’s no surprise that people have become creative in finding ways to acquire and accumulate currency. In some instances, one needs to look no further than their own surroundings and living space, from selling household items on eBay or feet pictures on OnlyFans, to giving strangers rides in their car with Uber or Lyft. We’ve become increasingly more comfortable with opening up our world to others… For a fee.

As this trend has continued to evolve, the home itself has become a commodity beyond the mere sale or long-term lease. Taking a page from hotels, resorts, and time shares, property owners have started converting their time away from home, unused in-law suites, and second homes into cash through short-term rentals with companies and apps like AirBnb and VRBO.

As the popularity of short-term rentals continues to grow, local towns and municipalities are struggling to balance the loss of revenue from hotel occupancy taxes with the rights of property owners to use their property as they see fit, but also balancing the rights of neighbors to peaceful enjoyment of their own property. Many towns and counties have moved to affect occupancy taxes on owners of short-term rentals to help offset revenue lost from hotels.

Warren County, for example, collects a 4% occupancy tax and requires short-term rental owners to register their property with the County. Property owners have pushed back, stating they already pay enough in taxes and should be able to use their property however they want. The County states that his money is used to help promote tourism in the area. The Town of Queensbury has passed laws limiting the total number of days a property can be rented as a short-term rental to 120 days in a calendar year and requiring properties to be rented for a minimum of 5 days at a time during the summer tourism months. The Town of Fort Ann recently passed a law requiring property owners of short-term rentals to obtain a license from the town, requiring owners to establish written rules and regulations that the renter must sign, establishing quiet hours, limiting vehicles to 1.5 per bedroom (rounding to the nearest whole number), and limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom, plus 2.

With the trend for shorter vacations within millennial and younger generations on the rise, property owners are left scratching their heads failing to see how these laws promote tourism, while the Towns appear to be taking aim at limiting bachelor parties and other outlandish short-term parties in neighborhoods, which some view as a relatively small problem for such an overreaching set of regulations.

On the other side of the street are the neighbors – people who have lived in these neighborhoods for years and prior to the proliferation of short-term rentals, who view short-term rentals as a nuisance with rude and noisy renters who disturb the peace and don’t respect the beauty of the neighborhood. While everyone should have the right to peacefully enjoy their property within reason, will limiting the number of cars that can be parked in this age of Uber and Lyft, or forcing weekend tourists to book a 5-night stay (even if they only intend to stay for 2 or 3) really have the intended effect of cutting down of noise and disruption in a peaceful neighborhood? Is this even a realistic concern, or are we curtailing the rights of property owners by making laws and regulations for a few bad apples?

The effects of these laws will need to be monitored and adjusted as necessary to see what, if any, chilling effects they have on tourism in the area, while maintaining the peace and tranquility of suburbia.

Daniel B. Wade has been practicing since 2004 in the areas of real estate, title, and LLC formations. To learn more, visit www.ialawny.com

Know Your Workplace Rights: Mental Health Awareness

Written by Giovanna D’Orazio on . Posted in Business, Columns, Featured, GFT Business Report.

Individuals with mental health conditions are protected in the workplace in several different ways, but we see employers having difficulty in this context. Whether it’s because of stigmas associated with mental health conditions, or a lack of awareness as to how to handle situations where an employee needs support during a difficult time, this is one of the most common areas where we see things falling apart at work.

Many if not most mental health conditions are “disabilities” within the meaning of the anti-discrimination laws, including the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYHRL). This means that qualified employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations and to be free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation for making a complaint of violations of the law. Under the NYHRL, victims of domestic violence are also entitled to time off to receive counseling. Mental health conditions can also fall under the definition of a “serious health condition” within the meaning of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA is the federal law that gives eligible employees of larger private employers and public employers up to twelve weeks of job protected leave.

WHAT IF YOU NEED SUPPORT?

Sometimes employees need time off to treat a mental health condition. Other times, employees need an accommodation because, for example, a medication may incapacitate them at certain times of the day. In either of these situations, the law typically puts the initial burden on the employee to give the employer enough information to put it on notice that leave or an accommodation is needed. If you are eligible for FMLA leave, the employer will typically provide you with a medical certification for your doctor to complete. If you are more in the reasonable accommodation context (and sometimes a scenario falls under more than one statute), your employer is required to engage in an interactive process with you to figure out a suitable accommodation. You may not always be entitled to exactly what you’re asking for, but the law wants the employer and employee to work together to find a solution.

WHEN DO THINGS GO SOUTH?

Sometimes, the nature of the mental health condition carries stigmas that result in discrimination in the workplace. Maybe you don’t need an accommodation or leave at all, but your employer becomes aware that you went to rehab or that you are a veteran with PTSD. Sometimes we see employers start to treat employees differently – they suddenly consider them to be a danger, or they start micromanaging them.

Other times employers simply don’t realize the disability laws are implicated, and they don’t treat a mental health condition the same way they might treat a physical condition that requires an accommodation. Sometimes, at the end of FMLA leave, an employer might perceive their legal obligations to be met, and they fire an employee who needs a little more time off. At that point, the disability laws may have protected an additional period of leave, and sometimes employers get themselves in trouble in that context.

It can be very difficult to raise a mental health struggle to your boss. And, unfortunately, sometimes this disclosure does result in a breakdown of the employment relationship. But employees do have rights and it is important for employers to be aware of these rights, to avoid applying stigmas, and to treat with sensitivity a situation that is often temporary – at least in its impact on the workplace – and can be handled with compassion and moved past.

Disclaimer: Every situation is unique, including whether a condition falls within the applicable laws or whether an accommodation is feasible. This article should not be relied on as legal advice or in taking action at work. If you need support, consult your handbook on appropriate procedures and consider speaking to HR or an attorney about your options. This column is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or the basis for an attorney-client relationship, which may only be achieved following consultation and execution of a formal engagement agreement.

To learn more about the ways in which D’Orazio Peterson can help you, visit our website: doraziopeterson.com.

A New Team to Brave the Tech World

Written by Jordan Dunn on . Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report.

This past month, two local leading tech companies joined forces with the intent to unite their efforts for years to come!

ADNET Technologies (ADNET), a managed IT services, cloud, and cybersecurity provider recently announced that it has acquired Tech II Business Services (Tech II), a Saratoga Springs-based managed IT firm. Through this merger, ADNET will retain all Tech II employees, and Daniel Bardin (previous CEO of Tech-II) will join the ranks of ADNET’s general managers. ADNET has offices in Rocky Hill, Connecticut and Albany, New York.

This merger comes partially due to the recent investment by ADNET into New Charter Technologies. New Charter Technologies is a national MSP platform that links together over 20 managed IT service providers “that operate independently and serve markets across North America.”

A Partnership of Strategy

In a recent press release, the companies stated that “this strategic partnership brings together two exceptional teams of IT professionals to create a premier regional technology services company that combines national capabilities with a human- centered approach.”

This past week, we sat down and spoke with ADNET’s Cofounders, Christopher Luise, and Daniel Bardin, about the recent merger. Both leaders seemed enthusiastic about the possibilities that this merger stands to bring.

“As service providers, if you are going to bring solutions to a large range of industries, you need depth and balance,” said Luise when asked what elements helped to prompt this merger. With the speed at which technology changes, and the unique and complex challenges companies now face, these strategic partnerships and acquisitions seem like a no-brainer. “To be alone and meet the current demands of today, is truly impossible,” continued Luise.

And with several decades in the industry, Luise has seen this transformation firsthand. “I grew up in the tech space,” said Luise. “I had my first computer at 13 and was that kid in high school trying to sell floppy discs to my classmates. It’s amazing how far the industry and the technology itself has come since then.”

Similarly, Bardin also brings several decades of experience with him, though his start was not necessarily in tech. “I started in construction actually, working for the company my dad had. I focused a lot on the electrical side of things and that led me to study electronics in college,” said Bardin. “After graduating college, I had my first job at an Apple store and I’ve been in the industry ever since.”

Bardin went on to describe his view on the tech world and stated how “this industry is a challenging one. We’ve (Tech II) done well in the mid-market, but combining forces with ADNET means we can increase the breadth and depth of our talent pool. More people means more skill sets. More skill sets on hand mean that bigger and more complex problems can be solved by just one team.”

“With a shared passion for tech, and a penchant for prioritizing people…

“The synergy was just there.” – Daniel Bardin

Pictured here and opposite: Christopher Luise, left, and Daniel Bardin, right.

Pictured here and opposite: Christopher Luise, left, and Daniel Bardin, right.

When Efforts Collide

With each company bringing over 30 years of experience to the table, the combined talent pool is sure to benefit the Capital Region in the years to come.

From a long-term perspective, “This acquisition deepens ADNET’s investment into the Capital Region, a market we see as full of opportunity and talent,” Luise said. “We’re confident that doubling down on our investment here will continue to drive our growth locally and across the northeast.”

Equally, “Tech II’s clients will continue to be served by the same outstanding IT professionals while securing access to ADNET’s extensive network of resources and partners,” stated Bardin.

“We are excited about what we are growing here,” said Luise. “If our vision and focus are something you could see aligning with your future technology needs as a company or organization, please reach out.”

Bardin echoed this statement with “ If you are a business that has ever struggled with technology, please give us a call. We’re here for you!”

The Fires and the Falls: The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Great Men

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Food, GFT Business Report.

Sherman! Crandall! Hyde! Pruyn! Lapham! Ordway! And the list goes on… The history of Glens Falls is abound with the names of the great families who helped build the city with their energy, ambition, entrepreneurship, and charitable work. This tradition survives to this day as Glens Falls attracts new generations of entrepreneurs to work and build their lives in this area. The city’s history is rich with powerful families who built their businesses and raised their families and sacrificed for this town. Their work is found in the fabric of the city. It has inspired street names and shaped the city’s culture and history. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Adirondacks”, Glens Falls’ location has attracted entrepreneurs, inspired industry, and created great wealth and influence.

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

The location of Glens Falls has its part to play in why the entrepreneurs came to stay. A seemingly unlimited supply of timber in the Adirondack forest was just waiting to be harvested and shipped to market down the mighty Hudson River. These men transformed natural resources into a thriving economy of marketable goods and services.

One of these men – William McEchron (8/3/1831 – 9/2/1906) – came to Glens Falls in 1863… Previously, he had worked as a tow boy on the Champlain Canal, and he had been a lumberjack in the Adirondack Forest. In Glens Falls, he partnered with an established businessman James Morgan, and operated limestone quarries in South Glens Falls. For a short time, the company was called Morgan & McEchron… However, after Morgan’s untimely death, William McEchron became the head of what became known as Morgan Lumber Company. William McEchron spent the remainder of his life living in Glens Falls, surrounded by his family and dedicating himself to supporting his family and public service. Throughout his life, he lived in different areas of the village – when McEchron was getting established in Glens Falls, he lived in a brick house on Elm Street, and he later moved his family to the area of Ridge Street and Maple Street.

THE FIRES AND THE FATES

McEchron’s dedication to philanthropy was partially based on his experiences in Glens Falls – one of his greatest accomplishments was creating a reliable water supply for the village.

While the McEchrons lived on Elm Street, the new Glens Falls Hotel was built next door… The McEchron children would play on the grounds of the hotel, which were filled with large gardens and trees.

Wait Carpenter, who owned the hotel, was ambitious and wanted to improve the kitchen… He bought large coal stoves that would get very hot. In late May of 1864, Williams’ wife Sarah was sitting near the window of their house while the children played in the yard, when she saw billows of smoke pouring from the kitchen windows of the hotel… Fire trucks quickly arrived, carrying volunteers from the fire department. The flames were stoked along by a spring breeze, and spread quickly in every direction… The buildings on both sides of Glen Street were quickly engulfed in flames, and were soon beyond any help the fire department could provide.

Despite help from neighboring villages, the situation was soon hopeless due to the lack of water supply. This fire became a disaster that would wipe out the center of the village.

McEchron became village president in 1872, and although he only held the position for one year, he managed to establish an adequate and modern water supply for the village… Fire, which destroyed much of Glens Falls on three occasions during McEchron’s lifetime, had impacted McEchron both personally and professionally – a decade after he came to Glens Falls, his business partner James Morgan died; burned to death in his own stables… The mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of James Morgan have never been clear. On the night of his death, Morgan had been alerted to a disturbance in his stables, and went out with a lantern to investigate the problem… The stables burned to the ground, and Morgan’s remains were found the next day.

William McEchron’s legacy of entrepreneurship lives on in the city… Wayne Wright, the City historian, is impressed with how much McEchron did for Glens Falls: “McEchron gave his money without a lot of people knowing about it… He wanted to be in the background. The Glens Falls Home, he paid for that. The YMCA, he contributed more money between himself and his family than anybody else. Christ Church was built because of him… He started from humble beginnings, and ended up a very wealthy man. The same happened with Sherman and Crandall, and the list goes on… McEchron was exceptionally wealthy and exceptionally generous,” he said.

MORGAN & CO.

Today, the generosity of William McEchron is carried on through his contributions to the town and the home that he built for his family… The family home that he built was inspired by the useful modern conveniences in the house he had previously built for his daughter and her husband. The house stayed in the McEchron family until 1921. At that point, the surviving daughters of William and Sarah McEchron transferred the deed to the City of Glens Falls… That home is currently the restaurant Morgan & Co; a sly nod to the interwoven fates of the McEchron and Morgan families. Morgan & Co carries on the entrepreneurial spirit with their creative menu and superb service: “We call it ‘comfort food’ with a Mediterranean-Bohemian flair,” the owners explained through their website.

At Morgan & Co, you have the opportunity to see the inside of the McEchron family home, dine in the rooms where they lived, and feel the history around you… This restaurant was opened by Glens Falls native Rebecca Newell-Butters, and her husband Steve Butters. The house and gardens are now used for the restaurant and special events, and the wrap-around porch and gardens provide unparalleled ambiance for the spectacular chef-prepared cuisine.

For more information about Morgan & Co. and the McEchron House, please visit MorganRestaurant.com

Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance Unveils Abercrombie Flotilla Diorama

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured.

On Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, The Lake George Battlefield Park Visitor Center at 75 Fort George Road unveiled a new diorama, depicting General Abercrombie’s historic 1758 flotilla of 15,000 troops leaving from the head of Lake George towards their defeat by the French at Ticonderoga.

The Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance (LGBA) was established in 2001 as a volunteer-driven organization focused on the Lake George Region’s critical role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The Alliance manages the Battlefield Park’s Visitor Center, and sponsors events throughout the year that educate the public: “My vision of Lake George is a mini Gettysburg…We are in a very special time of the history (pun intended) of our community,” said John DiNuzzo, President of the LGBA.

Last September, a call from “The Adirondack Experience – The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake” initiated the diorama being exhibited. The diorama depicts an event that happened along the shore of the south basin of Lake George, right outside the visitor center windows: “The largest flotilla in North American history left from these shores in this town in 1758… Unfortunately for Abercrombie, the 4,000 or so French successfully resisted that attack. It wasn’t until the following year that the British were able to take Ticonderoga, and take Crown Point,” DiNuzzo said. 

Marisa Muratori was on hand from the Lake George Town Board: “It’s a battle that has been spoken of for generations… I’ve known about it since I was a kid. They say that there were so many Bateaux on the lake at the south basin that were going to Ticonderoga, that you couldn’t see the water… It must have been an extraordinary moment, and I think this is beautifully depicted,” she said.

For more information, please visit Lakegeorgebattlefield.org

Glens Falls Named ‘Safest City in U.S.’ For a Second Year By Rocket Mortgage

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Featured, Home & Garden.

“Hometown USA” was just named the “Safest City in the U.S.” by Rocket Mortgage for the second year in a row! Rocket Mortgage ranked the fifteen safest cities in the United States, and Glens Falls came out on top for the second year running. To determine their findings, Rocket Mortgage used violent crime, property crime, and population data from the FBI’s 2019 crime report… The median home values were taken from https://www.neighborhoodscout.com, which features real estate analytics, and the median household income was gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau statistics. 

Violent crime rate is composed of four offenses – murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. These are crimes that involve force or the threat of force… With a population of 124,339, the Glens Falls violent crime rate is listed as one.

Property crime rate includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of this type of crime is the taking of money and property without threat of force against victims… The property crime rate for Glens Falls was listed as seven.

The median household income was listed as $50,071… This number is reached by dividing income distribution into two equal parts – one half falls below the income level, and the other half is above. The median home price for Glens Falls was listed as $211,692… Roughly half of the homes in Glens Falls have sold for more than that price, and roughly half of the homes have sold for less than that price. 

Midland, Michigan was listed as the second-safest city in America, with a population of 82,943. Midland – according to this ranking – has a violent crime rate of three, property crime rate of seven, median household income of $62,625, and median home price of $207,130.

Glens Falls was joined by Kingston, New York – the only other New York city to be included on the list, coming in at #9. Located in Ulster County, Kingston is listed as having a population of 177,151, a violent crime rate of two, a property crime rate of 1,090.6, a median income of $51,299, and a median home price of $292,631. 

What Can The Southern Adirondack REALTORS® Inc. Do For You?

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Home & Garden, Property.

Buying and selling homes are major milestones in people’s lives… These are times of upheaval and change, which a range of emotion which can include stress. There are times in these major transactions when each party needs a mediator to help find the correct answer and move the transaction forward. There are times when the public needs to know their rights to use and transfer property… The Southern Adirondack REALTORS® Inc. (SAR) is an organization that provides support and services to REALTORS® in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties. Located at 298 Bay Road in Queensbury, this organization promotes those rights, and supports the concept of conducting business in a competent and ethical manner. They strive to improve the quality of life for area residents by providing a variety of services; including providing a voice for REALTORS®, upholding professional standards, and acting as a third party to help mediate disputes with REALTOR® members. 

Sarah Wisdorf is currently the interim Association Executive/CEO. Sarah has both senior management experience and leadership skills – she holds both a bachelor and master’s degree in business administration, and has decades of experience in the real estate industry. In her role as interim CEO, Sarah oversees the daily operations of SAR, and is responsible for the growth and development of the real estate industry in the Southern Adirondack region: “In my role I help to maintain relationships. As an organization, we strongly support property rights, and work to reduce barriers to home ownership,” Sarah said.  

One of the key aspects of SAR is the high ethical standards that the organization sets for the members… This code of ethics separates SAR from other real estate licenses. It is a commitment to honor, integrity, and professionalism… This code of ethics is prescribed by The National Association of REALTOR®, which is the umbrella for SAR. 

SAR has a responsibility to help members and clients in a disputed situation, and will provide an ombudsman and professional standards hearings if there is ever a dispute or a question of unethical practices that needs an unbiased third party… These services are optional, but often result in a more timely outcome and avoid litigation. Offering this free service helps to avoid expensive and time-consuming litigation.

Sarah is aware of the impact of societal changes on the real estate market… Americans move an average of 11.7 times over the course of a lifetime. These moves occur for a variety of reasons, including changing jobs, upsizing or downsizing, or just trying out a new neighborhood. Unfortunately, low inventory is increasing prices and sending ripples through the real estate market… Prospective buyers are holding off on purchasing their first homes, and retirees who in the past have downsized are staying in their homes longer because of the elevated costs of real estate. SAR studies and monitors these factors to help support their members, clients and community: “SAR is committed to being a partner in helping to solve the challenges in the housing market. Advocating for increased inventory at all price-points, working to find ways to lessen the barriers to entering the housing market, and looking at new, creative, and sustainable building options.” Sarah said.

For more information, please visit Southernadkrealtors.org

Joseph Warren Museum in the Works

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured.

The committee that is overseeing the plans to create a museum commemorating the life of Joseph Warren – the 18th century physician for whom Warren County was named – recently met to continue their review of design features for the museum.

Without Joseph Warren’s contributions to American history, there would be no Warren County! Warren County Historical Society wants to share Warren’s story with residents and visitors alike by creating a museum that would sit on Warren County property in Queensbury.

Warren, a physician, served as president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, which was established by the colonists after the British disbanded the colonial legislature, and was a leader of the Sons of Liberty. He was killed June 17th, 1775, while fighting in the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts.

Representatives of Warren County Historical Society are proposing transforming a vacant home owned by Warren County next to Historical Society Headquarters on Gurney Lane into a Visitor Center and Museum using memorabilia from Warren’s life.

This museum would include a collection of Joseph Warren memorabilia and art… The building will be redesigned to resemble Joseph Warren’s birth home, during a five-year development project.

Warren County was created in 1813, and named in Joseph’s honor. The goal is to have the project completed by 2025, which is Warren County’s 250th birthday.

Operation Food Chain Sets Up at the East Field Pavilion, and is Looking to Serve More Kids!

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Featured, Food.

Just a few minutes before noon, a grandmother and two young children wandered towards the pavilion at East Field… The sun was high overhead, and the deep shade of the pavilion was a welcome respite. “Which direction will the truck come from Grandma?” asked both of the children excitedly. She looked up from her phone and glanced around… “I don’t know… It’s a van, so it could really come from any direction,” she replied as the kids looked around excitedly in all directions. “It’s here! It’s here!” The young children yelled as, at last, a white van approached the pavilion! Another grandmother with young children wandered under the pavilion, older siblings walked up with their younger siblings, and a young teen with a wiffleball bat joined the small crowd gathering by the van for a free meal. 

Monday through Friday, from July 3rd through August 18th, from 12:00 to 12:30 PM, Operation Food Chain – in conjunction with Warren County Summer Youth Employment Program – will hand out free lunches to any youth 18 and under at the East Field Pavilion. 

Workers with Operation Food Chain hand out free lunches

Chef Matt Young is a Culinary Arts instructor at BOCES in Hudson Falls, and has been involved in the program for 10 years. He gained the attention of the small crowd that had gathered: “The only thing that’s different from last year is that you have to eat it here this year, you can’t take it with you,” Chef Young said to the small crowd. 

This program provides a sandwich, a salad, and a fruit Monday through Friday, and on Wednesdays, they provide a hot lunch. This year, the meals are prepared at Sanford Street School… In years past, the meals have been assembled at the BOCES Facility in Hudson Falls, which is currently under construction.

Chef Matt is an Alumni of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program at BOCES, where he now works: “Warren County pays for the kids, BOCES provides a location and Community Action provides the food,” he said, as he instructed the teen workers on how to set up for the event. “The program started about twenty or thirty years ago, and its main focus was for the Rec Center. There had been a Rec Center and about 40 to 50 kids would come over here to grab lunch… Then, because of COVID, the Rec Center couldn’t find staff, and the following year it didn’t open. So we had to find another site… So we went to the Village Green Apartments, and we ended up actually serving there and here last year… We did roughly forty-five lunches a day between the two locations. That was when the COVID regulations were in place and you could ‘grab and go’ – now, we are back to the normal USDA, New York State requirements, so the kids have to eat the lunch here and then we throw away the garbage,” Chef Young said, while the kids sat around the picnic tables and enjoyed their lunch.

“We are still hoping to serve about forty or forty-five kids… We just need the kids to come here. We do it every year, put it out on FaceBook every year, flyers, and we need people to come here. One of the issues is transportation, it can be hard to get here… Word of mouth could get more kids to come.” Chef Young said.

New Way Lunch

New Way Lunch to be Featured on America’s Best Restaurants

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Downtown, Featured, Food, News.

GLENS FALLS, NY – Local restaurant New Way Lunch will be hosting a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) in mid-June 2023.

America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to the Glens Falls location of the restaurant on July 12th. Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interview with the Gazetos family about the restaurant’s special place in the community. The episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date.

Open since 1919, New Way Lunch has expanded to three locations in the area, building their success on the humble hot dog topped with a homemade secret recipe meat sauce. The restaurant started as a quick, inexpensive (5 cent dogs) option for the nearby mill workers needing a hot lunch during the workday. Now the iconic eateries are run by the third and fourth generation of the family who started it all at the original Glens Falls location.

New Way Lunch

Although the menu has expanded to include hamburgers, salads and other items, New Way Lunch continues to be a popular dining destination for locals and travelers alike. The hot dog remains a custom-made pork and beef dog, served with mustard, onions, and the special ‘dirt dog’ meat sauce on a steamed bun.

After being closed for two years during the pandemic, the Glens Falls location underwent a major renovation and also began selling the meat sauce in jars – without the full ingredient list, as it’s a secret – for retail sale.

America’s Best Restaurants will be filming on location on Wednesday July 12th from 2 pm to 5 pm EST. The press is invited to attend. The restaurant’s finished episode premiere date will be announced on their Facebook page and will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants’ website at https://americasbestrestaurants.com/rests/new-york/new-way-lunch.

Restaurants featured on the ABR Roadshow are found through customer nominations or by a restaurant applying to be featured at www.americasbestrestaurants.com.

About New Way Lunch:

Open Tuesday through Saturday, New Way Lunch is located at 21 South St, Glens Falls NY 12801. Other locations include Queensbury and Warrensburg. Telephone is (518) 792-9803. For more information visit www.newwaylunch.com.

About ABR:

America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and restaurant marketing company based in Florence, KY, travels the country telling the stories and highlighting the unique food of locally owned independent restaurants as part of their ABR Roadshow. Restaurants are featured not only on ABR’s Restaurant Network of social media channels and website, but also each individual establishment’s Facebook page. With over 800 episodes filmed, America’s Best Restaurants is the premier marketing agency for restaurant owners and operators to have their story broadcast coast-to-coast. Visit AmericasBestRestaurants.com to learn more and to view the episodes and profiles of hundreds of America’s Best Restaurants!