COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Abandoned restaurant reopens as diner in Ballston Spa
BALLSTONSPA>> There’s a new local diner open in Ballston Spa, and its ready to serve the community breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ballston Spa Diner - Restaurant, located at 1475 Saratoga Road in Ballston Spa, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday at the restaurant.
The space was formerly home to Ecobelli’s Restaurant, which closed about a decade ago. Since then, the building has been vacant.
The new restaurant moved in and opened about three months ago, leaving much of the original decor such as the stained glass inside the dining room.
Chef and owner Ted Sourlis of Ballston Spa has spent 23 years in the restaurant industry, and 26 in the kitchen. This is his third restaurant endeavor.
The menu is a mix of Italian, Greek and American foods, Sourlis said, explaining that every few days there are 10 to 12 new specials available.
Sourlis and his staff do all they can to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Printed on the menu is a passage that states: “Thank you! Sometimes in the rush of business like, we fail to say ‘ thank you’ loud enough. Nevertheless, you can be sure that your patronage is never taken for granted. To please you is our desire. To serve you is our privilege.”
The diner is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, and serves breakfast lunch and dinner. Breakfast options are available all day.
At Thursday’s ribbon cutting event, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco acknowledged the 18 new jobs created with the restaurant’s opening. “It all adds up,” he said noting that 50 to 60 percent of local jobs come from small businesses like Ballston Spa Diner - Restaurant. “It’s going to make a real difference in our economy.”
Tedisco went on to wish the new business well. “I think you’re going to be very successful,” the assemblyman said, thanking Sourlis for investing in the community.
The restaurant management hope to soon open the bar, which is in an area that is separate from the dining room, and possibly a disco upstairs. Takeout is also available. Menu items range from $5 to $20 for special entrees.
For more information on Ballston Spa Diner - Restaurant, or to place an order, call 288-3642.