The Saratoga Day Spa—located at 376 Broadway, Suite 21 in downtown Saratoga Springs—recently celebrated its new ownership at a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The business is now owned by Kierra Bertrand, who “aims to provide high-quality, reasonably priced services that help clients look and feel their best,” the chamber said. The racetrack-themed Saratoga Day Spa was first founded in 2016. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
BALLSTON SPA — Christopher R. Dowd, president and CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) recently announced that Matt Becker has joined the bank as its new vice president, wealth management solutions officer.
In his new role, Becker will focus on delivering personalized financial solutions to clients with an emphasis on investment management, estate planning, tax strategies, and comprehensive wealth preservation. He will also help to ensure that BSNB’s wealth management offerings meet the diverse needs of individuals and families across the region by engaging with the community, participating in local events, and forging new partnerships.
Prior to joining BSNB, Becker spent nearly a decade at Arrow Bank, most recently serving as an assistant vice president of retirement programs and plan administration.
“Matt understands that wealth management is about more than numbers – it’s about helping clients achieve what matters most to them,” said Jeff Goliber, vice president, director of wealth management solutions at BSNB. “His depth of experience in retirement planning and his collaborative approach will enhance our ability to provide thoughtful, personalized financial strategies for every stage of life.”
Ballston Spa National Bank is a community bank headquartered in Ballston Spa.
Jones & 50 Wine and Spirits celebrated its grand re-opening under new ownership with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 21 hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The store is located at 4208 NY-50 in Saratoga Springs. Photo provided by the chamber.
Spectators prepare to hear business pitches at Startup Saratoga, an annual event that occurred this year at Innovation Center Saratoga in Ballston Spa. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
BALLSTON SPA — Startup Saratoga—an annual event similar to “Shark Tank” that allows local innovators to pitch their business ideas—took place, appropriately enough, at Innovation Center Saratoga last Thursday.
Five entrepreneurs presented their ideas to a packed house of business leaders, investors, mentors, and students. Of those five pitches, one was especially applicable to Saratoga Springs and its equine industry.
Riley Studebaker, a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) who focuses on advanced digital fabrication, is perhaps best known as the founder of MetaOrnate, a company that installed the first, permanent 3D-printed ceramic façade in the western hemisphere in 2024.
But Studebaker also grew up on a horse farm, and his latest ambition is to use a new method of 3D scanning and printing to better the equestrian world.
Saddles, Studebaker said, can be uncomfortable for horses, even when those saddles are designed for a specific horse. And since horses typically only wear their saddles for a relatively small amount of time, there’s not enough opportunity for the animals to break in their saddles in the way that a human might break in a new boot. That’s where 3D scanning and printing technology comes in.
Studebaker wants to fabricate “exact replicas of unique horses’ backs to passively break in saddles when not in use,” he said during his Startup Saratoga pitch.
The RPI prof acknowledged that some existing companies already provide a similar service, but he said these services were one-size-fits-all, lacked customization, and don’t respond to the curvature or asymmetries of horses’ backs. “It’s not that good because it’s not that accurate,” Studebaker said.
Studebaker’s solution is to use a combination of 3D scanning and what he called a “novel” method of 3D printing to create an uber-precise replica of horses’ backs that would allow saddles to be broken in without the horses having to do much of anything. This process of scanning and creating a horse’s back would only take about five days, Studebaker said.
And because horses are athletes with bodies that can change shape, the 3D scanning and printing service could be repeated a number of times to create up-to-date replicas of horses’ backs. Studebaker’s initial strategy would be to market these products to horse trainers while also partnering with saddle manufacturers and horse show venues. Some lucky horse owners might even be able to get one of these 3D-printed products for free.
“We want to make some and give them away as first-place prizes for high-profile horse shows in the Saratoga region to get some customer feedback,” Studebaker said. “From there, an active subscription is $800 per scan; four scans per year.”
Although any small boost to a horse’s comfort could positively impact its performance and thus result in more prize money, Studebaker emphasized that the horse owners he’s spoken with prioritize the well-being of their animals most of all.
“Honestly, horse people just love their horses,” he said. “One of them articulated it to me in this capacity: ‘Owning a nice show horse is like owning a race car that’s also your best friend.’”
ALBANY — A new route between the Albany International Airport (ALB) and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will begin on Feb. 13, 2026, Allegiant Air announced last week.
“Seven years after Allegiant first launched service at Albany International Airport, we’re proud to see this partnership continue to grow,” said Peter Stuto, Albany International Airport CEO. “The new Fort Lauderdale route gives Capital Region travelers another exciting destination, especially as so many residents look to fly south during the winter and spring. We’re grateful for Allegiant’s continued commitment to ALB as we work together to expand even more in the years ahead.”
Compton’s Restaurant at 457 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — To paraphrase the 1942 film “Casablanca,” of all the breakfast joints in all the towns in all New York State, they picked ours.
Compton’s Restaurant, a popular spot on Broadway that serves classic American breakfast and diner fare, was recently named New York’s top “hole in the wall” by The Daily Meal, a food and drink website founded by the former CEO of Forbes.com.
“Locals and travelers alike all know about Compton’s, especially those who love the track or traveling to the area for a SPAC concert,” The Daily Meal’s Jenn Carnevale wrote. “This unassuming spot on the main drag pulls people from all over for a solid breakfast every day. Award-winning and no fuss, this is your next favorite breakfast spot.”
Compton’s, which first opened in 1984, is perhaps best known for its speedy food delivery and hearty pancakes.
MALTA — Unified Beerworks, a taproom and kitchen located in Malta, announced last week that it will be closing its doors on Dec. 27 after a seven-year run.
“When you embark on any big adventure, you know at some point there will be an end,” the company said in a social media post. “As 2025 comes to a close, our adventure with Unified Beerworks will reach its end. We’re very proud of our efforts over the last 7 years, and have so many incredible memories with staff, customers, and colleagues that have become friends and family to us. We thank you for all your support through these years. Our final day will be Saturday, December 27th, when we’ll come together one last time to celebrate the beautiful adventure that is and will always be, Unified.”
Unified Beerworks, which opened in October of 2018, is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Jeff Mannion and Erika Anderson.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Beer Summit will return on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, bringing local favorites such as Artisanal Brew Works, Whitman Brewing, and Active Ingredient Brewing Company to the Saratoga Springs City Center.
New to the 14th iteration of the Saratoga Beer Summit will be expanded offerings that include hard seltzers, craft ciders, and malt beverage cocktails—in addition to the traditional variety of ales, lagers, IPAs, and seasonal brews.
“The Saratoga Beer Summit has always been about bringing people together over quality beverages,” said Jake Demmin, VP of sales at Townsquare Media, in a news release. “By expanding our selection to include seltzers, ciders, and malt cocktails, we’re ensuring that everyone can find something they love, whether they’re a hophead or prefer something lighter and fruitier.”
Attendees of the summit will have the opportunity to sample dozens of beverages from local and regional producers, meet the makers behind their favorite brands, and discover new favorites. The event will also feature food from Speckled Pig, live music, and vendor booths.
For more information, including vendor lists, tickets, and the event schedule, visit saratogabeersummit.com.
Photo of the exterior of the forthcoming AC Hotel by Marriott Saratoga Springs via the company.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The AC Hotel by Marriott Saratoga Springs will officially open in December.
A series of social media posts by the hotel indicated the opening timeline, although a specific date has not yet been publicly announced.
According to the hotel’s website, the location will include a meeting space, fitness center, lounge, and coffee house.
The AC Hotel is located at the former site of the Turf & Spa Motel on South Broadway. In February of 2024, Bonacio Construction broke ground on the project.
The four-story hotel will feature 120 rooms and underground parking.
Saratoga Joinery, a nonprofit community woodworking space, held its first-ever “Wine & Cheeseboards” silent auction fundraiser on Nov. 13. The joinery’s Executive Director Tori Colarusso is seen here speaking to attendees. All proceeds from the event go towards “making woodworking education more accessible and building our creative community,” the organization said. “Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just love the idea of making things with your hands, you’re welcome here.” Saratoga Joinery is located at 69 Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs. Photo by
