SARATOGA SPRINGS — Randy Metevier, the director of sales, business development, and marketing for dynamic systems, has been elected the 2025 Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Metevier assumed this role on January 1 after Chad Kiesow of Stewart’s Shops completed his one-year term as Chair of the Board and now becomes the Immediate Past Chair.

“I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead the Saratoga County Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2025, and I have every confidence that this will be a successful year for our community, our small businesses, and our Chamber,” Metevier said in a news release. “We will focus on improving our understanding of what our Chamber members value and continuing to work diligently to deliver that value. In addition, there are some exciting initiatives we have on the horizon planned, including the relaunch of the Saratoga County Institute of Management (SCIM), an innovative program designed to enable and empower our area’s leadership.  Additionally, in March the Chamber will present the first-ever Saratoga Big E Consumer Showcase featuring the latest in energy-efficient products and services. And, of course, we are all looking forward to welcoming the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival back to Saratoga this June with another incredible Belmont on Broadway celebration.” 

BALLSTON SPA — A long-awaited outpost of Ted’s Fish Fry at an old Pizza Hut location in Ballston Spa may soon be coming to fruition.

According to the Albany Business Review, renovations of the building at 2103 Doubleday Avenue began last month and the location is expected to open in late spring or early summer this year.

Originally, a fall 2024 opening had been planned when news of Ted’s intentions to open a location in Ballston Spa was announced early last year.

Ted’s Fish Fry has been a Capital Region mainstay for decades. The chain currently has locations in Albany, Troy, Clifton Park, Latham, and Watervliet. The eatery specializes in fried seafood and chowder.

MALTA — Charlie’s Stay + Play, which opened in late 2024 at 2873 State Route 9 in Malta, recently celebrated its grand opening at a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The doggie daycare is part of the Business for Good portfolio of companies, which donates profits to local charities. For more information, visit charliesstayandplay.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bibulous, a new desert bar from the owners of Saratoga’s Broadway Deli, officially opened its doors at 35 Henry Street in Saratoga Springs last Saturday. 

The eatery, whose name is defined by Merriam-Webster as “fond of alcoholic beverages,” features deserts, snacks, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails; with gluten-free and vegan options available. It’s open 5pm until midnight every day but Wednesday.

“[Bibulous Saratoga] will feature a rotating selection of seasonal homemade desserts as well as a few savory bites,” wrote co-owner Daniel Chessare in a social media post last year when the bar was announced. “Waiting for a reservation? Stop in for a glass of wine and cheese plate. Then swing by after dinner for a little dessert and a nightcap before heading home.”

MIDDLE GROVE — Post Pizza and More will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, Feb. 28 with a Town of Greenfield Family Social Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. The new restaurant is located at 3A Lake Desolation Road.

The social hour will feature samples, a bonfire with smores, raffles, and prizes. Fossil Stone Vineyards & Winery will also be on hand to offer wine tastings.

Post Pizza is owned and operated by two Greenfield residents, as well as a partner from Saratoga Springs. The restaurant is inside a building that dates back to the 1800s and houses the Middle Grove Post Office. Post co-owner Kevin Joyce purchased and completely renovated the building, with a new roof, interior, and exterior. 

 “What makes a community successful is having places to gather for good conversations and friends,” Joyce said in a statement. “We shouldn’t have to drive vast distances to get a bite to eat.”

Prior to opening Post Pizza, Joyce sold his last Greenfield establishment, Tinney’s Tavern, in 2024. Tinney’s is now operating under new ownership.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It might be hard to believe, but your local vet could be owned by the same company that makes Skittles.

For the past few decades, the candy company Mars has been adding veterinary businesses to its portfolio. Today, according to Fortune Magazine, Mars is the biggest vet provider in America. The money-making venture has certainly boosted Mars’ bottom line, but it may also result in local vets lacking in personalized care.

That’s not the case, however, with the independently-owned Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital, which is soft-launching its second location in Saratoga Springs next week.

“Larger corporations view it as a money-making opportunity,” said Cornerstone’s Dr. Alan Knott. “That’s not why we got into veterinary medicine. We got into veterinary medicine to really help patients and help clients. That’s our primary goal.”

Cornerstone was founded by Drs. Alan and Lisa Knott in Clifton Park nearly a decade ago. Its flagship location has become so popular that a second outpost became necessary.

“We’re about at capacity now,” Dr. Alan said of his Clifton Park office, “so we knew we wanted to be able to expand and be able to offer veterinary services to other areas, and doing things in Saratoga was kind of that ideal location.”

In addition to many existing clients traveling to Clifton Park from the Saratoga area, it didn’t hurt that Dr. Dayna Jodzio, who will be spearheading the new location, is herself a Spa City resident.

Aside from being a family-owned practice, Cornerstone also emphasizes its Fear-Free Certification, which focuses on the emotional well-being of animals. Dr. Lisa said studies have shown that fear-free practices can help animals heal faster by minimizing stress.

To achieve Fear-Free Certification, all staff members must complete a nine-hour continuing education course. Then, the clinic must demonstrate that they have a list of various fear-free protocols in place.

“[Fear-Free] has only been around for less than ten years and we’ve been vets for about twenty,” Dr. Lisa said, “so we’ve seen the before, how it used to be done, and the after, and we can see a huge difference in how the animals act when they come in, how happy the owners are when they leave, and also the employees and team members; it makes a difference for them in being more satisfied in their jobs.” 

Fear-Free practices include the use of calming pheromones, soothing music, treats, toys, and positive reinforcement to make each animal’s visit as hassle-free as possible.

The Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Saratoga Springs, located at 92 East Ave, is currently accepting new patients prior to its official ribbon-cutting scheduled for Feb. 24.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Phinney Design Group announced last week the groundbreaking of a sustainable residential development in Saratoga Springs that aims to set “a new benchmark for eco-friendly living.” 

The new Riley Farms development is designed to integrate green technology, such as solar energy, geothermal heating and cooling, and advanced clean air systems, to create energy-efficient homes on a 30-acre nature preserve. Each home in the development will be designed with passive solar principles, high-performance insulation, and responsibly-sourced materials.

“This project is not just about building homes; it’s about staying true to our principles and creating a future where sustainable living is the standard, not the exception,” said Mike Phinney, founding principal architect at Phinney Design Group, in a news release.

“I didn’t want just another cookie cutter development,” said Riley Farms Owner and Developer Kenneth Scott. “We wanted to create a community of unique homes, as works of art.”

With construction already underway, the first homes are expected to be move-in ready by late 2025 or early 2026.

For more information about the project, visit https://rileyfarm.homes/.