SARATOGA SPRINGS — After the site plans were approved a year ago, construction of a new Chipotle location in downtown Saratoga Springs appears to be finally underway. 

Prior to the holidays, makeshift construction fences surrounded the former home of Paddy Duggan’s Irish Pub at 12 Ballston Avenue next to the Saratoga Strike Zone bowling alley. 

The new Chipotle location is set to include an outdoor patio with around 20 seats, a small outdoor seating area with benches and planters, and 23 parking spaces, according to a site plan review application filed in 2023.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Prior to the holidays, Bonacio Construction held a Topping Off Ceremony, which occurs when the last steel beam is placed on a building, at 78 Church Street in Saratoga Springs, the future site of 23 condominiums.

The 61-foot, multi-use building will include a garage, two commercial units, a gym, a community/meeting room, and a rooftop deck. Prices for the 2 and 3-bedroom condos start at $1.17 million, with an expected occupancy of Fall 2025.

Located on Church between Clinton and West Harrison streets, the project necessitated the demolition of the old Carpetland building. Carpetland opened a new showroom at 11 Aletta Street in 2023.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rockabella Boutique, a women’s apparel store located at 10 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, has closed.

“After an incredible journey with Rockabella Boutique, I’ve decided to close the doors as I step into an exciting new chapter in life,” said store owner Christine Goutos in a message posted to the storefront. “From day one, it has been a joy and an absolute honor to help you find the perfect looks for your life’s most special moments. Each of you has added so much to this journey, filling the boutique with stories, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Thank you for being part of this wonderful experience.”

The closing date had originally been set for November 27, but was then extended to December 11 as the remaining inventory was sold.

Goutos had previously been manager of the store before purchasing it from Jackie Szurek, the former owner, in 2012. Rockabella first opened its doors in 2007.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tree House Brewing Company’s hotly anticipated Saratoga Springs location is not quite open for business, but it did allow some locals to pick up to-go cans on December 13 and 14. A few days later, the company announced that it would be allowing pickups of can orders Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Some of the cans featured “Hello Saratoga” designs depicting local institutions such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and the Saratoga Race Course. A message on the cans read, in part: “We couldn’t think of a better location for a new step outside our home state, and we’re honored to be your neighbor…This beer represents our gratitude and invites you to join us in celebration.”

The company is also ramping up its hiring process for the new Spa City outpost. On its website, Tree House currently has five positions listed. The brewery is expected to create “at least” 60 jobs and generate $30 to $40 million in economic activity. The new facility will include a brewery, taproom, and “expansive indoor and outdoor experience” located at 3376 US-9, in between Saratoga Honda and Homewood Suites.

To learn more about Tree House or to place a pickup order, visit www.treehousebrew.com.

MILTON — A new dispensary owned by a United States Navy combat veteran with over 20 years of healthcare experience is set to open soon in the Town of Milton. 

Sashies Dispensary will utilize owner Sachmarie Crowley’s background as a board-certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner to help educate patrons about cannabis’ medicinal benefits.

Crowley said she’s been prescribing medicinal cannabis since 2016, primarily to geriatric patients who were having pain and sleep issues but didn’t want to take the usual prescribed medications. Over the last eight years, she’s seen cannabis’ health benefits firsthand.

“If we can provide the right education to people, they’ll realize that the plant is really incredible,” Crowley said. “Especially now, [when] people are a little more skeptical of our pharmaceutical industry.”

Although Sashies is not technically a medical dispensary, the staff will be “educated beyond the normal training that a budtender would get,” Crowley said. “We’re just trying to bring a true holistic wellness to our dispensary and a lot of people aren’t doing that.”

Thus far, five employees have been hired during Crowley’s selective process that is seeking passionate and knowledgeable candidates. Some staffers even have pharmaceutical experience in their background.

Sashies Dispensary will offer a wide selection of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, gummies, concentrates, and topicals. Located at 201 Northline Rd (the same site as the Havana Cigar Lounge), the store will have a soft opening on January 3. Eventually, it’ll be open 7 days a week and offer delivery service. 

For more information, visit www.sashiesdispensary.com. Those interested in working at the store can email their resume to hello@sashiesdispensary.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The team behind Hamlet & Ghost, the acclaimed restaurant/cocktail bar on Caroline Street, will soon be opening a “Montreal-inspired” wine bar on Phila Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. 

Named Familiar Creature, the new eatery will serve local meats and cheeses, roasted chicken, French small plates, and, of course, wine. The kitchen will be led by Chefs Michele Hunter and Alex Johnson.

An exact opening date has not yet been revealed, but Familiar Creature is currently hiring cooks to staff its kitchen. Applicants are encouraged to email leah@hamletandghost.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Omakase Sushi & Grill’s swanky design and unique dining experience have made it one of the more anticipated Saratoga Springs restaurant debuts in recent memory. Owner Briana Lin celebrated the official opening of her seventh Capital Region establishment on Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We’re proud to bring something new and exciting to the Saratoga community that has been very welcoming to us,” Lin said via her manager/translator. “We look forward not only to serving you but building lasting relationships.” 

The eatery is named after the Japanese tradition of omakase, which literally translates to “I leave it up to you.” When ordering omakase, patrons entrust the chef to choose their meal for them. The restaurant also features a standard menu with a la carte sushi and other Asian dishes for less adventurous diners.

At the time of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the restaurant did not yet have a liquor license, although numerous elected officials in attendance assured Lin they could solve that problem. Event attendees included Mayor John Safford, State Senator James Tedisco, and County Supervisor Michele Madigan.

“One of the great privileges of being mayor of this wonderful city is that we can welcome places like this and people like yourself who want to make a mark in our city and provide something really unique,” Mayor Safford said. 

Lin’s ever-expanding restaurant empire includes Azuma Sushi Bistro in Malta and five other establishments in Latham, Glenmont, and Niskayuna. An eighth restaurant is due to open in February 2025.

Omakase Sushi & Grill is now open at 30 Lake Ave in downtown Saratoga Springs.