SARATOGA SPRINGS — Restaurateur Briana Lin is opening her seventh Capital Region establishment at 30 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, the former site of 30 Lake, which closed in February.

Omakase Sushi and Grill 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.

In his book “The Story of Sushi,” author Trevor Corson wrote that “[Omakase is] what the sophisticated customer says to the chef when settling down at the sushi bar. Sushi connoisseurs seldom order off a menu. Traditionally, sushi bars in Japan didn’t even have menus.”

The restaurant will also feature a standard menu with a la carte sushi and other Asian dishes for less adventurous diners.

“Here’s a little glimpse into what’s in store,” Omakase recently wrote on their Facebook page, 

“fresh flavors, artful presentation, and an intimate setting perfect for savoring each delicate bite.”

An official opening date for the restaurant hasn’t yet been announced, though previous reports suggested it may open as soon as this month.

Lin’s growing restaurant empire includes Azuma Sushi Bistro in Malta and five other eateries located in Latham, Glenmont, and Niskayuna.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The future AC Marriott Hotel, located on the former site of the Turf & Spa Hotel at 176 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, is rapidly taking shape. According to Bonacio Construction, structural steel has been installed, concrete was poured for the garage, and wood framing on the upper floors is currently underway.

When completed, the four-story hotel will include 120 rooms, underground parking, a pool, fitness center, bar & lounge, and meeting areas. The project broke ground in February. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — According to an August 2024 market update created by the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, the median sales price of a home in Saratoga County from January through August of 2024 was $435,000. Compared to the same eight-month period last year, the median price has increased by 7%.

The number of new listings has also declined, by 1.9%, compared to January-August last year, and the number of closed sales dropped by nearly 4%.

In Saratoga Springs, the median sales price of a home is now $632,500, a nearly 6% increase compared to January-August 2023. The number of closed sales declined by 23.4%, and the number of new listings dropped by nearly 6%.

The real estate picture in Malta is a bit rosier. Although the median sales price has increased by more than 10% to $444,261, the number of listings and the number of closed sales are both up by more than 13% and 25%, respectively. 

In Wilton and Gansevoort, the median sales price is up 17% to $544,686. The number of listings has increased by 4%, but the number of closed sales is down by nearly 5%.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Ferdle Turtle Brewing Company opened a taproom below Sweet Lou’s Bistro in Schuylerville last week.

“So excited to officially open,” the company said in a Facebook post. “We can’t wait to serve the community and be a part of this vibrant town.”

Owner Alex Fredell previously worked at a local microbrewery before opening his own taproom.

Ferdle Turtle is located at 161 Broad Street in Schuylerville and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 9 p.m.

BALLSTON SPA — The Sanders Meat Market in Ballston Spa has been sold to local husband-wife duo Jim and Alison Gilcreast. The previous owner, Tim Sanders, decided to sell the business after working in the industry for nearly six decades.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have officially purchased Sanders Meat Market in Ballston Spa, a beloved local butcher shop known for its high-quality meats and exceptional customer service,” the Gilcreasts wrote in a Facebook announcement. “Our team is dedicated to preserving the shop’s legacy while introducing new offerings and enhancing your shopping experience.” 

The Gilcreasts said they would keep the shop’s name and congratulated Sanders on his retirement.

The Sanders Meat Market is located in the Carousel Village shopping plaza at 2100 Doubleday Avenue Ballston Spa.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Condé Nast Traveler announced last week its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the Saratoga Arms as the 14th best hotel in the Mid-Atlantic. For the second year in a row, Saratoga Arms was the only hotel in the Capital District to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers.

“We are honored to be included in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row,” said Amy Smith, owner of Saratoga Arms, in a statement. “We love being a home-away-from-home for our guests and we are incredibly grateful for their votes and continued support, which have allowed us to receive this significant recognition among the world’s best hotels.”

Saratoga Arms is welcoming guests to celebrate the award by booking their next visit with promo code CNT2024. Guests who book with the code will receive a complimentary half bottle of Pol Roger Champagne and a box of artisan chocolate truffles in their room upon arrival.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Lions Club will celebrate its 75th anniversary on October 12 along with other clubs from around the area and guest speaker Douglas X. Alexander, a past president of Lions Club International.

The Ballston Spa Lions Club was chartered in 1949 and serves Ballston Spa, Malta, Milton, and Ballston. Some notable projects during the first 75 years include sponsoring the first Village of Ballston Spa pool, the Ballston Spa Library, The Charlton School’s pool, various food pantries and holiday meals, and supporting the Saratoga County Fair and Saratoga County 4-H.

The club would like to thank the community for their support over the past 75 years and is eager to help and provide for the community in the future.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Economic Development Corp. brought Saratoga County to a worldwide audience last month at the International Business Exchange Summit. Saratoga was the only New York county represented among 248 international businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development professionals from California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio. 

The virtual event was designed to connect resources, people and locations to expand markets and launch international operations. Representatives from Canada, Ireland, and the European Union participated in the discussion. 

“This was a great opportunity to showcase Saratoga County, not only the economic development environment but the quality of life our residents enjoy every day,” said Greg Connors, president and CEO of SEDC, in a statement. “We made mutually beneficial connections to expand trade markets and open development opportunities for the Capital Region.”

Connors represented Saratoga County at the summit, along with County Executive Steve Bulger.

Local entrepreneur Martin Wawrla also joined the call to share his experiences building businesses in the Capital Region for the past 40 years. Wawlra moved to the United States from Austria as a young man, then started and sold three businesses over the course of his career. 

Wawrla’s advice was twofold: joining groups where you can talk to experienced business people will help you learn and grow, and even a small investment in real estate will help entrepreneurs secure funding for business development (Wawrla’s first purchase was a dilapidated home in Center Square for $11,000).

Following the International Business Exchange Summit, a familiarization tour of Saratoga County sites, suites, buildings, and public attractions is scheduled for early 2025 in partnership with We Are Global Irish leadership, hosts of the summit.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Gregory Dodd introduced the community to his new office last weekend: Maple Ave Family Dentistry in Saratoga Springs.

Maple Ave is an extension of Dr. Dodd’s existing Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry location at 286 Church Street.

“I love what I do every day,” Dr. Dodd said during a ribbon cutting ceremony. “I love helping people.”

The office at 425 Maple Ave emphasizes comfort, featuring relaxing chairs and entertainment offerings in every treatment room.

Dr. Dodd earned his doctorate in dental surgery from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in 2003. He also earned both a Nobel Biocare Implant Certification and advanced education in general dentistry certification from Columbia University in 2004. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction shared by only 6% of general dentists across North America.