Druthers To Take Over Operations at 550 Waterfront

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Druthers Brewing Company is expanding its reach again, signing a lease to take over operations at 550 Waterfront on Saratoga Lake.

John Boyle, managing partner at 550 Waterfront, said the lease runs for 10 years. He called it “a nice, synergistic opportunity” for both companies. “It really is a merging of the best of both of our companies,” Boyle said.

Boyle said that Druthers are “phenomenal operators,” saying they bring strong infrastructure and expertise to the restaurant. He said the dining experience will be “very similar in terms of the vibe.”

“We’re going to have the lakeside dining vibe that we’ve always had,” said Boyle. “75 to 80% of the food that is going to be served there will be different than the other typical Druthers fare.”

The menu will remain similar to past 550 Waterfront offerings, and also feature some new items, Boyle said. He named fish and chips and lobster rolls as two examples of items that will remain on the menu.“

I mean, there’ll be definitely some new items, some new, fun items on there,” said Boyle. “But there’ll be the standard stuff that people got used to.”The restaurant will also offer Druthers’ selection of beer, with Boyle saying they will offer “the whole Druthers beer package.”

The restaurant is targeting mid-April for an opening, which Boyle said is in line with last year’s opening date. The staff will remain intact, and Boyle emphasized that not much will change in terms of the customer experience.“

It’s going to be very, very similar,” said Boyle. “Besides the fact that you’re going to have Druthers beer on tap, I think the experience is going to be very similar to what it was previously.”