Food News: Chipotle Opens, Broadway Deli for Sale, Primal Closes, New Chef, New Menu, More

MALTA — Four months after Chipotle opened a new location in downtown Saratoga Springs, another outpost of the Mexican grill has sprung up in Malta at 4 Kelch Drive, bringing the Saratoga County Chipotle total to four. The new Malta location is actively hiring for several positions, including kitchen leader, service leader, and crew member.

Saratoga’s Broadway Deli owner Daniel Chessare announced last week that he was putting his popular eatery up for sale. “The restaurant industry is tough,” Chessare wrote in a social media announcement. “I’ve been in it since 1997. Everything hurts and I’m tired all the time.” The deli is still in operation while a buyer is being sought. Meanwhile, Chessare will be active at his other establishment, Bibulous, a colorful bar/hangout spot that focuses on deserts, cocktails, and appetizers.

The Olde Bryan Inn is repairing its vestibule after a “small car vs. entryway incident” occurred this past weekend. The inn reported that nobody was injured. “We always strive to make a good first impression, so please pardon our appearance while we make repairs,” the restaurant said.

Local butcher Primal announced the sudden closure of both its locations on Feb. 24. “Like some other local food businesses, the increasing pressures and costs to continue operating have become unsustainable,” Primal owner Tim Howland said. “As your local butcher, we prided ourselves on providing the very best products and service. We simply can no longer keep that promise.” Primal first opened in 2009 and had locations in both Saratoga Springs and Albany.

Front Street Deli in Ballston Spa, which was taken over last month by Coffee Planet owner Kim Tribley, has reopened with an updated menu. Offerings include “build your own sandwich,” quesadillas, grinders, vegetarian options, and “build your own pizza.” Some of its more unique specialty pizzas include the jamming pie (bacon jam, onions, and a hot honey drizzle on white pizza) and hogtastic (ham, pepperoni, salami, and capicola with red or white sauce).

Panza’s, the classic Italian restaurant in Saratoga with a lineage that stretches back to a bakery that first opened in Mechanicville in 1897, announced last month that a new executive chef would take its reins: Elliott Vogel. Vogel’s resume includes positions at Siro’s, Jack’s Oyster House, and Daley’s on Yates, a Schenectady eatery that closed in June. Vogel is a licensed forager who is “committed to sourcing thoughtfully and using local, seasonal products,” Panza’s said. “We invite you to experience his talents as he continues creating Panza’s iconic family recipes, while also infusing new energy into the menu with his inspired additions.”

Keuka Spring Vineyards, which launched its new tasting room and bottle shop on Spring Street in December, celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 20. The Finger Lakes-based winery initially opened a smaller outpost inside the Saratoga Marketplace in 2024 before deciding to upgrade to a larger space.

Katie Camarro, owner of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce, is hosting an antique sale at her hot fudge factory at 23 Northern Pines Road (Building 2, Suite 2102) in Wilton on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Camarro and her friends have gathered antiques, vintage items, and collectibles especially for the sale. For more information, email KatieCamarro@gmail.com or call (518) 932-1988.