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Yankees closer backs Saratoga restaurant in NYC

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) - A popular trackside restaurant in the horse racing mecca of Saratoga Springs is opening a Manhattan eatery with the backing of New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera.
    
Keith Kantrowitz, a managing partner of the ownership group that includes "Entourage" stars Kevin Connolly and Kevin Dillon, says Rivera is one of the investors in the Siro's (SEER'-ohs) restaurant scheduled to open early next month in midtown Manhattan.
    
Kantrowitz tells the Daily Gazette of Schenectady that Rivera is hosting a private party at the restaurant on Thursday, an off-day for the Yankees.
    
In 2010, Racing Restaurants of America bought Siro's from a group that had owned the upscale restaurant since the early 1980s.
    

LT's Grill reopens Thursday evening

LT's Grill reopens Thursday evening

LT’s Grill will reopen its doors Thursday at 4:30 p.m. despite the snowy weather.

There will be a ribbon cutting, tasty treats, networking and live music. LT’s closed for renovations and with the help of friends, family and patrons the restaurant now boasts a new salad bar and a more sporty looking bar and pub atmosphere.

They also made some changes to their menu. Favorites like their different barbeque dishes are still there but LT’s will now offer some healthier options as well. The Schenectady and Saratoga chambers, local representatives, friends, family and patrons will all be in attendance for the reopening.

The restaurant is a barbeque, steak and seafood place and offers patrons daily specials, live entertainment, a full bar, and a patio. LT’s Grill is located at 2305 Nott Street, St. James Square in Niskayuna. Click here to view menus and more information on their Facebook page.

Caffe Lena to host poetry readings

Caffe Lena to host poetry readings

Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs will present poetry readings by Stuart Bartow and Paul Pines.

The readings will happen on Wednesday, Feb. 1 and doors will open at 7 p.m., readings will begin at 7:30 p.m. Carol Graser will host the event and the cost will be $3

Call 518-583-0022 or click here for more information.

More area Friendly's close their doors

Unfriendly times continue for the Friendly's restaurant chain. Five more locations in the Capital Region have shut down.

The closed stores include both Latham locations, along with restaurants in Albany, Glenville, and the one in Colonie Center.

That leaves the Capital Region with just five Friendly's locations -- in Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, Troy and Johnstown.

According to Friendly's website, three Berkshire County, Mass. Friendly's also remain open along with a location in Bennington, Vt.

The chain filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in October.

Two accused of stealing sign from pizza shop

LAKE LUZERNE - Two Corinth men have been accused of stealing a large sign from a pizza shop.

Police say 34-year-old Marc Jenks and 22-year-old Brian Martineau took the 5X8 foot sign from Nino's Pizzeria on Lake Avenue in Lake Luzerne in November. That sign has a value of around '$1,200.

Police say the men told them it was a joke.

Friendly's files for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection

NEW YORK (AP) - The parent of the Friendly's restaurant chain is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and says it has already closed 63 of its stores -- including six in the Capital Region.

The 76-year-old company known for its ice cream and hamburgers says the economic downturn coupled with higher costs and high rents drove it to file for bankruptcy protection.

Friendly Ice Cream Corp., based in Wilbraham, Mass., says it has secured $70 million in financing and that its 424 remaining restaurants will stay open as it reorganizes under bankruptcy protection. Gift cards will continue to be honored.

It says the store closings and its reorganization efforts will better position it for the future.

Its current owners, Sun Capital Partners, will be the lead, or "stalking horse" bidders, in an auction process.

Here is a complete list of stores closing...

CAPITAL REGION

Dozens of dining spots lined up for Travers Restaurant Week

Dozens of dining spots lined up for Travers Restaurant Week

More than 50 restaurants from around the Capital Region will take part in this years  Travers 1864 Restaurant Week. The event runs from Aug. 21 through Aug. 25.  The venues will offer three-course meals for $18.64.

1864 was the year of the first Travers Stakes at the Saratoga Race Course.

For a complete list of the restuarants involved, click here.