By Barbara Brewer La Mere
The Recovery Sports Grill chain is expanding rapidly. Its parent company, BBL Hospitality launched the chain six years ago at a location across from Albany Medical Center dubbed “The Recovery Room.” The Sports Grill tag came with expansion toward the 12 locations that will comprise the Recovery zone by January 2013 (including three out-of-state in Virginia, West Virginia and New Jersey). Local area Recovery Sports Grills include locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Colonie, Troy, and Malta. There is also a location in Verona, NY. A Queensbury location, set to open on Upper Glen Street on October 23 will be one of the chain’s largest, with plans to include a game room. A Guilderland location in the former 20 Mall will open shortly thereafter.
The most recently opened Recovery Sports Grill, opened in September, is located in Malta at 2537 Route 9, next to Ellsworth Commons. General Manager and “Head Coach” of the Malta site, Mike Derway describes Recovery as a full-service, sports-themed, family-friendly restaurant with a menu he defines as “upscale, casual American fare.” With 30 TVs in the house, Derway assures sports fans, “If something is televised, they would be able to watch it.” This includes events featuring local high school, college, and professional teams. Tammy Wilcox will be the manager at the new Queensbury location. Mike Derway joined the Recovery team two years ago, coming with credentials from several years at O’Toole’s in Queensbury and having opened Johnny Rocket’s, across from The Great Escape in 2008.
The Recovery menu describes its restaurant as “a sports bar and way more.” Chicken, burgers, and wings served have never been frozen. Beyond the typical Hot, Medium, and Mild options for wing sauces, there are Cajun, Thai Chili, and Margarita choices. Asked for the customer favorite, Derway was quick to respond, “The wings – definitely the wings . . . and the chicken tenders.” Turkey breast and ribs are roasted in-house daily. Artisan rolls are baked fresh specifically for Recovery. House-made soups, stew, and chili are available. Burgers, including sliders, are available with a variety of toppings, as are turkey and veggie burgers. There is a great assortment of meal salads including Ahi Tuna, Empire Steak, and Turkey Cobb among others, as well as a variety of sandwiches. Strip steak, grilled salmon, fish & chips, and chicken and steak alfredo entrees are available.
Beverages, including over 50 beers, specialize in New York State brews. There is a $2.99 children’s menu, and takeout is available.
Recovery is proud to serve the community with a variety of sponsorships and its Dining to Donate program. Any group can pick a night on which individuals presenting a Dining to Donate card can have 15% of their meal cost donated to the group’s charitable cause. Check out Recovery Sports Grill’s website at www.recoverysportsgrill.com.