By Ann Donnelly
A local culinary power couple has taken the reins of a beloved South Glens Falls eatery, injecting new life into a decades-old establishment. Jenny and Chris Dore recently acquired The Peppermill Family Restaurant, a popular diner with a solid local following.
The Dores brings a wealth of experience to their new venture. Chris, a Saratoga native, is a seasoned chef with a background in fine dining and restaurant management eager to put his culinary stamp on the menu while preserving the restaurant’s classic charm. Jenny, a nutritionist from Queensbury with a passion for wellness, plans to infuse the business with a health-conscious approach without compromising taste.
The couple met when Chris worked in the kitchen at Druthers in Saratoga, and Jenny worked “front of the house.” Chris’s culinary training started in childhood, “we used to make tortellini, ravioli, and fresh pasta in our kitchen.” His journey then brought him to wash dishes in local restaurants, toss pizzas, and then two years at the Culinary Institute of America. After Druthers, he helped with the opening of Max London’s and became Executive Chef at The Gideon Putnam Hotel. He strengthened his management skills as Culinary Director of Wheatfields, including the restaurants in Saratoga, Clifton Park, BWP (Beer, Wine, Pizza), and 2 West Bar and Grill both in Saratoga.
“All that has led to owning our own business, says Chris. “All the prerequisites of being an owner were checked off. This is a natural next step.”
Previous owners John and Vicky Osakowicz, who opened The Peppermill 33 years ago, can now retire knowing their beloved restaurant and loyal customers are in good hands.
Chris Dore reached out to Nic Ketter of Realize Brokers in Glens Falls in search of a suitable property, but the search slowed when the pandemic hit. When the Osakowicz’s contacted Ketter about selling their restaurant, he recognized a perfect match.
“The previous owners established the strong foundation,” says Chris. “We can carry it on, add our touches to it, adding to the legacy, a transition into the new era.”
“Our staff is our greatest asset,” says Jenny. “We want to empower them to provide exceptional service and create a positive work environment.”
In the month since the transition, the Dores have established a great rapport with the existing customers and the staff, which have all stayed on.
“It really has been a family restaurant,” says Chris. “The culture that thrives throughout the employees has been great. Already, there’s a good vibe between everybody and their understanding of who we are and what we want to do.”
The staff includes the Osakowicz’s son, Jasiu. “He’s absolutely amazing and he wants the business to succeed,” says Chris. “He’s been a huge help in the transition to get us really off on the right foot.”
The couple’s decision to purchase The Peppermill, located on the busy intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Main Street, the main artery through South Glens Falls to the bridge to Glens Falls, was driven by a desire to be a part of and contribute to the local economy.
“We fell in love with the community here,” says Jenny. “There’s a real sense of togetherness, and we want to be part of that.”
The Peppermill’s menu will continue to feature the existing classic fare, but the new owners plan to introduce seasonal specials and healthier options to cater to a broader range of tastes. They also envision hosting community events and partnering with local businesses to create a vibrant hub for the community.
As the couple settles into their new roles, they are optimistic about the future of The Peppermill.
“We see endless possibilities for this business,” says Chris. “We’re committed to making The Peppermill a place where people can come together to enjoy great food, good company, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.”
The community is eagerly anticipating the new chapter of The Peppermill and is excited to see what the future holds under the leadership of Jenny and Chris Dore.
The Peppermill Family Restaurant is located at 110 Main Street in South Glens Falls.
Their Website is https://peppermillsgf.com/
Jennie Dore Nutrition and Wellness can be reached at https://jenniedore.com/