Glens Falls Business Journal
By Ann Donnelly
A historic stretch of South Street is buzzing with new life following a major renovation project by developer Chris Patten. The newly restored building at 46-56 South St. is now home to five distinct local businesses, representing a significant milestone in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Glens Falls.
From a vintage-inspired general store and a high-visibility hair salon to a boutique clothing merchant, an upcoming neighborhood tavern and an upscale wine and whiskey bar, these storefronts are bringing diverse offerings and foot traffic to a block that was vacant for years.
Katy’s Wine & Whiskey Bar (46 South St.)
Since its July 11 opening, Katy’s Wine and Whiskey Bar at 46 South St. has seen strong community support and a high volume of repeat business. Co-owner Katy Foster, who operates the establishment with Bill Dingman and executive chef Colin Miner, expressed gratitude for the local reception.
“The amount of repeat customers we’ve welcomed in just one month has been truly heartwarming,” Foster said. She also praised the staff’s dedication during the launch phase, noting that they have already become a close-knit group while working through the initial kinks of a new dinner service.
Foster admitted she never anticipated operating on this block but has embraced the area’s rapid development. “Downtown Glens Falls is a true gem, and with the amount of new housing happening right here on South Street, it really feels like its own little mini city within a city,” she said. She credited her husband, developer Chris Patten, for his role in transforming the neighborhood.
Hometown Shop (48 South St.)
The block’s retail lineup includes Hometown Shop at 48 South St., which opened April 18. Owned by Kara Magoolaghan and her husband, Matt Rafferty, the idea for the shop was born after Magoolaghan saw the commercial listing through Realized Brokers, the real estate agency where Rafferty works. “The space found me before I knew what I was going to do with it,” Magoolaghan said, noting the need for personality in the new apartments nearby.
Magoolaghan, an engineer and lawyer, has created a cozy, vintage-inspired space selling high-quality paints, wallpaper, home goods and gifts. It also houses Vintage Purrfect, a curated vintage clothing business run by shop manager Rachel McMurtry. The shop builds community through events such as tea parties, scrapbooking workshops and puzzle-solving gatherings. Saturday mornings are especially busy as the shop welcomes crowds from the nearby farmers market. Hometown Shop will host a Balloon Fest pop-up event at the Golden Monkey on Sept. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring themed merchandise and a special cocktail.
Tease Salon and Beauty Bar (50 South St.)
Tease Salon and Beauty Bar relocated to 50 South St. after eight years in South Glens Falls. Owner MeLinda Stanley sought greater visibility, which has paid off with a 20% increase in business due to heavy vehicle and foot traffic. “Being more visible has been a big help,” Stanley said, noting they have retained old clients while gaining new ones from nearby apartments.
The salon employs six stylists and offers a full range of hair and beauty services. To accommodate clients, the salon successfully worked with the mayor to extend street parking limits to three hours. Tease Salon is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Floro’s Mercantile (52 South St.)
Floro’s Mercantile, which opened in May 2026 at 52 South St., has deep historical roots on the block. Owner Ali Gazetos Mineo is the great-granddaughter of Floro, founder of the legendary New Way Lunch. The boutique sits in the exact footprint where the original restaurant operated for 86 years.
Gazetos Mineo curated a mix of timeless basics and trendy apparel, ranging from denim jackets to luxury handbags. “I think it’s something fun that I enjoy, and I think it’s something that is needed downtown,” Mineo said. The boutique also hosts private shopping events and maintains hours throughout the week, including late evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.
Judd’s Tavern (54 South St.)
The final piece of the development is Judd’s Tavern at 54 South St., owned by Judd Gershen. While awaiting final permits, Gershen expects to open in September. Interior preparations, including kitchen equipment installation and dining room trim work, are nearing completion. “I’m really looking forward to adding to the great things already happening in Glens Falls,” Gershen said.
The completion of the 46-56 South St. building has established a cluster of complementary businesses that work together to draw customers down the street. Business owners anticipate even greater momentum as adjacent residential projects, such as the 70-unit South Street Apartments, prepare for completion in winter 2026-27.