By Rod Bacon

Since the 1930s, eateries designed to resemble railroad dining cars that feature shiny chrome interiors have been beacons for people seeking comfort food in small towns and big cities across the country.

Two area establishments built in the style of these classic diners are owned by Bob Pilarinos; the Ambrosia Diner in Queensbury and the Capital City Diner in Albany.  Both were fabricated by the DeRaffele Manufacturing Company of New Rochelle, N.Y., which has been designing and erecting diners since 1933.

The family-owned business was launched when Bob’s father, Dennis Pilarinos, opened the Columbia Diner in 1984. He sold that establishment and later opened the Capital City Diner, the Ambrosia Diner in Catskill, the Plaza Diner in Hudson, and finally the Ambrosia Diner in Queensbury. He passed away in February 2024 but the family continues to operate two of his establishments. Bob explained that while the family still owns the other two they are operated by others.

He attributes the success of the enterprise to the fact that diners are convenient and  offer a wider menu selection than traditional restaurants.

“You can get anything you want at any time of day” he said. “Parents might want a full dinner while the kids want pancakes, and we can accommodate that. There is also the ‘nostalgia factor’ among older patrons. They love the look and feel of the traditional diners.” 

Operating the pair of diners is a true family affair. In addition to Bob, his wife Alaina helps out at the Queensbury site and his sister and her husband, Tina and Saki Tyrnas, run the day-to-day operation of the Capital City Diner.

By Paul Post

The wait is over!

Nine years ago, the City of Glens Falls applied for a potentially game-changing $10 million state grant to revitalize downtown.

Money came through a year later and in October 2023, following pandemic-related delays, workers broke ground on a new market center, part one of a huge multi-phase effort to transform South Street. On Friday, May 16, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate opening of the Events Downtown Center, nicknamed “The Ed” in honor of the late Ed Bartholomew, the Warren County Economic Development Corporation leader, whose driving force made the project possible.

“This property in 2016 was the definition of downtrodden,” Mayor Bill Collins said. “A jumble of rundown buildings, garbage in a parking lot, no residents. Hot Shots was closed, had been abandoned and stripped of all its copper plumbing by vandals. Sandy’s was on its last operating legs and, of course, the so-called incubator building had been closed for over two decades. Look at how far we’ve come.”

“Who would have ever believed we would ever have been here amidst all of this progress today? Ed Bartholomew that’s who,” Collins said. “He painted the vision with Mayor (Jack) Diamond, shared the vision with the community, worked with Mayor (Dan) Hall to build forward momentum. After his (Bartholomew’s) untimely death, a coalition of citizens was brought together to continue that progress. Thank God that they did.”

One of the center’s primary tenants, Glens Falls Farmers Market, will hold its first event there from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 7 with a variety of special activities.

Revolution Rail Co. has kicked off its 2025 season with the reopening of its three Adirondack rail biking locations in North Creek, Hadley and Thurman.The company, founded in 2017, offers scenic rail biking excursions along historic railroad tracks. Riders travel across bridges, alongside rivers and through Adirondack forests on custom-built, pedal-powered rail bikes. Each location offers a different route and landscape, attracting families, couples and group outings throughout the region.

Revolution Rail’s popular “Rails to Sails” package, a joint venture with the Lake George Steamboat Company. The experience includes a rail biking tour paired with a sightseeing cruise on Lake George. New this season is the reverse option, “Sails to Rails,” which begins with a lake cruise and transitions to a ride from the Hadley station.

“At Rev Rail, we’re all about creating memorable experiences that help people feel good and unplug,” said Robert Harte, CEO of Revolution Rail Co. “We’re thrilled to partner again with the Lake George Steamboat Company—an institution that’s been offering cruises for over 200 years.”

The Saratoga Regional YMCA (SRYMCA) is proud to announce the public launch of its Capital Campaign to revitalize and reimagine the Glens Falls Branch—one of the community’s most cherished gathering spaces for over 130 years.

With a goal of raising $5.5 million, this ambitious campaign will breathe new life into the aging facility, ensuring it continues to serve thousands of families, children, and individuals—while expanding our capacity to welcome even more in the years ahead. Planned renovations include modernized locker rooms, enhanced wellness areas, essential infrastructure upgrades, and the addition of an exciting new indoor youth climbing center.

“This building has been a cornerstone of health, connection, and community spirit in Glens Falls for over a century,” said Paul Bricoccoli, Chair of the Glens Falls YMCA Capital Campaign Committee and former Board Member. “Now it’s time to give it the care and investment it deserves—so it can continue to serve today’s families and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.”

The campaign’s momentum is already strong, thanks to a generous $500,000 lead gift from longtime Y supporters Bill and Susan Dake. The Charles R. Wood Foundation has also stepped up with a $250,000 matching grant, challenging the community to rise to the occasion and double the impact of every gift.

Major early supporters include Adirondack Trust, Arrow Bank, Della Auto Group, Hudson River Community Credit Union, Kathleen and Dan Grasmeder, Nemer Auto Group, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, The Glens Falls Foundation, and The Sandy Hill Foundation.

With 30% of the goal already raised, the Saratoga Regional YMCA is calling on the community to help close the gap. Whether it’s $25 or $25,000, every donation brings us one step closer to a brighter future for Glens Falls.

The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) has announced the selection of Heather McDaniel as chief economic development officer. This key position, which reports to CEG’s president and CEO Mark Eagan, is responsible for development and implementation of strategies and initiatives to drive regional economic growth and broad-based prosperity.

McDaniel has more than 20 years of experience in economic and community development. She most recently served as president of Ithaca (NY) Area Economic Development. She has served the organization for 18 years. McDaniel was hired as an Empire Zone coordinator in 2007, becoming director of economic development services in 2008, and vice president in 2014. She served as president for the last seven years. Prior to Ithaca, she worked in cooperative housing and redevelopment in New York City and began her career with Cushman Wakefield in Los Angeles.

“Heather brings balanced experience as a collaborative and results-oriented economic development leader,” said Mark Eagan, president and CEO, Center for Economic Growth. “She joins a strong team, which positions us well as we advance strategies to help the Capital Region realize its true economic potential.”

“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey at CEG and contribute to the advancement and development of the Capital Region,” said McDaniel. “I look forward to working with the team and stakeholders to ignite a dynamic and prosperous economic future.”

After a decade of serving delicious, award-winning pizza, The Pizza Shop in Warrensburg is excited to announce its rebranding to Canepa’s Pizza Shop, effective March 18. The new name reflects the Canepa family’s legacy and deep roots in the community.

The ownership, led by Giovanni and Maggie Canepa, remains unchanged, and customers can expect the same high-quality pizza they’ve come to love since the restaurant’s opening in December 2014. The name change simply adds a personal touch to the business that has become a local favorite.

“We want our customers to know that while we’re changing the name, everything else remains the same,” said Giovanni Canepa, co-owner. “Our focus is still on providing the best pizza and a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the amazing team we have, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of our staff.”

Canepa’s Pizza Shop has earned widespread recognition, including multiple “Best of the Region” awards and an appearance on the Rachael Ray Show. Known for its fresh ingredients and traditional methods, the pizzeria continues to be a standout in the area.

“This name change is a celebration of the past 10 years and the support we’ve received from the community,” said Maggie Canepa. “We’re excited to continue this journey and look forward to the future.”