It’s the end of March, and my massive space heater is still out and in use.
Let’s daydream about summer, shall we?
Gaffney’s, I’m looking at you — if my logo didn’t give it away, we’re neighbors!
Dispatchers, last week kicked off the iconic Caroline Street venue’s slow-drip release of info.
Let’s take a look at what they’ve done with the place.
— Abby
🫶 Love the Dispatch? Help spread the word by forwarding to a friend.
🍝 Join the Dinner Club (launch is April 8!): Say goodbye to awkward mingling and hello to likeminds.
Gaffney’s update!
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gaffney’s might be serving “blocking you all out” body language, but behind the window blanketing things are popping.
Here’s what we know.
Gaffney’s is planning to re-open before Belmont. Once hoping for an April Grand Opening, the plan is now tentatively scheduled for May.
Based on the videos released on TikTok and reports from eyewitnesses, the new owners — including Scott Grodsky — have done a complete remodel inside.
“We’re revamping,” said the venue’s marketing person, Stephanie Curtis — who is fresh off a decade living in L.A. (but grew up here) — on TikTok. “New menu, new energy, and some really great people.”
Her social media share last week reveals stunning new slate grey banquettes with cushions, bright white plank walls, a kitchen with sleek fixtures and a modern industrial look, other areas with rich red patterned wallpaper and tin ceiling tiles, a hot pink “Bar This Way” neon sign, and a red accent wall leading down the hallway (among other finishing touches).
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Fans have flocked to the Gaffney’s TikTok account — which promised to have fixed the property’s septic issues — to voice their excitement.
“So happy you guys are bringing Gaffneys back!!!” commented one.
“It looks so good guys!!!” echoed another. “Can’t wait for summer in Saratoga🤍.”
“The world’s healing 😭😭🔥🔥🔥,” quipped a third.
On both social media and in meetings with event producers, the crew at Gaffney’s have promised to bring back live music and “all the bands.”
“They have some really cool events planned and want to bring back classy Saratoga,” says Jason Eveleth, founder of Country Bar Takeover, which is planning some major country events for this summer. “It’s an exciting time.”
🏀 Big win
Bolton High School’s boys basketball team took home the school’s first-ever Class D New York state championship for Bolton Landing. They beat out (crushed?) Sackets Harbor (near Watertown) 66-49. Congrats, guys!
🙅♀️ Brush burning ban
Don’t let this weekend’s rain (and snow) trick you into thinking that damp ground means any kind of change to the brush burning ban. It remains in effect until May 14 to prevent wildfires and protect our first responders.
🤝 Saratoga Business Connect
Anyone else feeling like they don’t know enough people in town? I’m going to keep reminding you of events like my Dinner Club (launch is April 8!) and UPH’s Saratoga Business Connect (tomorrow night!) until we’re all friends.
Tomorrow night, from 6 to 9 p.m., Saratoga Business Connect brings all the mingling you could ask for. “It’s a great opportunity for Saratoga County business people to network,” Foster says. “Bring your friends!” Tickets are only $5 bucks and include a drink and raffle ticket for a chance to win 2 tickets to a show. Toss in snacks by Franklin Square Market and two performers, and you’ve got quite the Tuesday night! Buy your ticket online or at the door.
📰 IN BRIEF
Spa State Park has removed 84 trees as part of its $4.4 million Lincoln Baths renovations, reports the Times Union…Stewart’s Shops will have $99 three-day Belmont passes (that’s a hefty 15% discount), and Thoroughbred Daily News has all the details.
🦀 Feeling crabby
Now that’s a showstopper. “From Norway to 15 Church,” the newly revamped restaurant announced on Instagram over the weekend. “Live king crab is available by special request for parties and special occasions with advance notice.”
Apparently, the star crustacean was a bit camera-shy. “This crab is not my friend,” commented photog Victoria Sedefian. In response, the 15 Church account quipped, “He said cut the cameras.”
🍹 National Cocktail Day
National Cocktail Day is tomorrow, and here in Saratoga Springs, the timing couldn’t be better: Winter is finally showing signs of relenting, and spring is popping in with hope and sunny vibes.
But which one to choose?
Abby Will Be Drinking: Nothing against your mom or Sex and the City-era Cosmos, but Market Bar & Restaurant’s Not Your Mom’s Cosmo turns this ‘90s classic into something everyone will want to sip. The blend of vodka, pomegranate, vanilla, lime and rosemary offer an upgrade in complexity and flavor on the beloved pink girly-girl classic, and a turn from basic flavor fun to destination-worth mixology.
Market Bar & Restaurant (55 Railroad Place) is tucked inside the chic Franklin Square Market, one block from Broadway.
Kathleen Will Be Drinking: Sunspill embodies the delight of sunnier days ahead, with a side of day-dreams about beach vacations, and a much-welcome health halo. Served up with great ceremony at Hamlet & Ghost, this bad boy features pineapple rum, lemon, carrot juice, passion fruit and pineapple. The infusion of fruits and veggies with the booze makes me feel like I’m making balanced life choices: fun, with fiber.
Hamlet & Ghost is at 24 Caroline Street.
📌 ICYMI…
Same name, different story: a deep dive into What’s Going on Saratoga’s twinning Facebook groups
🍝 Launch: Dispatch Dinner Club!
Dylan Hinds’ ‘kind of weird’ local celeb turn
🫙 Tip jar
Online companies have overhead! And a girl’s gotta eat. Support of any amount from the community is greatly appreciated.
Never corporate, always local.
Thanks for reading,
— Abby
