FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
\nDate: July 15, 2022
\nContact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Officer, (518) 891-6200,
\naschwartzberg@adirondack.org<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on July 20<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Saranac Lake, N.Y. \u2014 The Belvedere Restaurant property \u2014 a Saranac Lake landmark that has been
\nowned and operated by the Cavallo Family for nearly 90 years \u2014 has transitioned to new ownership.
\nRepresenting the next generation of forward-looking local entrepreneurs, Chrissie Wais and John Levy
\nhave taken the helm at the historic business.<\/p>\n
The ownership transition marks a new chapter for the Belvedere, which originally served as a boarding
\nhouse before the restaurant opened in 1933. To commemorate the occasion, the new owners, the
\nSaranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (SLACC) and the Adirondack North Country Association
\n(ANCA) and the Center for Businesses in Transition (CBIT), invite the community for a ribbon cutting
\nceremony and \u201cBusiness After Hours\u201d event on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the
\nrestaurant.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know this community really well. I\u2019ve lived here and worked in hospitality since 2002. Front of
\nthe house, back of the house, opening previous restaurants as both an owner and chef, and then starting
\na food and beverage consulting business,\u201d said Levy.<\/p>\n
Even though the current economic environment with high inflation was not in his original projections,
\nLevy said \u201cthe timing was right to do something like this.\u201d Levy has made updates to the restaurant\u2019s
\nofferings including weekly specials, an upgraded menu, a new point of sale system and additional staff.
\nThe couple sees significant opportunities for growth due to the property\u2019s adjoining acreage, proximity
\nto the new rail trail and easy access to outdoor experiences and downtown events.<\/p>\n
Previously unknown to each other, they came together thanks to a mutual friend and established a
\nbusiness model that maintains their independence and utilizes their strengths. Levy owns and operates
\nthe restaurant, and Wais owns and manages the property.<\/p>\n
Wais said she has loved hospitality ever since her first job serving snacks at the Enchanted Forest Water
\nSafari in Old Forge at age 15. In her career in fundraising, she has appreciated the important role
\nrestaurants play in \u201cbringing people together in special ways.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I decided to relocate full time to the area in 2020 and started looking at properties, I was looking
\nfor options that represented an active part of the community I loved, where I grew up spending my
\nsummers hiking, fishing, canoeing, camping and, of course, eating. This seemed like a perfect fit,\u201d Wais
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Over the last two years, Wais and Levy accessed local business support services and resources through
\nSLACC and CBIT, including matchmaking opportunities that connect aspiring business owners with
\navailable businesses. SLACC Executive Director Rachel Karp is one of 13 CBIT community liaisons across
\nthe North Country who are trained to support businesses through the ownership transition process.
\n\u201cSLACC has been supportive beyond all expectations,\u201d said Wais. \u201cOur community is lucky to have a
\nvibrant, active chamber under Rachel\u2019s capable leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chamber is proud to support business ownership transitions and continue our collaboration with
\nANCA and the Center for Businesses in Transition,\u201d said Karp. \u201cThis program and the resources it
\nprovides are supporting businesses in many ways and truly having a positive impact. We are excited to
\ncelebrate Chrissie and John, their hard work and their bright future with the Saranac Lake community.\u201d
\n\u201cPeople don\u2019t often see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into a business transition,\u201d said ANCA
\nExecutive Director Elizabeth Cooper. \u201cChrissie and John have already put two years of work and capital
\ninto this venture.\u201d She said the two have worked hard to develop their respective business plans,
\nnavigate state and local agencies, create a professional services team, access licensing, secure financing
\nand more.<\/p>\n
\u201cANCA, the Center for Businesses in Transition and our partners look forward to sharing more success
\nstories like the Belvedere\u2019s,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cAnd we continue to work together to develop opportunities
\nthat empower new business owners and reduce barriers to purchasing an existing business.\u201d
\nOther local connections inspired Wais and Levy to pursue the business venture. Terry Kent, a former Lake
\nPlacid resident and Olympian who worked with Wais at Cornell University, introduced her to Lee Keet, a
\nlong-time advocate for the development of the rail trail from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake. Keet\u2019s insight
\nabout the multi-use recreational trail and its economic potential for local businesses helped Wais and
\nLevy develop forward-thinking business plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rail trail will be a game changer for downtown businesses,\u201d said Keet, who has long touted the
\neconomic benefits of rail trails for local economies. \u201cJohn and Chrissie are in a great position to lead the
\nBelvedere during this exciting time for Saranac Lake businesses. I look forward to gathering there with
\nfriends and family for years to come and watching how this business develops along the way.\u201d
\nThe ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the Belvedere Restaurant at 102 Bloomingdale Avenue,
\nSaranac Lake on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event, which is part of SLACC\u2019s
\nBusiness After Hours series, is open to the public.<\/p>\n
Attendees are encouraged to register for planning purposes at www.slareachamber.org or
\nwww.slareachamber.org\/event-details\/ribbon-cutting-celebration-and-business-after-hours-at-the-belvedere.<\/p>\n
Attached: one (1) PDF and one (1) photo<\/p>\n
Photo: Chrissie Wais and John Levy are the new owners of the Belvedere Property and Restaurant in
\nSaranac Lake.<\/p>\n
The Center for Businesses in Transition partnership includes the following organizations:
\nANCA is an independent nonprofit organization growing the New Economy in northern New York. Using an
\nintegrated approach to sustainable economic development and prosperity where economic health, community
\nvitality and ecological stewardship are equally important outcomes, ANCA focuses on creating opportunity for
\npeople with diverse backgrounds, experience and education levels.<\/p>\n
The Adirondack Economic Development Corporation Inc. (AEDC) is a not-for-profit economic development
\ncorporation. AEDC was formed in 1976 as a cooperative effort of community leaders from towns in the northern
\nAdirondacks to reduce traditionally higher than average levels of unemployment and to expand employment
\nopportunities for the residents of the region. The AEDC\u2019s mission is to foster the growth of North Country
\ncommunities through support for existing and new small businesses.<\/p>\n
The Essex County Industrial Development Agency\u2019s (ECIDA) mission is to create a viable business environment that
\nwill attract compatible and diverse sustainable economic development opportunities focusing on major assets,
\nretention\/expansion and attraction projects for public benefit to encourage business development and advance job
\nopportunities, health, general prosperity and economic conditions to improve the standard of living and quality of
\nlife. They can provide assistance to eligible projects; financing, economic incentives, assistance with local regulatory
\nagencies and building and site location assistance.<\/p>\n
The Franklin County Economic Development exists to improve the quality of life in the Franklin County region by
\nsupporting economic growth, employment and community development. FCED offers a broad range of services to
\nhelp local businesses expand and succeed. From loans and tax incentives, to technical assistance, to buildings and
\nbusiness parks, we\u2019re here to help grow local business.<\/p>\n
Hamilton County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Hamilton County Industrial
\nDevelopment Agency (HCIDA): HCIDA assists with the general prosperity and economic welfare of the citizens of
\nHamilton County. The primary objective of the agency is to encourage and foster entrepreneurial activity, business
\nexpansion and job creation. The Economic Development and Tourism Department advocates, promotes and helps
\nto improve the quality of life in our communities both for our residents and our visitors. We help to foster the
\ndevelopment of healthy businesses and institutions through marketing, networking, promotion, business
\nassistance and outreach.<\/p>\n
Lewis County Economic Development and IDA, as a one-stop-shop, work together as the central office to provide
\nbusiness assistance and new business development in Lewis County, NY. The agency works locally and regionally to
\nenhance business opportunities, help create jobs and maintain economic stability within Lewis County. Through the
\nNaturally Lewis brand, we promote Lewis County as the ‘natural choice’ to live, work and do business.
\nThe St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. plays a pivotal role in strengthening and maintaining the
\neconomic health of St. Lawrence County. The mission of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is to
\ncultivate, develop and support Chamber members and other businesses by creating a vibrant business climate that
\nencourages growth and enhances the unique quality of life in St. Lawrence County.
\nThe Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (SLACC) acts as a catalyst for business and community development
\nin the Greater Saranac Lake Area. SLACC provides services for its membership and generates economic
\ndevelopment with promotional and marketing strategies.<\/p>\n
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is a non-profit organization that serves, markets and
\npromotes the Ticonderoga Area including Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Hague, Moriah and Putnam, NY. TACC serves
\nas the areas Business and Visitor Center. TACC\u2019s Mission is to initiate and provide programs, services and leadership
\nwhich will enhance a cooperative business community and create a vibrant economy, making the Ticonderoga Area
\nan exceptional place to live, work and visit. TACC\u2019s Vision is to be the leading advocate for business, serving as a
\ndriving force in the economic vitality of the greater Ticonderoga Area, uniting communities and maximizing
\nresources. TACC’s key areas of focus include: membership, business, tourism, communication, leadership and
\norganization.<\/p>\n
The SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a statewide network of business assistance
\ncenters supported by the State University of New York and the Small Business Administration. The New York State
\nSBDC (NY SBDC) is accredited by America\u2019s Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). The SBDC is charged with
\nassisting North Country entrepreneurs, small business, and industry through advising, training, and research.
\nAdditionally, the SBDC provides needed services to manufacturers, women, veterans, minority, and physically
\nchallenged individuals, or on businesses impacting distressed and targeted areas. Counseling services are free and
\nconfidential.<\/p>\n
The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce (GWNC) is a membership organization with over
\n100 years of experience working to strengthen business and enhance the community in the Greater Watertown \u2013
\nNorth Country region. Since its establishment in 1903, the chamber has grown to become the largest business
\nassociation in the North Country. They represent businesses of varying sizes and industries, helping them to drive
\ngrowth and make meaningful connections.
\n###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 15, 2022 Contact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Officer, (518) 891-6200, aschwartzberg@adirondack.org New Owners Take the Helm at Iconic Belvedere Restaurant Property Ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on July 20 Saranac Lake, N.Y. \u2014 The Belvedere Restaurant property \u2014 a Saranac Lake landmark that has been owned and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5790","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n