Summer 2009
As the Summer season reaches its “peak”, I am drawn once again to the subject of volunteerism and the people who choose this role as a part of their daily lives. Its around us in so many ways, large and small, and summertime is especially when it seems to be most obvious.
Lake Ridge Restaurant
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Lake Ridge Restaurant co-owners Bob McKenna and Chef Scott Ringwood offer a crafted menu that will be pleasing to everyone from filets to seafood, to salads, and homemade soup using the previous establishment, Sweet Nothings’, recipes. We have mouth watering appetizers, sandwiches, fish, pasta, chicken entrees, and home made desserts. Scott brings award winning dishes and some of the areas best creativity in lunch and dinner menus. Both owners guarantee the highest quality, the freshest ingredients, and the most generous portions at very competitive prices.
Bob and Scott got to know each other when Scott was working for the Old Dater Tavern. When Scott left there, Bob asked him to consider becoming partners in a new place. Bob McKenna says “We looked for two years for our own place somewhere between Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs. We were invited to take a look at Sweet Nothings’, formerly home to a bakery, a sweet shop, a luncheon restaurant and before that, a butcher and general store. The location fit the goal and the Lake Ridge Restaurant was formed.”
Scott says the idea of owning a restaurant was “a dream come true.”
Q. Are you known for anything special?
The Lake Ridge features exceptional cuisine at moderate prices as well as friendly, attentive service. We offer first rate Continental fare in an intimate dining setting, homemade soups and desserts, as well as unadvertised nightly specials.
We also host showers and engagement parties. Long-time manager Diana Murphy says “we don’t do banquets or standard banquet meals. Every meal we serve here is individually ordered and prepared.”
Q. What do you like most about your business?
Our repeat clientele and regulars who have come to be part of the dining experience we offer. We’ve worked together for years and function as a family, with pride in the quality of our fare and friendly, attentive service
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Assuring our new customers that fine dining doesn’t have to be overpriced to be superior. We are happy that folks have discovered the Lake Ridge Restaurant experience as something that can be enjoyed regularly.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Two things: Every month, on the fourth Friday, we have a special wine tasting event at our bar from 5:30 – 7:30pm out of our three dining areas, the largest of our dining rooms can be closed for private events.
Q. Anything else?
We are always offering something different and new! We are please to be known as “A Fine Establishment With Equal Measures of Good Food, Good Drink & Good Company”.
Business Owner Names:
Bob McKenna and Scott Ringwood
General Manager: Diana Murphy
Business Name: Lake Ridge Restaurant
Address: 35 Burlington Ave., Round Lake
Phone: 899-6000
Website: www.lake-ridge.com
Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/Lake-Ridge-Restaurant
Brookside Museum
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Brookside Museum (home of the Saratoga County Historical Society) was formed by a group of devoted citizens in the 1970s. We care for historic artifacts, offer exhibits and education programs, and provide a number of other community services. As a not-for-profit organization, the funds we raise through events, programs, and fundraisers go directly into education programs we offer to thousands of local children and adults.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
Brookside is known for many special things! The building we operate out of is special because, at 217 years, it’s among the oldest in the area. Each of the thousands of historic artifacts we collect and care for are special because they tell the story of Saratoga County. And, of course, the programs we offer are special because they teach thousands of school children and visitors about Saratoga County’s rich history.
Q. What do you like most about your business?
The best days at Brookside are the days we make a difference in someone’s life. When kids attend our Sheep to Shawl program and learn about the process of making sheep wool into a sweater, they get so excited learning about a historic craft. Many adults who visit us today remember attending that program 30 years ago — and there’s nothing better than knowing that an experience we give to a child today will stay with that child into adulthood.
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Other than raising money for our not-for-profit organization, Brookside’s greatest challenge is getting locals to come visit. While it is true that most people tend not to visit the museums located in towns they live in, Brookside would like to change that in Saratoga County. Our goal is to have every resident visit the museum at least once — either through a school program, to browse exhibits, or to shop for local goods in our Gift Shop.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
We’d like the community to know that we are a welcoming place for all members of the community, and we invite you visit us.
Q. Anything else?
Brookside is online at www.brooksidemuseum.org. Check out our new site! You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Name: Joy Houle, Executive Director
Business Name: Brookside Museum (Saratoga County Historical Society)
Address: 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: 518-885-4000
Email: info@brooksidemuseum.org
Website: www.brooksidemuseum.org
