There is no type of news I would rather read about than food news, especially when it involves so many great things happening in the Capital Region! It’s been a big week in the food world, Albany. Several new dining options are planning to open their doors in the area, local business owners are expanding and a sought-after food chain is testing the Albany market.

Recently Opened
We’ve Been Patiently Waiting…
Sonic! Finally! Those who had been waiting for years after being teased by commercials lined up this past Monday to get their first bite of Sonic in Latham. Those driving by the location on Troy-Schenectady Road the past few days during the “soft” opening said it drew a large crowd with two Colonie police officers directing traffic that wrapped around the building. It has also been confirmed that a second location is opening on Hoosick Street in Troy.
On the Horizon
Life’s Too Short to Drink Bad Wine
So they say, at least! And if that is the case, it’s a good thing Twisted Vine Wine and Tap is opening its doors in Delmar on July 8th or 9th. The wine bar will be open for dinner hours and feature seasonal menus featuring small plates, appetizers and desserts (the owners also own Make Me a Cake Next Door, a few buildings away.) There will also be 27 wines by the glass, 85 wines by the bottle and a large selection of craft beer available. Dan Casey, one of the three owners told us, “We are excited to share this new venture.”
Surprise! It’s a Pop-Up Bar!
Albany Distilling Co., will open its first pop-up bar location at a storefront in Troy for special events only. The first pop-up bar event will take place on July 11th, after the Troy Pig Out. Other news from Albany Distilling, their vodka, appropriately named ALB is hitting the shelves this Wednesday!
Tacos, Graffiti & More
All of the above will be featured at Ama Cocina, a new upscale-casual Mexican restaurant aiming to open at the end of July. The restaurant will a feature modern menu including Mexican and Spanish street food with a twist. Jessica Evans, the manager has added several unique interior features to match the theme of street food including a graffiti mural, a retractable garage door for outside seating, and more.
Even Further on the Horizon
A Little Bit of the South in Albany
Chick-fil-A is currently researching sites in the Albany market, but no word yet on whether or not a future location can be confirmed. The chain is known for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and special sauce that are scattered throughout southern parts of the country.
Sources:
Albany Business Review – Chick-fil-A on the hunt for its first in Albany
Albany Business Review – Mexican restaurant coming to downtown Albany