There are a lot of new businesses to check out in Albany and the Capital Region, including a coffee shop, a pet boutique, and a West African arts and crafts store. Learn more about them and other local happenings and events below.
Discover Your Newest Hangout Spot at Café con Mel
Located in the heart of Cohoes, Café con Mel is a new minority- and woman-owned coffee shop that offers specialty coffee, breakfast and lunch items, scratch-made baked goods, and a selection of retail products. They hosted a soft opening on Wednesday, March 17, and will officially open after a ribbon cutting on Friday, March 19. Visit their Facebook page for the latest updates!
A Pawsome Pet Store Has Recently Opened on Lark Street
Take a stroll down Lark Street with your furry friend and check out Albany’s newest pet store – Barks on Lark! This is a small dog boutique that carries treats, seasonal dog cookies, grooming supplies, leashes, collars, and more; they also sell some cat supplies. They are open to the public on Tuesday – Friday, 11:00am-5:00pm, and Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm.
Read About the Latest Openings at Crossgates Mall
Dave & Buster’s at Crossgates Mall has finally started to reopen to the public. On Monday, March 15, the entertainment and dining venue reopened for indoor dining, and on Friday, March 26, they will reopen their Million Dollar Midway (arcade and video games). New safety protocols will be in place, and masks are required to be worn by guests.
In addition, a new store called West Africa Treasures has opened at Crossgates Mall. They offer a wide array of handmade, one-of-a-kind items such as jewelry, bags, clothing, instruments, and home décor. You can find them on the lower level across from the Apple store.
Support Schenectady County Restaurants During March Madness
Throughout the entire month of March, Discover Schenectady is presenting a “SchenectadEATS March Madness” promotion.
To show some love to local businesses, they are asking diners to spend a minimum of $20.21 (dine-in or takeout) at a Schenectady County restaurant to be entered to win a $50 gift card for a Schenectady County restaurant of your choice. Winners are chosen every Monday during the promotion, and a grand prize will be awarded on April 5. Full details are available online: https://www.discoverschenectady.com/restaurants-nightlife/schenectadeats-march-madness/
Explore Upcoming Events & Ice Cream Shop Openings:
- Virtual Times Union Home Expo: Friday, March 19 – Sunday, March 21
- Opening Day: Guptill’s Ice Cream: Saturday, March 20
- Maple Open House at Crosstown Maple: Saturday, March 20 – Sunday, March 21
- Make It Up State’s The Marketplace: Sunday, March 21
- MATT NAKOA: Open For Take-Out Virtual Concert Series: Monday, March 22 – Tuesday, March 23
- Opening Day at Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In: Thursday, March 25
See the full Albany events calendar >>
