Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup
From new business openings, to exciting updates about events, to major community announcements, our Albany NY news roundup has you covered. Check out what's going on in the city and Capital Region!
Troy-Based Vegan Startup Imposter Food Expands Its Reach
![imposter food cheese sticks](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/imposter-food.jpg)
Exciting new developments are happening in Albany’s food scene, especially for vegan lovers. Troy-based startup Imposter Food has recently launched its innovative plant-based products in grocery stores.
The company has stocked its vegan mozzarella sticks, mozzarella shreds, and jalapeño bites in 15 grocery stores and co-ops, with plans to expand to 60 more locations. Key retailers in the Capital Region now offering these products include Honest Weight Food Co-op, Capital Roots, Franklin Square Market in Saratoga, and Niskayuna Co-Op.
Founded in 2020 by Ryan Feiner, Imposter Food addresses a unique niche in the plant-based market. The company’s products are now featured in around 100 restaurants and food service operations, including popular spots like DeFazio’s Pizza, Naughter’s, The Ruck, and Donna’s Italian.
Sales have steadily increased each month, supported by expanding distribution partnerships with U.S. Foods, Black River Produce, and others, aiming to saturate the East Coast market.
Imposter Food plans to expand its reach into major markets like Boston and New York City. Feiner is also set to maintain a consistent presence at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market and is collaborating with Lidia’s Empanadas to develop a vegan empanada product featuring Imposter Food cheese.
With these strategic initiatives, Imposter Food is poised to become a staple in the vegan food market in Albany and beyond.
Source: Bizjournals.com
Blend & Brew in Downtown Albany Celebrates Grand Opening
![Six people with scissors holding a ribbon for a ribbon cutting ceremony](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/Blend-and-Brew-Ribbon-Cutting.jpg)
Blend & Brew, a juice bar located in the Omni Building at 54 State Street, hosted its grand opening ribbon-cutting on July 31. The juice bar initially opened its doors with its soft opening back in May.
The shop offers fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, acai bowls, sales, coffee, snacks, and more. The menu options provide fresh ingredients and a fresh new experience for customers.
Owner Samer Akhed has owned and operated juice bars in New York City for over 30 years before settling in Albany and opening Blend & Brew.
Blend & Brew is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Stop by and see what it has to offer!
Source: News 10 abc
Nerdy By Nature Host Grand Opening in Troy After Relocating From Crossgates Mall
![Black storefront labeled Nerdy By Nature with various window displays](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/Nerdy-by-nature-storefront.jpg)
Nerdy By Nature, the Capital Region's only metaphysical and curiosities shop, celebrated its Grand Opening in Troy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 2. The shop reopened after having relocated from Crossgates Mall to this new Troy location at 99 Ferry St.
In an interview with News 10 ABC, co-owner Matty Dwyer said that this new location will help to create a "way more fully realized version" of what they were able to do in the Crossgates Mall location.
The shop sells unique products, including bone art, obscure art, crystals, high-end bone jewelry, and much more. The one-of-a-kind shop is inclusive and encourages anyone and everyone to stop in and see what it has to offer.
The shop is open from Wednesday to Sunday and has varying daily hours.
Source: News 10 ABC
Discover the Magic of the Autumn Glow Festival at Mabee Farm
![dragon, bird, cloud, and ball shaped chinese lanterns glowing in the dark sky](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/autumn-glow-fest.jpg)
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of enchanting light and cultural wonder at the Autumn Glow Festival! From September 6th to November 3rd, Schenectady will host this magical event, bringing the vibrant traditions of Chinese lantern festivals to the Capital Region.
With over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, each one tells a unique story, showcasing the artistry of skilled artisans with over 20 years of experience.
The Autumn Glow Festival offers a captivating night walk with lanterns illuminated by modern LED lights. Crafted with traditional Chinese silk cloth and steel wire, the lanterns transform the Mabee Farm Historic Site into a whimsical wonderland.
Beyond the stunning lantern displays, the festival promises a variety of activities to satisfy every visitor.
Enjoy live performances, savor seasonal food and drinks, and let the little ones jump to their hearts’ content in the bounce house. Don’t miss the sugar painting demonstrations, dinosaur rides, and the lighted scarecrow competition featuring creations from local artists.
This unforgettable experience is perfect for families and friends looking for a memorable fall outing. The festival runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with the last entrance at 9:00 PM. Please note that there are blackout dates on select Saturdays.
Tickets can be purchased at autumnglowfestival.com.
Source: Mabee Farms Historic Site
Mannix Marketing Earns Spot on US Search Awards Shortlist for eCommerce PPC Excellence
![PPC notepad next to a computer keyboard](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/PPC-Image.jpg)
Mannix Marketing, which manages Albany.com and other regional tourism websites, is excited to announce that it has been nominated for the US Search Awards shortlist in the “Best Use of Search – Retail/eCommerce (PPC)” category.
This recognition highlights the successful Google Ads campaign executed for Rejuva Minerals, a leading US-based clean beauty brand.
Since 2013, Mannix Marketing has earned four US Search Awards and been shortlisted an outstanding 12 times. The team is thrilled to have another chance to win at this year’s October ceremony.
Rejuva Minerals Campaign Highlights
The Mannix Marketing team—Shannon McNeal, Alexis Connor, Sasha Matejka, and Daniel Rahimzadeh—worked closely with Rejuva Minerals to increase traffic and sales in the competitive beauty market. The results speak for themselves:
- 6.7:1 ROAS with Google Ads
- 750K Ad Impressions
- $120K in Revenue from Ads
Senior Digital Marketing Strategist Shannon McNeal shared, "I am thrilled about the possibility of winning a US Search Award, and above all, I am happy that we could drive great results and make a positive impact on their business with our Google Ads campaign.”
Mannix Marketing looks forward to the award ceremony on October 30th and is proud to continue delivering exceptional campaigns.
Innovative Cannabis and Nail Salon Combo Opens in Schenectady
![green nails and cannabis](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/8/cussin-nails.jpg)
Schenectady has welcomed a unique and innovative business with the opening of the nation’s first combined cannabis dispensary and nail salon.
Cussin’s Cannabis and Nail Salon, founded by Cori Rodriguez, officially opened its doors on August 16 at its new location at 2075 Central Avenue, following a move from its previous spot on Jay Street.
Rodriguez, who has nurtured her business for the past five years, has now expanded to include cannabis offerings alongside her salon services. She describes the new establishment as more than just a place to get your nails done or purchase cannabis but as a “sanctuary for the mind and spirit,” where luxury and relaxation meet.
The dispensary features a curated selection of adult-use THC products sourced from New York State, with a special emphasis on supporting minority and women-led farms and cultivators.
The grand opening event on August 16 included an outdoor celebration, music by DJ TruMastr, giveaways, and a preview of the salon’s offerings. Cussin’s Cannabis and Nail Salon is now fully open and ready to serve the community with its blend of services.
Source: News10
Duncan’s Dairy Bar Celebrates Inclusion in State’s Historic Business Registry
![Behind the counter at Duncan's Dairy Bar on Hoosick Road (Route 7) in Troy are, from left to right, Carl Stowell Jr., John Squadrito and Jack Duncan, all grandsons of restaurant owner John Duncan, and Margaret Wagar, Duncan's daughter.](https://cdn.securem2.com/commonimages/pages/2024/7/duncans.jpg)
Duncan’s Dairy Bar in Brunswick has been honored with a place on the state’s Historic Business Preservation Registry. Established in 1939 on Route 7, just beyond the Troy city limits, Duncan’s has been a cherished part of the Capital Region for 85 years.
The local eatery began as an ice cream stand and expanded in the mid-1950s to serve hot dogs and sandwiches. Eventually, it grew into a full-service diner known for opening its doors at 4 a.m. daily.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation oversees the registry and has praised Duncan’s for its longstanding commitment to the community. Now operated by the third generation of its founding family, Duncan’s remains a cornerstone of the region.
To be eligible for the designation, businesses must have been open for at least 50 years and made significant contributions to their community's history.
Duncan’s Dairy Bar joins 10 other distinguished restaurants and food businesses in the greater Capital Region recognized for their historical significance.
Source: Timesunion.com