'Hell's Kitchen' alum sets opening for Warrensburg restaurant

WARRENSBURG, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Billy Trudsoe, who competed on season 21 of the FOX show "Hell's Kitchen" with Gordon Ramsay, is soon opening Lizzie Keays Kitchen & Cocktails in Warrensburg. This is Trudsoe's first restaurant where he is both owner and chef.

A Chestertown native, Trudsoe studied at SUNY Adirondack and has over 25 years of chef experience. He has worked at restaurants throughout the Lake George area, including The Algonquin, Iva and Audie’s Country Diner, Malone Golf Club, and The Garrison.

Trudsoe is currently the executive chef at Basil & Wicks in North Creek, which he reopened with co-owner Jane Peter in January 2023. In April, it was announced that Trudsoe was the new owner of Lizzie Keays and he would be reopening the restaurant.

When he found out Lizzie Keays was up for lease, Trudsoe took a look and fell in love with the space, which includes two dining rooms, a porch, and an outside terrace. Over the past few months, he and his team have worked to revamp the restaurant and make it their own.

Lizzie Keays is set to open to the public on June 19. However, Trudsoe said getting the restaurant open has been stressful as he's still waiting on the liquor permit. He's been working with Senator Dan Stec's office and the New York State Liquor Authority to try and get the permit as soon as possible. Trudsoe hopes to have the liquor permit before Lizzie Keays opens on Wednesday.

"Everything is in the hands of New York State right now," said Trudsoe. "Do we want to open without it? No. My staff have got to feed their families."

Both Lizzie Keays and Basil & Wicks are part of his brand, BTrue’s Mad Flava, which he plans to keep expanding. Trudsoe said he has other projects in the works but can't share any additional details at this time.

As Basil & Wicks is a gastropub, he wanted Lizzie Keays to be an upscale casual restaurant. The menu includes some overlapping signature dishes such as Trudsoe's Black Forest Chicken and BTrue Chicken Wings. Other signature dishes on the Lizzie Keays menu are the Diver Scallops, Mushroom Ravioli, and Clam Chowder. You can view the full menu on the Lizzie Keays website.

Trudsoe was eliminated from "Hell's Kitchen" during the sixth episode of season 21, coming in 14th place. During his time on "Hell's Kitchen," he served Gordon Ramsay his signature Black Forest Chicken.

Even though it's a more upscale restaurant, Trudsoe said there's no dress code for Lizzie Keays. After opening day, the restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can make a reservation on the Open Table website.

"We're just overwhelmed with joy from the feedback and love from the community and surrounding areas," said Trudsoe. "This is the biggest moment of my entire career. It's not reality TV anymore."