Slick's in Schenectady getting new owners as Naumoffs retire (again)

After 50 years, Slick’s Restaurant & Tavern in Schenectady is closing its doors for good this time. Owners Michael and Barbara Naumoff are officially retiring.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- After almost 50 years, Michael and Barbara Naumoff, the owners of Slick’s Restaurant & Tavern in Schenectady, are retiring. However, the tavern is staying open under new ownership.

Slick's originally closed in September 2022 so the Naumoffs could retire after 48 years. However, it didn’t work out that way. The restaurant reopened with the same owners in September 2023 after being closed for a year.

Michael Naumoff told NEWS10 that the Slick's liquor license was valid through September 2024, which is why they decided to reopen. That, and he and his wife missed the restaurant and its customers.

Slick’s first opened its doors in 1974 at 127 South Ferry Street in the Stockade neighborhood. "For almost 50 years, it’s never been a job," said Michael Naumoff. "It’s never been work. That’s why we stayed so long."

Naumoff said this is the likely their official retirement as they sold the business to the new owners, Andrew and Maureen Ottati. The restaurant's last day with the Naumoffs is set for Wednesday, July 31.

Slick's will likely be closed until September or October as the Ottatis take over, said Naumoff. This is, in part, due to some of the "grandfather clauses" with the New York State Health Department expiring. The restaurant will need a new refrigerator and dishwasher.

As for what will be changing at Slick's, Naumoff said the Ottatis may make some renovations inside, add some things to the menu, and change the hours. However, the menu will still have those big sandwiches Slick's is known for.

"We would like to thank all of our customers for their patronage over the years," said the Naumoffs. "We could not have done it without you."