Druthers Brewing Company to manage Blackbirds Tavern

VOORHEESVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Druthers Brewing Company will be in charge of managing the Voorheesville restaurant Blackbirds Tavern opening in the fall. This is under a new agreement with Business for Good co-founders Ed and Liza Mitzen.

With this new agreement to manage the Business for Good restaurant, a Druthers Management Company will donate a percentage of sales to Business for Good to fund youth sports in the Capital Region. Druthers currently manages five different locations throughout the Capital Region and according to Business for Good, the family-owned business's expertise will be able to take Blackbirds Tavern to the next level bringing in old and new customers from surrounding areas.

“We are excited to bring our style of hospitality to Voorheesville,” said Chris Martell, CEO of Druthers Brewing Company and a native to the area. “Partnering with the Mitzens is the best of both worlds - we are able to continue to provide the local community a great dining experience while also supporting their efforts through Business for Good.” 

NEWS10's Abbi Stanley got the chance to speak with Co-founder of Business for Good Ed Mitzen about the details of the tavern and its opening. In the interview Mitzen was able to provide some insight into the kind of restaurant Blackbirds Tavern will be and why they decided to build it.

Mitzen said that when Business for Good purchased the abandoned Stewart's on Main Street they invited the entire village to come by to the area and surveyed those who came about what they would like to see with the businesses in town. The town overwhelmingly wanted a pub-type restaurant where they'd be able to get some good food and catch a game on the big screen.

Therefore, the tavern will have things along the line of upscale pub-style comfort foods like Shepherd's pie, burgers, steaks, and all-American food, which Druther's will be able to provide. The hours of operation are still currently up in the air but Druther's will ultimately make that decision.

The construction of the tavern is completed. NEWS10's Abbi Stanley was able to acquire photos of the inside of Blackbirds Tavern to give a sneak peak at what's to come!

The expected opening is sometime in mid-October. Mitzen explained that the opening date would have to be in October to allow Druther's to acquire licensing for the tavern and give the company time to hire staff to allow business to run smoothly.

Mitzen also explained that Business for Good wanted to open up this tavern, along with Blackbirds Bike Cafe across the street to revitalize the village. He hopes to inspire others to invest in the village the same way he is to bring life to the community.