50’S STYLE DINER OPENS IN HEART OF ALBANY’S DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

September 16, 2010

ALBANY, N.Y. – Mayor Jennings joined Nicholas and Anthony Mitsios, owners of The Pearl Street Diner, Commissioner John C. Egan of the New York State Office of General Services, and other elected officials today to formally open the newest diner in downtown Albany.  The Pearl Street Diner is located at 40 North Pearl Street in the Ten Eyck building in the heart of Albany’s entertainment district.

“This is an exciting new addition to downtown and I am happy to welcome The Pearl Street Diner.  This confirms that the momentum of investment and activity in downtown is continuing,” said Mayor Jennings. “The Mitsios’ have served downtown for several years, and I want to congratulate them for their vision and dedication to our City.”

The space at 40 North Pearl Street has been vacant for several years. With an investment of $300,000, owners Nick and Anthony transformed the space in to a hip 50’s style restaurant, including black and white checkered floors that will serve many of the new and existing businesses, as well as the growing residential population in downtown. The menu will include traditional diner food such as omelets, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as Greek specialties.

“The Office of General Services worked closely with the Mitsios family to establish a first rate restaurant in this state-owned building. It is a wonderful example of partnership between private industry and the state,” Commissioner Egan said. “State employees have enjoyed food prepared by the Mitsios family for many years, so we are very pleased that the rest of the Capital Region will be able to take advantage of the new addition to North Pearl Street.”

“I applaud Nick and Anthony Mitsios for their commitment to downtown Albany, the additional weekend hours make a great addition for visitors and our Entertainment District patrons alike,” said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District.  “It continues the momentum of creating a 24/7 vibrant Downtown.

The Mitsios’ utilized partial funding for the project through the Al Tech Loan fund, which is administered by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Pearl Street Diner will create 16 new jobs.  The 50-seat restaurant will be open Monday through Thursday 7 AM – 4 PM; Friday – Saturday 24 hours, and closed on Sunday.

For additional information and a menu call the Pearl Street Diner at (518) 463-4829.

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