License Issues Close One Upstate NY Restaurant In Historic Spot

2022 has claimed another Capital Region restaurant in a year that has seen the shutdown of many favorite local eateries. From celebrity chef startups to multi-decade standards, it seems no restaurant is safe lately.

The latest to close is a popular food truck turned brick-and-mortar in Saratoga County. The fast-casual and high-end-specials takeaway joint’s owner made an announcement citing insurmountable licensing issues.

Which Saratoga County Restaurant Is The Latest To Close?

Refusals from the Health Department and the Department of Agriculture and Markets have permanently shuttered The Rocking Table at Mom & Pop’s in Greenfield’s Porter Corners. Set up in one of Greenfield's first stores in November of 2021, The Rocking Table took full advantage of the building's 1800s charm. But while the history drew owner Joshua Gordon in, the age was also the restaurant's undoing.

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The Health Department required them to upgrade the building's water sanitation and septic systems, which would have cost them more than $10,000 in a building they only rent. The Rocking Table also was denied by the Department of Agriculture and Markets because, as a market, their food sales had to be less than half of their business. The only way around that would be obtaining a state beer license - an almost yearlong process.

A Mom & Pop Goodbye

The Rocking Table made a post on their Facebook page explaining the situation to their loyal customers, who expressed their sadness in the comments.

The Rocking Table website also says “Permanently Closed Due To Licensing.” The Gordons have spent the week selling off the remaining unprepared food and some equipment. They currently have the remainder listed on their Facebook page on a private request basis.

In a talk with News10, Joshua Gordon says he hopes to reopen The Rocking Table in a new location that can support their business. He's trying to find employment as a chef until then.