Opening Date for Restaurant in Halfmoon That Once Held NXIVM Cult Meetings
If you travel along Route 9 in Halfmoon, you know that there has been a lot of work being done on the old Romano's restaurant and more recently a meeting place for the NXIVM cult. This was a cult that had headquarters in the Albany area and the heads of NXIVM lived in Halfmoon. It will be a brand new restaurant and we now know when it will open.
Who is Taking Over The Space?
Mike Fortin is a restaurant owner in Cohoes. He currently owns Max410 which is at Van Schaick Island Country Club and plans on keeping that open. He also owns Joe's Tavern on Division Street which he has owned for ten years. The restaurant has grown significantly but there isn't enough room or parking for them to expand. So he is going to sell it with the two apartments that are attached above the restaurant. This building has been there for eighty-six years.
What Restaurant Is Going Into The Route 9 Space?
The new restaurant, Emma Jayne's, is four thousand and ten square feet with ninety parking spaces attached. Because it was once a restaurant, the layout is efficient for what is needed. They have renovated and increased the square footage by turning a former office to add more kitchen space. Fortin's plan was to renovate the bar, a back bar, upgrade furnishings and build a deck. The deck won't be built until spring.
When Will it Open?
Emma Jayne's, named after Mike Fortin's daughter, has a tentative opening of March 3rd, according to the Times Union. He says that the entire staff from Joe's Tavern will be coming to the new restaurant to work. He also says that he hopes to hire thirty more employees to their team.