This Week-New Modern Fast-Casual Restaurant Opens In Busy Area Of Clifton Park

You may have seen this restaurant being built near the Chick-fil-A in Clifton Park. With clever signs saying "Eat More Pasta" to take a playful dig at their fast food neighbor, one of the region's largest restaurant groups is about to add its eighth and ninth restaurants.

Marrello Restaurants & Catering's The Grille by Jacob and Anthony's is planning to open in Clifton Park on September 18th.

The building at 306 Clifton Park Center Road was formerly a Ninety-Nine Restaurant. Marrello Restaurants & Catering purchased the property on November 1st. The Ninety Nine Restaurant, a chain with pub-style food, closed in summer 2023.

According to the Albany Business Review, at the time of the purchase, owner Joe Marrello planned to spend more than $1 million on renovations to open The Grille, featuring steak, seafood, and sandwiches in a modern atmosphere. The final cost of the project hasn't yet been tallied, he said this week.

Construction began in December. The 7,500-square-foot building was expanded to add a banquet venue, and it includes the company's fast-casual concept, Bellini's Counter. Overall, the capacity is 140 for The Grille and about 30 for the Counter, including patio seating.

They wanted to maintain an open and airy concept, with a more upscale feel that had its own identity.

Marrello Restaurants & Catering has seven locations in the region, including Jacob & Anthony's American Grille in Saratoga Springs, Jacob & Anthony's Italian at Stuyvesant Plaza in Guilderland, and Bellini's Italian Eatery in Slingerlands and Latham.

The new Clifton Park restaurant marks a return to the market for the company, which previously operated Bellini's for many years at Village Plaza off Clifton Country Road, until it closed in 2021.

It was important for them to bring back something special to the thriving Clifton Park area.