Table Hopping By Steve Barnes, senior writer on May 6, 2021 at 1:52 PM
Food Near Me, a vibrantly colorful bodega with homemade food including
salads, vegetable juices and fruit smoothies, as well as the only supply of household basics available anywhere in downtown Albany proper since a Walgreen’s location closed in February, opened Monday (5/3) at 87 N. Pearl St.
The space, between The Hollow Bar + Kitchen and the former Capital Repertory Theatre, replaces a minimalist (to put it kindly) convenience store that was open only weekdays during the day for about 20 years and vanished suddenly last year.
The new store is owned by Kevin Skeen, who tells me that he relocated from New York City a few years ago and has been working on Food Near Me for the better part of a year. It is his first venture as a proprietor. The shop also has the expected array of snacks and beverages, and I’m told a beer license has been applied for.
Birthday freebies: Forty-plus things you can get free on your birthday
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You say it’s your birthday? How about commemorating the occasion with a complimentary meal, coffee, cocktail or heaping plate of sushi or chicken wings?
Family and friends aren’t the only ones ready to spoil you on your special day. Businesses in the Capital Region and across the country are eager to lavish you with deals and free offers.
Below are more than 40 things you can nosh on, sip and savor for free, simply for being born. Many of these complimentary deals were curtailed because of COVID. It’s not a bad idea to call ahead and be sure the gratuitous gift is currently available. Be sure to visit the Shopportunist online - timesunion.com/shopportunist - to see a full list of birthday freebies and deals.
Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty
New businesses are crucial to economic recovery, but they are blocked from applying to the Paycheck Protection Program.
Congress must support new business creation by extending PPP eligibility to businesses started after February 15, 2020.
The current cut-off date is arbitrary and keeps small business from getting the help they urgently need.
Lexi Reese is the COO of Gusto.
This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.
When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, Ashlie Ordonez was ten days away from achieving her dream of owning her own business. She d already sold her family of seven s dream home and used the money to start The Bare Bar, a salon in Denver. Then, non-essential businesses like Ashlie s were forced to close during the pandemic, and she s struggled to keep it afloat even selling her wedding ring to pay the rent. Because
Diners are returning, but restaurants face dire hiring climate
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1of9Buy PhotoTom Mastrogiovanni, left, and Adam Shumway work in the kitchen at The Hollow Bar and Kitchen on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Albany, N.Y. Co-owner Michael Philip says that he has been fortunate to have a core staff that has stayed with for a long time. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
2of9Buy PhotoCo-owner Mary Phan makes a drink at The Loft @ 205 on Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Albany, N.Y. Mary and her brother Will regularly have to work fill-ins because they can’t hire enough staff. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
Rapid-test site opens in downtown Albany
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A site at 63 Columbia St., near entertainment venues in downtown Albany, opened April 1, 2021 , as part of the New York Forward Rapid Test Program. It promises COVID-19 test results delivered electronically within 20 minutes and for less than $30 as part of public-private partnerships designed to maintain pandemic safety protocols while helping sports and entertainment industries welcome fans again. (Steve Barnes/Times Union.)Steve Barnes/Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
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Signs on the door 63 Columbia St., near entertainment venues in downtown Albany. The site opened April 1, 2021 , as part of the New York Forward Rapid Test Program. It promises COVID-19 test results delivered electronically within 20 minutes and for less than $30 as part of public-private partnerships designed to maintain pandemic safety protocols while helping sports and entertainment industries welcome fans again. (Steve Barnes/Times Union.)S