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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 25, 2016

SAVOY TAPROOM TO BRING SMOOTH MUSIC, GREAT

CONVERSATIONS, AND EXQUISITE CUISINE TO LARK STREET
New affordable, upscale restaurant and bar in Albany to open this spring
ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 25, 2016) Savoy Taproom, a new affordable upscale dining venture led by Jason Pierce
and Daniel Atkins, will open this Spring in the former home of Justins on Lark (301 Lark Street, Albany).
Honoring the vibrant musical, artistic and cultural spirit of Lark Street, the new restaurant promises to deliver to
patrons an exciting combination of exquisitely hand crafted classic cocktails and modern beverages, a menu of
approachable upscale multicultural cuisine and the very best in local live entertainment.
Pierce, a local entrepreneur and longtime supporter of Lark Street, and Atkins, a Lark street fixture and general
manager of several successful area bars and restaurants, have assembled a team of highly skilled
professionals to deliver their vision to patrons.
It's about revolution through evolution. It's about bringing to Lark Street a new and updated vibe, energy, and
atmosphere that's been absent. The name Savoy Taproom wasn't chosen simply because of its connection to
the property or to jazz music itself; we chose it because it represents an attitude, an idea and a passion. We
don't want to simply deliver jazz music, we want to deliver a culinary and musical experience that you'll
remember twenty years from now, said Pierce.
From food and drink to aesthetics and music, we've sought out the very best local talent and built a
passionate team of individuals dedicated to not only their respective crafts, but also to a shared vision which
will not only excite your palette and mind, but will embrace the spirit of Lark Street, said Atkins.
Restaurant and bar patrons alike will be able to fully explore a multicultural yet approachable menu of updated
classics, newly reinterpreted standards and exciting culinary creations. From swordfish poached in Jamaican
jerk infused duck confit and Portuguese style clams to grilled macaroni and cheese sliders and bone in filet
mignon, the selection of small plates and entrees will all be a culinary delight for all.
"I'm so pleased to be a part of this project. To continue the revitalization of Lark Street is something that's very
important to us; and in a location that has so much history is very exciting. We want to see Center Square, and
Albany as a whole, thrive because it's where we live and work. Being able to contribute to that through this
project is a best case scenario for me, personally. We're passionate about food, service, and our home. Having
the opportunity to do what we love where we live is a dream come true, said Chef Andy Espinola, a previous

Savoy Taproom | 301 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210 | savoyonlark.com | @SavoyOnLark

Rising Star Chef nominee who is consulting with Pierce and Atkins. Additionally, Espinola worked for the Wine
Bar and Bistro on Lark and currently operates Chiefs Catering.
Bar Manager George Fiorini and a staff of personable and exceptionally competent bartenders will deliver old
fashioned cocktails and newly interpreted modern classics, along with a rotating selection of craft beer, wine,
and cider. Across the new copper bar, staff will engage not only the patron's senses, but will entertain with their
stories and deliver an experience unlike any other found in most local dining establishments.
The bar at Savoy will look to expertly cater to not only the connoisseur of fine spirits and cocktails, but those
just beginning to explore the world of craft cocktails and locally-sourced beverages. We want the experience to
be approachable to all, no matter if you are joining us for a drink after work, a night on the town, or visiting Lark
Street maybe for the first time, said Fiorini, who recently won the Woodford Reserve bartending competition
as part of the 2016 Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts.
The name Savoy harkens back to the Roaring Twenties, an era of speaking easy and fast conversation, and a
time when the immoral cultural sensation - jazz music was sweeping the nation. Legendary venues such as
the Savoy Ballrooms in Harlem and Chicago had become the premiere destinations for the young, hip, and
classy to experience era-defining, world-class music performed by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington
and Count Basie. The Lindy Hop had replaced the waltz and a musical revolution was underway. By the time the
Prohibition era ended in 1933, the name Savoy had become synonymous with jazz.
In the 1930s into the 1940s, as Savoy Records captured and delivered the bebop sound across the nation, the
Savoy Taproom was delivering it live on Lark Street in Albany, along with great food and fine spirits a tradition
that would continue through a name change in the 1950s and thereafter as Justin's.
Both owners bring a diverse background to the restaurant.
Pierce brings with him considerable experience launching, managing and operating businesses in the Capital
Region. For the past six years, Pierce was owner and president of ASE Metal Recovery, Inc., a regional refiner of
gold, silver and platinum in Upstate New York. Prior to ASE, Pierce served in executive capacities in the
publishing and marketing industries.
Atkins is currently general manager of Oh Bar on Lark and Fuze Box. A graduate of the University at Albany
(B.A., Psychology), Atkins serves as vice chairman of the Lark Street Business Improvement Districts Board of
Directors. Prior to Oh Bar and Fuze Box, Atkins worked for the Mallozzi Group as both a general manager and
floor manager, managing on and off premise operations. Additionally, his family has owned and operated a
luncheonette in the Catskills for over 15 years.
Savoy Taproom will seat 30 in the bar area. The reimagined dining room, which will feature a mixture of table
and booth seating, will seat approximately 45 to 60, depending on the arrangement. Hours and days of
operation, full dining and late night menu options, and more will be announced in the near future, in addition to
the opening date.
For more about Savoy Taproom and for updates during construction, please visit savoyonlark.com.

Savoy Taproom | 301 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210 | savoyonlark.com | @SavoyOnLark