Stuyvesant Plaza, the Capital Region’s premier open-air shopping and dining destination, is celebrating the grand opening of Mediterranean-style restaurant Simone’s Kitchen. A ribbon-cutting and community celebration took place on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Located next to Felthousen’s Florist, Saturday’s grand opening festivities for Simone’s Kitchen included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Doors opened to the public at 11 a.m. in conjunction with live music on the patio, a photobooth, games, and giveaways. Festivities will conclude at 2 p.m., with 100% of the proceeds being donated to three local charities. Service will continue from 2 p.m. until close.
The arrival of Simone’s Kitchen comes just weeks after men’s clothing retailer Union Hall Supply Co. opened its doors at Stuyvesant Plaza. The restaurant and clothing retailer are both locally owned and operated small businesses.
Simone’s Kitchen, named after co-owner Bashir Chedrawee’s mother, launched in 2018 in Coxsackie, N.Y., and quickly became known for its Mediterranean-inspired salad and grain bowls. A second location followed in downtown Schenectady in 2022. Simone’s Kitchen serves an award-winning menu of mezza bowls, bakery items, Greek frozen yogurt, and craft beverages in a counter-service format where guests can create their own meals.
“Simone’s Kitchen is a Capital Region favorite, and we’re thrilled to welcome their third restaurant to Stuyvesant Plaza,” said Stuyvesant Plaza General Manager Rachel Ferluge. “Our guests are sure to enjoy their delicious, fresh and healthy Greek-inspired menu for lunch or dinner. The additions of Simone’s Kitchen and Union Hall Supply Co. are the perfect additions to our community as we look ahead to the holiday season.”
“Stuyvesant Plaza has become a known dining destination in the Capital Region and we are excited to add our Mediterranean flavors to the eclectic mix of eateries, restaurants and retailers,” said Chedrawee. “We can’t wait to share our customizable mezza bowls, falafel, Greek meatballs and delectable desserts with their loyal patrons.”
All grand opening proceeds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will support three Capital Region charitable organizations: Capital Roots to promote equitable access to fresh food, The Purple Pantry at the University at Albany, the alma mater of Chedrawee and partners, and The Red Bookshelf to support education and literacy.
Simone’s Kitchen offers dine-in and take-out options. Find their full menu here.
Simone’s Kitchen co-owner Bashir Chedrawee (center) cuts the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of his Stuyvesant Plaza restaurant at an event on Saturday, Nov. 23
Stuyvesant Plaza General Manager Rachel Ferluge (right) welcomes Simone’s Kitchen to Stuyvesant Plaza at their grand opening celebration on Saturday, Nov. 23
Simone’s Kitchen co-owner Bashir Chedrawee (center) speaks ahead of the grand opening of his Stuyvesant Plaza restaurant on Saturday, Nov. 23
Stuyvesant Plaza guests stand in line to enter Simone’s Kitchen following the restaurant’s grand opening ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Nov. 23
For more information on Stuyvesant Plaza, visit stuyvesantplaza.com.