SYRACUSE - The Lakeside, formerly KellyJae's, hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house Wednesday evening as a thank-you to the community for its support.
"We're excited. Syracuse has been so good to us. we have really good customers who have supported us. We're just happy to be here," said Cassy Griffin, co-owner of The Lakeside.
That community support was evident as both levels of the public parking lot were full by 5:30 p.m. when the event started, and parking spots along Main Street quickly filled up.
The restaurant quickly filled up with well-wishers who enjoyed samples of what The Lakeside has to offer.
Griffin and her business partner, Tad Gongwer, took ownership of the restaurant on Aug. 1. The name change and change in ownership are the only changes regulars of the restaurant can expect. Griffin said The Lakeside will have the same hours, same staff and the same food.
And just to lay rumors to rest, Nelston's Golden Glo is not an owner in The Lakeside venture. While Gongwer is a third generation owner of Nelson's, Griffin emphasized his partnership in The Lakeside had nothing to do with Nelson's Golden Glo.
Griffin, who has worked in the restaurant business since she was 14, had worked for KellyJae for seven years when Kelly approached her about purchasing the business. Griffin went looking for a business partner and reached out to Gongwer, who she's known since high school.
The Lakeside offers tapas sized plates. Griffin said she described the restaurant's atmosphere as fine dining meets lakeside. She wants people to come in, relax and have a good time with their friends.
"I love to cook food and see people be happy," she said.
The restaurant is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, offering dinner service only. In June, lunch service will be offered one day a week. And once the weather warms up, The Lakeside will offer outdoor seating as well.