Clifton Park News Highlights: Business Updates, Event Announcements, and More Local Happenings

New Owners Step In at Clifton Park Favorite Ravenswood

A longtime Clifton Park dining staple is entering a new chapter. Ravenswood, the popular pub and restaurant located at 1021 Route 146, has been purchased by Dora and Michael Philip, familiar names in the Capital Region restaurant scene.

According to the Times Union, the couple finalized the purchase of Ravenswood at the end of December. The Philips also own The Hollow Bar + Kitchen and Rosanna’s Italian Kitchen in Albany, and say they were drawn to Ravenswood for its loyal customer base and strong business model.

The new owners plan to keep changes minimal. The existing menu will largely remain the same, though vegan and vegetarian options may be added over time, reflecting offerings that have been popular at The Hollow. Operational improvements may also be introduced as the couple settles into ownership.

All current Ravenswood employees are being retained, including longtime head chef Mike Cunningham. Many staff members have worked at the restaurant for years, helping maintain the consistency and atmosphere regulars expect.

One small adjustment will be simplifying the restaurant’s name. Going forward, the business will be known simply as Ravenswood. With new ownership focused on continuity rather than reinvention, the restaurant remains a familiar gathering spot for locals while beginning its next phase.

Source: Times Union

Clifton Park Center Plans Big Additions and Easier Access

Clifton Park Center is gearing up for a major refresh with a full lineup of new retailers and attractions on the way. The shopping center will introduce a mix of dining, shopping, and family friendly options designed to bring more energy to the area.

New arrivals include Sephora, Cold Stone Creamery, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Five Below, Herbie’s Burgers, J. Crew Factory, and an Asian fusion restaurant. An 8,000 square foot indoor play area is also in the works, giving families a new place to spend time throughout the year.

Most of the incoming stores will feature exterior entrances. This setup will make it easier for shoppers to stop in directly from the parking lot without navigating the interior mall.

Outside the center, crews will begin work on a new roundabout at the entrance where Clifton Park Center Road meets Sitterly Road near Bass Pro Shops. The change is expected to improve traffic flow and make access smoother as the area grows busier.

Additional road improvements will follow once the roundabout is complete. With new retailers, added entertainment, and upgraded infrastructure, Clifton Park Center is positioning itself as a lively destination for shopping, dining, and family outings by early 2026.

Source: WGNA

Clifton Park Welcoming New Indoor Pickleball Club

Pickleball enthusiasts will soon have an indoor place to play during the colder months, thanks to retired educator and coach Steve Frye. Frye is launching a 3-court, indoor pickleball club inside a 9,000-square-feet warehouse at 1319 Route 146, close to Ravenwood Restaurant, reports Pickleball518.com.

Players can expect the courts to feature portable nets and generous spacing between the play areas. While this will be a club for members, Frye also envisions local students, schools, and instructors making use of the space.

The opening date goal of December 6 has been delayed, but updates via Facebook confirm construction is moving forward, and they'll be ready to open in the near future.

Follow FryeGuys Pickleball Club on Facebook to see updates of the work in progress, and sign up for their newsletter at fryeguyspub.com to stay updated.

Sources:

• Pickleball518.com: Steve Frye to open a pickleball club in Clifton Park