Gray Willow began when four friends looking to do something fun together, decided to renovate a local landmark, open a restaurant, brew their own beer, and create a place where others, like them, will gather to make lasting memories for years to come.
Joe & Kate Konopka are no strangers to the hospitality world. As the current owner/operators of Red’s Restaurant on 9W in West Coxsackie, one might think that operating one landmark dining destination would be enough, but they were looking for more. So, together with long-time friends Joe & Lisa Salvino, they acquired the former Brennan’s Roadhouse in Earlton, and transformed it into a truly unique experience for locals and visitors alike.
From the outside, Gray Willow beckons patrons inside or on to a comfortable patio (complete with firepit and Adirondack chairs) to meet and enjoy all the amenities of this full-service restaurant featuring a menu of elevated comfort foods, an on-site brewery and cocktail bar. Patrons choose from such unique starters as Kate’s Disco Fries (hand-cut French fries topped with caramelized onion demi and stout cheese) and Deep Fried Deviled Eggs (you have to try these to understand just how good they are). The entrees have incredible personality running the gamut from salads to burgers to chicken to fish each with Gray Willow’s own twist on foods you’d think couldn’t get any better. Their Grilled Top Sirloin Coulotte Steak (known as Picanha in Brazilian steak houses) is dry-rubbed and char-grilled to perfection, then sliced over toasted French bread and topped with caramelized garlic butter.
To wash down these amazing tastes, there’s nothing better than the wonderful brews created on-site by the Schlenker Brothers – Chris, Jody, and Matt. These guys have been brewing together for over 30 years. Their passion for brewing began long before craft beer had gained its popularity and is attributed to the decades of learning every nuance of the process alongside their father.
Gray Willow hosts regular events from Trivia Nights, to Dance Parties, and other opportunities to have fun with current friends and make new ones. Gray Willow is open from 4PM to 10PM on Thursdays and Fridays, from noon to 10PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and closed Monday through Wednesday. You can find them at 2168 Route 81, Earlton, NY and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.
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Topics: Success Stories
