Last fall, people thought Gina Greco was crazy when she talked about her aspiration to reopen the former North Street Restaurant and bowling alley on North Street in Old Forge.
But with the encouragement of her family and friends her dreams came true in March when she opened the doors to her new establishment, Gigi’s Bar & Grill.
Delving into the restaurant business seemed natural to Gina. She was just a third grader in 1996 when her parents Guy and Charlene opened Greco’s Pizzeria on Main Street, and Gina and her older brothers Joe, Guy and Tom joined in the experience.
“I have been in the food service business most of my life, it’s something I’m familiar with. And the bar and the bowling lanes adds a whole new dimension to what my family has done previously. I like to think of this as not only an affordable family restaurant, but a fun evening gathering place,” she said.
Family is key to Gina, who said she couldn’t have gotten the business going without the help of her own family, including brother Tom who is in the process of reopening his seasonal venture, Greco’s Restaurant in Raquette Lake for the third consecutive year.
“My family is everything to me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for their continued support,” she said.
She also credits friends Ronnie Parent and Alex Hunkins who helped her get the bowling lanes running, and Seth Bortle who constructed the band stage in the room adjoining the dining and bar areas.
Gina said she is putting her own personality into the business and has plans for adding weekly entertainment this summer, including karaoke and a Monday theme night.
She will also be offering deals to patrons of her adjoining businesses, Enchanted Forest/Water Safari and North Street Snowmobile Parts.
“When folks show us their day pass to the Water Park, they will receive 10% off the cost of their food bill. We will do the same for customers of Mike Susko’s at his snowmobile shop-and he’ll be offering a 10% discount to our customers that patronize his business, too,” Gina said.
Gigi’s grand opening celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 26 and includes live music by the Al Nathan Band, and Last Left which features José the bassist of Showtime.
There will also be a complimentary buffet and draft beer. All are invited.
