New eatery opens on Nassau Lake

SCHODACK, N.Y. — A new eatery is now open on Nassau Lake with the opening of Jimmy’s Lakeside Grill.

The business opened earlier this month at 266 County Route 7, set directly on Nassau Lake in the town of Schodack.

This Rensselaer County site was the longtime home of Jeanne’s Place, a popular seasonal eatery dating back to 1947. In more recent years it operated as Pirates Lakeside Grill and Trader Ed’s Lakeside Grill.

As new owners Chey Harding and Kevin Catalano create their new establishment, Harding said she hopes to live up to the reputation that Jeanne’s Place had as a staple within the community offering good food, friendly service, and a beautiful view.

A Troy native who now lives in Albany County, Harding has experience in the restaurant industry and is excited to be starting her first entrepreneurial endeavor.

The venture started when the couple saw the lakeside property and knew it was a great opportunity.

Harding has long dreamed of starting her own restaurant. Before now, she had almost written off the idea entirely but is now ready to finally make it a reality.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind,” the local mother of two said, “but the timing was never right and the right opportunity never came along.”

However, “The stars aligned this time,” she said, “so we went for it.”

As her dream took shape, Harding chose to name the new business after her beloved dog Jimmy, a white Siberian Husky.

Through its walk-up window, Jimmy’s Lakeside Grill serves American fare such as burgers, hot dogs, and fish sandwiches, along with soft-serve ice cream. Harding noted that the eatery serves large portions, and has a kids menu for young visitors.

This cuisine is paired with picturesque views of Nassau Lake. Guests can enjoy their food on a deck overlooking the water.

Customers can also access Jimmy’s Lakeside Grill by water and dock their boats on site.

Since opening Jimmy’s Lakeside Grill just over a week ago, the response has been unbelievably enthusiastic, Harding said. Nearby residents are glad to have their local eatery back open, while the owners are grateful for how many customers have already come out to show their support.

“It’s got a real hometown feel to it,” Harding said of her newly opened establishment.

The owners are thrilled to become a part of this tight-knit community and hope they can continue serving it for years to come.

On her goals for the future of the business, “I have a great staff, a great location,” Harding said, “and I think it’s only up, up, up from here.”

She plans to expand the restaurant’s hours to offer breakfast, and possibly even extend the site’s traditional season to cater to those who go ice fishing and snowmobiling at the lake in the winter.

Right now, Jimmy’s Lakeside Grill is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Starting this summer, it will be open seven days a week.

More information is available online at the Jimmy’s Lakeside Grill Facebook page or by calling (518) 931-0223.