The Empire Room, now managed by Legacy Hospitality, offers a refreshed dining experience at the New York State Fair.
Legacy Hospitality & Entertainment Group has been awarded a five-year management contract for the Empire Room at the New York State Fair. The venue, which includes a restaurant, bar, and event space, will now be managed by Legacy’s subsidiary, Bluestone Grub & Go. The transition aims to enhance visitor experience during the fair and year-round, as Legacy offers its casual dining options. This shift comes after the exit of previous operator Charlie Roman, highlighting the trend of out-of-state vendors in local events.
New York – Legacy Hospitality & Entertainment Group has secured a five-year contract to manage the Empire Room at the New York State Fair, marking a significant new chapter for the venue. This establishment is situated in the southeast corner of the fairgrounds and includes a restaurant, bar, and event space.
The Empire Room was formerly under the management of local restaurateur Charlie Roman, who operated it under the name Daniella’s since 2020. As part of the new contract, Legacy Hospitality will provide food, beverage, and catering services both during the fair and throughout the year.
Legacy Hospitality will utilize its subsidiary, Bluestone Grub & Go, to manage the Empire Room, which will serve as the branded name for the facility. The venue features a full kitchen, an air-conditioned dining room and bar, an outdoor patio, and an adjacent banquet space named the Somerset Room. The transition of management aims to enhance the experience for visitors during the 13-day fair as well as for year-round guests.
Charlie Roman became aware several months prior to the announcement that his contract would not be renewed after he submitted a bid for continued operation. He expressed disappointment regarding the decision, citing that he has operated stands at the fair for over 25 years. Roman communicated concerns about a broader trend in which out-of-state vendors are taking over operations at local events, emphasizing that local vendors should be prioritized at the New York State Fair.
The previous operator of the Empire Room was the Florida-based Ovations Food Services, which held the management contract from 2014 until Roman took over. With Roman’s exit, there is a shift towards a group with a broader regional presence.
Legacy Hospitality operates in nearly a dozen states, with eight locations in New York, including a lounge at Elmira Airport and dining venues in various counties. The company is well recognized for its casual dining options, which typically feature burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches made fresh to order at Bluestone locations. This menu aligns well with the fair’s busy environment, providing attendees with quick and satisfying meal options.
The Empire Room is set to become a premier venue for visitors at the New York State Fair, catering to the needs of both fairgoers and guests throughout the year. The vision behind Bluestone Grub & Go focuses on delivering a comprehensive approach to management, food service, and event experiences at the location.
New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave expressed optimism regarding the partnership with Legacy Hospitality, indicating a hopeful outlook for the future of food and event services at the Empire Room. The leadership transition at the venue represents a significant opportunity for innovation and customer experience enhancement at one of New York’s largest annual events.
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