Albany, NY, December 6, 2025
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub, a popular dining chain in Albany, Delmar, and Utica, has closed all locations due to a $2.2 million tax seizure by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The abrupt closure affects employees and leaves customers uncertain about gift card validity. Established in 2009, Swifty’s was known for its family-friendly atmosphere but faced financial challenges, ultimately resulting in this shutdown.
Albany, NY – Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub Closes All Locations Amid $2.2 Million Tax Seizure
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub, a popular chain with locations in Albany, Delmar, and Utica, has abruptly closed all its establishments following a $2.2 million tax seizure by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Immediate Closure of All Locations
On December 4, 2025, Swifty’s announced the temporary closure of its three locations. The business cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the closures, without providing further details. State officials confirmed that the closures were due to unpaid taxes totaling $2.2 million owed by owner Dave Swift.
Details of the Tax Seizure
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance issued 15 warrants dating back to 2016 for unpaid sales and withholding taxes in Albany and Oneida counties. These warrants were filed against Swift, both individually and as a responsible person of Swifty’s Restaurant and Pub Inc. The total amount owed across all warrants is $2.2 million.
Impact on Employees and Customers
The sudden closure has left employees without work, especially concerning as the holiday season approaches. Customers who recently purchased gift cards are now uncertain about their validity and potential refunds. The business has not provided information regarding the status of these gift cards or plans for reopening.
Background on Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
Established in 2009, Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub was known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse menu, catering to both families and sports fans. Despite its popularity, the chain faced financial challenges, including the accumulation of unpaid taxes over several years, leading to the recent seizure and closure of its locations.
Related Restaurant Closures in the Region
Swifty’s closure adds to a series of recent restaurant shutdowns in the Albany area. For instance, Demetri’s on the Lake in Dunkirk closed in November 2025, citing rising food costs, increased minimum wage, and a significant hike in city taxes as contributing factors. Such closures highlight the financial pressures faced by local dining establishments in the region.
Conclusion
The closure of Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub serves as a reminder of the challenges that many small businesses face in the current economic landscape. As holiday festivities approach, the impact on both employees and customers cannot be understated. Supporting local businesses has never been more crucial to ensuring a vibrant and diverse economy in New York. Engaging with our community and advocating for suitable regulations can help foster an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish.
- What led to the closure of Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub?
- The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance seized Swifty’s locations due to unpaid taxes totaling $2.2 million owed by owner Dave Swift.
- How many locations did Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub have?
- Swifty’s operated three locations in Albany, Delmar, and Utica.
- What is the status of employees and customers affected by the closure?
- Employees have been left without work, and customers with recent gift card purchases are uncertain about their validity and potential refunds. The business has not provided information regarding these concerns.
- When did Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub announce the closure?
- Swifty’s announced the temporary closure of all locations on December 4, 2025.
- What is the background of Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub?
- Established in 2009, Swifty’s was known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse menu, catering to both families and sports fans. Despite its popularity, the chain faced financial challenges, including the accumulation of unpaid taxes over several years, leading to the recent seizure and closure of its locations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Announcement Date | December 4, 2025 |
| Number of Locations | 3 (Albany, Delmar, Utica) |
| Total Unpaid Taxes | $2.2 million |
| Owner | Dave Swift |
| Established | 2009 |
Now Happening on X
- @newyorkupstate (December 5, 2025): Upstate NY restaurant chain closes abruptly, with the owner owing $2.2 million in taxes. View on X
- @TALK1300NEWS (December 5, 2025): NYS Tax & Finance department shuts down Swifty’s pub locations in Delmar, Colonie, and Utica due to $2.2 million in unpaid sales and withholding taxes since 2016; no word on reopening. View on X
- @WTEN (December 4, 2025): All Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub locations seized by New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. View on X
- @FOX23News (December 6, 2025): Swifty’s Pub locations shuttered following a tax seizure by the state. View on X
- @FOX23News (December 4, 2025): State seizes all locations of Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. View on X
- @LongoriasBBQ1 (December 3, 2025): As a small business owner, the poster expresses frustration over family restaurants shutting down due to COVID-19 debt and misappropriated SBA funds, noting they may be next. View on X
- @researchtruth99 (December 3, 2025): A favorite 27-year-old restaurant closed due to recent tax increases, rising food and labor costs, and higher utilities, despite being profitable for 23 years. View on X
- @LoveNOLA4ever (December 3, 2025): Reports on a beloved diner chain shuttering more locations weeks after a $620 million buyout. View on X
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