September 24, 2025

Whole in the Wall Restaurant Receives Empire Award

News Summary

Whole in the Wall Restaurant in Binghamton has been honored with the New York State Empire Award for its significant contributions to the community. Presented by Senator Lea Webb, the award recognizes the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and community support, particularly through initiatives like the Stone Soup Project. Despite challenges such as floods and the pandemic, owners Eliot and Adrianna Fiks continue to provide healthy, locally sourced meals while gearing up for a two-month closure due to surgery recovery.

Binghamton, New York – Whole in the Wall Restaurant, a staple in the local community for over four decades, has been recognized with the prestigious New York State Empire Award for its exceptional contribution to the region. Senator Lea Webb presented the award to owners Eliot and Adrianna Fiks, highlighting their leadership and commitment to making meaningful changes in their community.

The Empire Award honors business leaders in New York State and emphasizes the importance of small businesses in fostering community development and social responsibility. Whole in the Wall is particularly known for its farm-to-table approach, offering healthy, gluten-free, organic, and locally sourced meals to Broome County residents.

In 1995, the Fiks launched the Stone Soup Project, an innovative initiative designed to combat food insecurity by transforming surplus food into meals for local hunger relief programs. This project has received national recognition for its creative strategy to address both waste and hunger, showcasing the Fiks’ dedication to community support and sustainability.

Senator Webb praised the Fiks for their compassion and the lasting impact they have had on the local population. Whole in the Wall has also made its mark as a health-conscious establishment, being the first non-smoking restaurant in Binghamton during a time when most dining venues were smoke-filled, showcasing their progressive values.

Throughout their journey, Eliot and Adrianna Fiks have faced significant challenges, including three floods, a fire, and the recent global pandemic, all of which tested their resilience and dedication to their business. Despite these hurdles, they have maintained a steadfast commitment to health, sustainability, and community engagement.

On a separate note, Whole in the Wall Restaurant announced an upcoming closure for two months due to Eliot Fiks’s recovery from surgery resulting from a shoulder injury sustained last November. The closure began on May 9. However, the restaurant will continue to offer pickup service for pantry staples such as pesto, hummus, and soup during this time.

A GoFundMe page was established to aid in the recovery costs for Eliot Fiks and to support the restaurant during its temporary closure. As of May 9, the campaign has successfully raised a total of $14,536, demonstrating the community’s support and appreciation for the Fiks and their efforts in enhancing the local food landscape.

The current weather in Binghamton features cloudy skies with a forecasted high of 73°F and an anticipated 80% chance of rain later in the day, providing a fitting backdrop to the celebration of community resilience that Whole in the Wall embodies.

As Whole in the Wall prepares for its temporary closure, the restaurant’s impact on Binghamton and its surrounding areas continues to flourish. The Fiks’s dedication to transforming their restaurant into a community-focused hub shows a commendable example of how small businesses can thrive and uplift those around them.