On Friday, January 16th, community members and local officials gathered to celebrate the amazing transformation of the long-vacant former home of Brennan’s Road House into what has proven to be an outstanding destination for craft brews, great food, and meeting old (and making new) friends. Located on NYS Rt. 81 in the town of Coxsackie, Gray Willow has restored, reinvented, and refurbished a long-beloved gathering site, with state-of-the-art amenities and an on-site microbrewery.
Gray Willow began when four friends looking to do something fun together, decided to renovate a local landmark, open a restaurant, brew their own beer, and create a place where others, like them, will gather to make lasting memories for years to come. Read their origin story
Gray Willow was awarded a total of $179,000 in 2025.under the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development program. The business used the funds for inventory, indoor and outdoor furniture and lights, kitchen appliances, shelving, dishes, dining room furniture, and more. Because of this grant, the business was able to enhance its offerings to patrons, expand its production capability, equip a welcoming space for customers to gather and enjoy each other’s company, and create over a dozen jobs!
This award was funded by the NYS Homes and Community Renewal Program through federal Community Development Block Grants and facilitated and administered by the Greene County Economic Development Corporation.
A visit to Gray Willow is simply a delight. Whether joining friends at its expansive granite-topped bar, sampling the fare on its uniquely satisfying menu, or retreating to comfy conversation spaces to relax on sofas and club chairs, there is truly something for everyone. Hand-crafted cocktails complement their signature menu items. Notables include: deep fried brussels sprouts with truffle oil, parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze, crispy glazed pork belly with jalapenos, scallions, fried onions and peanuts, and Parmesan panko coated hard-boiled egg whites, deep fried then topped with spicy garlic aioli yolks and chopped chives YUM.
If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.
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Topics: Success Stories
