Greene County Success Stories

On Friday, January 16^th, 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.

Grace Brannigan created 27 Cafe as a space dedicated to a shared experience of listening. Inspired by the Jazz Kissa of Japan (where people gathered to drink coffee, tea and alcohol and listen to records on a hi-fi sound system) 27 Cafe has updated that model for a modern audience while maintaining the soul of its predecessors.

When the beloved Nellie’s restaurant hit the market, Irish immigrant and long-time East Durham enthusiast Mike Reilly saw a chance to invest in a community he’s cherished for decades. Now reopened as Reilly’s Bar & Restaurant, the venue continues its legacy as a lively Irish pub, complete with live music, special events, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The third year of destination events amidst beautiful blooms and scenic views is already logging huge successes as Meadowbrook Farm expands its offerings with even more opportunities to gather, wander, and enjoy local food, crafts, entertainment, and of course, flowers!

For young adults that like to work with their hands, want to avoid college debt and fast-track their career, working in the trades is a viable option. Columbia-Greene Community College’s Construction Technology program, established in 2019, gives students the opportunity to learn all the ins and outs of construction, including framing, siding, roofing, basic plumbing and electrical to door and window installation.