Trackside Restaurant Closes After Two Decades at Utica’s Union Station

Historic eatery at iconic train station to shut doors December 20 amid lease dispute and owner’s personal loss

Trackside Restaurant and Banquets will close its doors on December 20, ending a 20-year run at Utica’s historic Union Station. The closure comes during an especially difficult time for the owner, who is simultaneously mourning the death of her husband of 33 years while navigating what she describes as an abrupt lease termination by Oneida County officials.

The restaurant, known for its elegant dining experience in one of the most beautiful train stations in the country, has been a community fixture since opening its doors two decades ago. The announcement has sparked conversation about the future of Union Station and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the closure.

A Painful Farewell During Personal Tragedy

In an emotional social media post, the restaurant owner revealed she is facing overwhelming challenges. She is preparing to bury her husband while simultaneously dealing with the logistics of closing the business they built together.

“I’m under immense pressure as I bury my husband of 33 years and navigate the abrupt termination of our restaurant lease in Oneida County, with no justification provided, after 20 years of operation,” the owner stated in her announcement.

The timing adds another layer of difficulty to an already heartbreaking situation. The owner must now handle refunding deposits, canceling private events, and breaking the news to loyal customers who have celebrated countless milestones at the restaurant.

Two Different Stories About the Lease

The owner claims the restaurant recently signed what she believed was a new five-year lease, making the termination unexpected and confusing. She stated that the county provided no clear justification for ending the lease.

However, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente offers a different timeline. According to his statement, the restaurant’s lease actually expired in October 2022. Since then, Trackside has operated on a month-to-month basis.

“Over the course of several months, Oneida County engaged in multiple communications with the tenant’s attorney regarding the status of Trackside’s occupancy,” Picente explained. “In August of this year, Trackside was advised in writing that the County would terminate the month-to-month tenancy at the end of the 2025 calendar year.”

Picente emphasized that Trackside is not the only tenant affected by these changes. The lease terminations are part of a larger strategy to prepare Union Station for planned renovations.

Part of a Larger Renovation Plan

According to county officials, the decision to not renew Trackside’s lease fits into a broader vision for Union Station. The historic building is slated for a capital improvement project that includes renovations to the restaurant space.

“These changes are part of a larger effort to reorganize Union Station in preparation for a planned capital project,” Picente stated. “That capital project includes necessary renovations to the restaurant’s footprint.”

The county executive also noted that once renovations are complete, all interested parties will be welcome to submit proposals through the county’s standard procurement process. This suggests the restaurant space will be available for lease again after improvements are made.

A Community Landmark Inside a Historic Station

Trackside Restaurant has been more than just a place to eat. Located inside Union Station, which has been listed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the country, the restaurant offered an elegant dining experience in a unique historic setting.

The restaurant served lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Beyond regular dining service, Trackside also provided catering and hosted banquets for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Many in the community have fond memories of celebrating important life moments at Trackside. The intimate atmosphere combined with experienced chefs and home-cooked meals made it a popular choice for both casual lunches and elegant dinners.

What This Means for Union Station

Union Station has been a landmark in downtown Utica since 1914. The building serves multiple purposes, housing not only Trackside Restaurant but also serving as an Amtrak station and home to other businesses and organizations.

The planned renovations suggest county officials see potential for upgraded facilities that could attract new tenants and better serve the community. However, the transition period means one less dining option in downtown Utica for the foreseeable future.

The loss of a 20-year-old establishment also raises concerns about maintaining the character and history of the space. Community members hope any future restaurant tenant will honor the building’s historic significance while providing quality service.

Looking Ahead: Hope for a New Beginning

Despite the painful circumstances, the owner expressed determination to move forward. In her social media announcement, she indicated plans to reopen elsewhere in the future.

“We’ll close our doors on December 20, 2025, but we’re excited to start anew elsewhere,” she wrote. This suggests that while the Trackside name may leave Union Station, it may not disappear from the Utica dining scene entirely.

For now, loyal customers have until December 20 to visit one last time. The closure marks the end of an era for both the restaurant and its owner, who must say goodbye to a beloved business while grieving an even more significant personal loss.

Why This Matters to Our Community

The closure of Trackside Restaurant touches on several important issues facing our community. First, it highlights the challenges small business owners face when dealing with lease agreements and property management, especially on publicly owned properties.

Second, it raises questions about communication and transparency between government entities and the businesses they lease to. The conflicting accounts about the lease status suggest possible miscommunication that could have been avoided with clearer dialogue.

Finally, this situation reminds us that behind every business closure are real people facing real hardships. The owner’s personal tragedy adds a deeply human element to what might otherwise be seen as just another business transaction.

Conclusion: A Bittersweet Goodbye

After 20 years of serving the Utica community, Trackside Restaurant will close its doors on December 20. The closure comes at an intersection of personal tragedy and business challenges that have created an impossibly difficult situation for the owner.

While county officials point to necessary renovations and proper notification procedures, the owner feels blindsided during an already devastating time. The truth likely lies somewhere in the complexity of lease agreements, communication breakdowns, and competing priorities.

What remains clear is that Utica is losing a beloved restaurant that has hosted countless celebrations, business lunches, and romantic dinners. We can hope that whatever comes next for both the restaurant owner and Union Station will honor the legacy of what Trackside represented.

What are your memories of Trackside Restaurant? Have you celebrated special moments there? Share your stories in the comments below. If you found this story valuable, please share it with others who care about our local business community. Come back to Mohawk Valley Voice for more Deep Dives into the stories that matter to our region.