Hastings-on-Hudson Small Business Spotlight: Saint George Bistro

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY — Our Small Business Spotlight shines a light on local businesses we may not know that well.

• Business: Saint George Bistro
• Owners: Jason Steinberg & Chef Chris Vergara
• Website: www.SaintGeorgeBistro.com
• Address: 155 Southside Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, 10706, 914-478-1671

1. How did you come up with the name? At the time of our opening, Chris had a pet rabbit named George. We would joke around about naming the restaurant after him. After a while, we realized we liked the ring of “Saint George” better than any of the other prospective names and decided to go with it. Further, Saint George is famously the dragon slayer, which is kind of neat.

2. Why start a business in this town? We hit the jackpot getting set up in Hastings when we did. Saint George occupies the space formerly held by longtime beloved bistro Buffet de la Gare. The building is gorgeous — pressed tin ceilings, bronze chandeliers, century old wall sconces, 120-year-old bar, etc. When we heard that Buffet de la Gare was on the market we were thrilled to have the opportunity to fill that space. Additionally, we were excited to take on the challenge of following such a respected French restaurant with our take on a bistro. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

I’m happy to report that everything worked out better than we had originally hoped. Hastings has been incredibly good and supportive to us, and Saint George now benefits from being neighbors to some of the best restaurants in the county. This little town has become something of a restaurant row in the past four years and shows no sign of slowing down. I look forward to seeing which new businesses decide to pitch their tents nearby in the future.

3. What business are you in? Restaurant Business. We serve dinner six nights a week and brunch on the weekends. Classic bistro menu, all French wines, modern cocktail program.

4. What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? As anyone in the restaurant business will say, staffing is the most important and often most difficult challenge you deal with. It’s hard to find and hold on to good employees, especially cooks. Having the right team in place really is more than half the game.

5. What’s been your proudest achievement since opening? We feel good anytime guests come in to celebrate a special occasion or a milestone. The fact that folks think of us when they want to treat themselves makes us feel like we’ve done something right.

6. How does your business give back to the community? We have proudly sponsored a little league every year since we’ve opened (Go River Dogs!), and are currently looking for new ways to be involved in local charities and community organizations.

If you are a small business owner and would like to see your business in the spotlight, go to this link, answer the questions and send it to Patch.

Photo credit: Submitted.