It was an eventful year for entrepreneurs in the Corning area.
Many businessowners decided the time was right to launch a new venture in 2024, whether it was a new restaurant, entertainment venue or specialty business.
Here is a look back at new businesses that opened their doors in the Corning, Bath and Watkins Glen areas in 2024.
Have a new business opening in 2025? Give us a heads up with an email to events@the-leader.com
Casa Mezcal Flavors of Mexico
Casa Mezcal Flavors of Mexico opened in mid-October at its new location at the Red Roof Inn in Painted Post, on South Hamilton Street. Fernando Reyes, owner of Casa Mezcal, which also boasts operations in Bath and Penn Yan, said the restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to at least 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, it is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Fernando Reyes, owner of Casa Mezcal Flavors of Mexico, opened a new Painted Post location in 2024.
Pizza Hut
The 55 E. Pulteney St. Pizza Hut site reopened to much fanfare in September four years after its closing in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pizza Hut restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Pizza Hut was open for business in September with a packed house on East Pulteney Street in Corning.
Eleven Lakes Market expansion
Eleven Lakes Market, featuring unique Finger Lakes and Upstate New York themed products, opened in September at a new West Market Street location. The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Dog Wash Company
The Dog Wash Company opened in September at 40 Bridge St. in the City of Corning, looking to serve various dog owners’ needs. Natalie Lambert, owner of The Dog Wash Company, said the business offers dog spa services, de-shedding, dog grooming, and much more. The Dog Wash Company is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Sherwin-Williams Paint Store
Sherwin-Williams Paint Store opened in September in the growing Tops Plaza in Riverside. The store is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Sparks Smoke & Vape
Sparks Smoke & Vape opened in July at 65 Bridge St., joining a growing list of several vape shops that recently came to the area. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Corning ReStore reopening
The Steuben County Habitat for Humanity ReStore reopened in August at 3412 State Route 414 in Corning, after being closed for more than a year due to a devastating fire. The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Byrne Dairy
A new Byrne Dairy off Denison Parkway in Corning opened for business in early June. The project, which initially broke ground in January on a large site that formerly housed a long-vacant Walgreens building at 80 E. Denison Parkway, is open to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A new Corning Byrne Dairy on Denison Parkway opened for business in June.
Starbucks
The world’s largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks, opened at the Tops Plaza in Riverside in January. Starbucks, which was founded in 1971 and offers drinks, food, at home coffee and merchandise, is open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Waters Clubhouse
Alex Waters opened Waters Clubhouse & Catering restaurant in early November at the Bath Country Club off May Street, featuring a full bar, a new menu, and an event space. The restaurant, which features a lunch and dinner menu, is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, and closed on Monday.
Alex Waters, the owner of Waters Clubhouse & Catering, at 330 May St. Bath, standing in the 4,800 square feet event space that will be upgraded in February. Waters Clubhouse & Catering also has a restaurant and full bar open to the public.
Gifted Goods II
Gifted Goods II, a community thrift store selling clothing and household goods, opened in April on South Main Street in Horseheads. The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
The Pines
A new wedding and event venue, The Pines, located at 3537 Pine Hill Rd. in Corning, opened for business in September. The Pines, just off state Route 414, offers easy access to Corning and Watkins Glen. It quickly booked 17 weddings and several other events in its first five weeks after opening.
An interior view at The Pines, a new wedding and events venue at 3537 Pine Hill Rd. in Corning.
J.R. Dill Wine Bar and Ivy Lane Flowers
A new wine bar and Ivy Lane Flowers, at 301 North Franklin St., each opened in July in historic downtown Watkins Glen. Ivy Lane Flowers features hand-tied bouquets, flowers for weddings and funerals, and a variety of fresh cut flowers. J.R. Dill Wine Bar includes a mix of dry wines, sweet wines and local beer and brewery options.
More: These new businesses opened their doors in the Elmira area during 2024. See list.
The Yard FLX
The Yard FLX was reopened for business on Memorial Day at 2374 state Route 414 in Watkins Glen. The site has a go-kart racing track, mini-golf course, yard games, live music and a food truck venue. Yard FLX is closed during the winter season.
Families rev up at the start line preparing to race go-karts at The Yard FLX, a new business in Watkins Glen.
Hickory Hill Camping Resort
Hickory Hill Camping Resort at 7531 county Route 13 in the town of Bath reopened this summer after a five-year hiatus. The Lehman family reacquired the property and owned the 210-acre site for 40 years before it was purchased in 2019 by a Watkins Glen company, which rebranded the park as a KOA Campground franchise.
FLX Cycle Boats
A new business opened in Watkins Glen this summer, Finger Lakes Cycle Boats, putting guests on Seneca Lake water with a unique experience. Finger Lakes Cycle Boats features 10 pedal stations situated around a bar, allowing guests to pedal at their own pace during 90-minute excursions on the lake.
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Businesses that opened in Corning, Watkins Glen, Bath areas in 2024
