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Owner of Laci’s Tapas Bar Looks to Next Venture After Sparking Hawley-Green Growth

Scott Willis
/
WAER News

Laci’s Tapas Bar in Syracuse has been a staple of the city’s Hawley-Green neighborhood for over a decade. After ten years, the restaurant is set to close December 19th.

Owner Laura Serway says the COVID-19 pandemic played only a small role in her decision.

“It’s probably 20 percent, at the most, of my decision, but it’s not.  Eighty percent is me. COVID is a challenge. I just got off the phone with another restaurant (owner), it’s a challenge for him as well. All of us are going through it,” she said.

For Serway, the hardest part has been informing her employees things would be coming to an end. However, she is working to make sure her six full-time employees have a job lined up before things close.

“That’s the hardest part of this whole thing. They’re my family.  Seventy-five percent of my team has been with me three years or more.”

Laci’s Tapas does more for the community than just serving food. Serway and her former co-owner, Cindy Seymour, have helped revitalize the once struggling Hawley-Green neighborhood, and created an annual give back celebration that has raised thousands for local non-profits. Serway wants to make sure in the next phase of her life she continues giving back.

“I am very passionate about my community and I want to be positive that no matter what I do next it will be at the top of my list to have the opportunity to help people,” she said.

In its final month, Laci’s Tapas will be open Thursday through Saturday with a limited capacity. Although, the restaurant may be open additional days to keep up with the demand from loyal patrons. It is strongly recommended you call ahead to make a reservation. Laci’s is longtime supporter of WAER. 

Other businesses that shut down in August are Jail Hoss Rock Café on South State Street, Greenwood Winery on Collamer Road in DeWitt, and   BU Brewery on Brewerton Road in North Syracuse.

One bright spot, after Kelley’s Bar and Restaurant on Velasko Road closed, it was sold and re-opened recently as Chelsea’s Restaurant. Syracuse.com reports that the majority of the original Kelley’s staff was re-hired.