When 1978 Batavia High School grad Phil Zickl Jr. becomes part of the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame later this month, he knows his late grandfather Robert E. Noonan (1907-1965) would be proud and cheering him on if he could.
Noonan was an avid football fan and player who aspired to get into the NFL. Despite a chain of missteps, including a twice-broken leg, he never made it. He had been a strong supporter of his grandson, who went on to play football into his sixties, scoring big at 64 this year when he and his team, the Syracuse Express, were named to the Hall of Fame.
“My mother and my aunt, and both are deceased now, but they used to talk about how family-oriented he was and how supportive he was. And so my initial thought is how supportive he would be of this happening, especially because he was so athletic, and he wasn't just successful in football, even though football was his first love … but he would be very positive and very supportive of just the induction,” Zickl said during an interview with The Batavian. “I remember when I first heard, one of my former teammates called me and left a voicemail. But the voicemail, it was hard to hear everything, it kind of crackled a little but I heard him say something about Hall of Fame, and I thought he was calling to tell me that he got inducted to his high school Hall of Fame. So I called him back, got his voice mail, and I said, ‘Hey, Mike, congratulations; I didn't hear the message completely, but it sounded like you said something that you were inducted to your high school hall of fame.’
“So, he called me back and said, 'No, no, Zick, it’s our team, the Syracuse Express.' it's a big deal. It's not that high school Hall of Fames are not a big deal, every Hall of Fame is a big deal as far as I'm concerned. This is the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame. We’re being inducted as one of the teams of honor,” Zickl said. “And I’ve got to say that it caught me off guard. It's one of those things you don't expect somebody to call you on the phone and tell you that. I'm not going to forget that night any time soon.”
His team will be honored during an awards dinner Nov. 11 in Syracuse. The GP/Syracuse Express went 36/6 across the 1985-86-87 seasons and won a pair of Minor Professional League championships in 1985 and 1987.
There were 15 former Orangemen who helped the Express to football glory during those title years. They included Ray Seals — the former Hotel Syracuse doorman who, as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, would later sack Dallas’ Troy Aikman in Super Bowl XXX, and Dave Jacobs and Chuck Cassidy.
It was an athletic combination that defeated the Chicago Cowboys (7-3 at muddy Griffin Field in 1985) and the San Jose Bandits (17-10 in glitzy Las Vegas in 1987) for their crowns, a worthy choice for one of the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame’s “Teams of Honor” for 2024. Listed on a program titled “Welcome to ‘Express’ Football” is #65 Phil Zickl with fellow Outstanding Syracuse Players teammates.
The Express competed in the Empire Football League. The team was owned by Greg Portzline, coached by Tom Anthony, and cheered by supportive crowds at old Griffin Field in Liverpool. This year, it’s being recognized as a Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame Team of Honor for the excellence it demonstrated from 1985 to 1987.
Ever since high school, where he was named Most Outstanding Lineman in his senior year, Zickl played minor league football for 25 years, being named to the American Football Association’s semi-pro records for Most Years of Service, which at the time it was compiled was 20 years. His age when listed as Most Aged Player was 55, having played for the Syracuse Express, Batavia Bandits, Hornell Dragons, Batavia Titans and Buffalo Gladiators.
After graduating BHS, Zikl went on to University at Buffalo and was briefly profiled as an alumnus for his athletic and professional achievements per the following:
“Zickl has continued playing semipro football well into his fifties after a successful playing career at UB as an offensive guard and defensive end in the 1980s. Since 2018, Phil has expanded his health and wellness business (Total Personal Wellness) to include education on American football. He is an American Football specialist and has participated in the sport for more than 40 years as both player and coach.”
Before branching out with his own business, Zickl worked in education as a social worker at Batavia Middle School while also still playing ball in Syracuse. He was able to arrange a schedule of driving to only one weekday practice, followed by a second one on Friday that included an overnight stay, and he would then play the weekend game. He was definitely hooked on the sport.
While he loved the game of football, he also enjoyed the ambition taken on by the group of athletes, he said.
“You’re all trying to work for the same goal. You’re everybody’s teammate, just being on a team working toward a common goal,” he said.
Zickl established his wellness business in 2017, making presentations on various related topics of maintaining and regaining good health; however, the pandemic shut down those in-person activities. The business, as he puts it, “went into hibernation.” He also has a penchant for song lyrics, having written at least 100 sets of parodies that he has licensed, with no certain path for what he’s going to do with them all other than using one as a team warm-up rap song.
He is rethinking the scope of his speaking topics and wants to circle back to what he perhaps knows and loves best: football and the history of American football, dating back to 1869. He has learned plenty of other lessons, though, while immersing himself in the sport, including while with the Express.
“It was a real city of Syracuse team, and the majority of the players were African American, and so I was a minority. And I was a minority for months at a time. And it really made me think that every human being who is capable of understanding being a minority situation should have that experience. Because to me, I think it allows you, I mean, this is aside from what I said before about the team all pulls together, but it also allows you to feel, like, 'walk a mile in my shoes,' type of thing,” he said. “It gives you that opportunity to walk a mile in someone else's shoes, especially because I'm European American, so I don't remember any other times when I was a minority, but I remember early on, you know, first, second year on the team, I remember thinking, this is a really good experience.”
For more information about the Hall of Fame and upcoming event, go HERE.
Phil Zickl, second row from top, far left, with his Syracuse GP Express teammates. Submitted Photo
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is welcoming anyone from the GOW (Genesee Orleans Wyoming Counties to stop into their office underneath the Green Awning at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.
You are invited to stop in anytime between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday November 21. No appointments are needed!
You can learn about our health-related services for people with disabilities including: Loan Closet Equipment, Housing Employment, Medicaid Applications, Seniors’ Programs, Taking Control Personal care aide assistance; Children and Youth Service /Specialists and MORE!
More information is available at 585-815-8501, extension 400.
The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“GHM” or the “Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries, today reported financial results for its second quarter for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (“fiscal 2025”). Results for the quarter include the P3 Technologies, LLC (“P3”) acquisition, which closed on November 9, 2023.
Revenue increased 19% to $53.6 million, driven by strength across its markets
Margin expansion fueled by sales growth and execution: Gross margin improved 790 basis points to 23.9% of sales, net margin increased 520 basis points to 6.1% of sales, and adjusted EBITDA¹ margin expanded 550 basis points to 10.5% of sales
Net income per diluted share was $0.30 in the second quarter; adjusted net income per diluted share¹ was $0.31
Strong orders of $63.7 million, driven by demand from defense, space, and refining, resulted in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2x and a record backlog of $407 million²
Strong balance sheet with no debt, $32.3 million in cash, and access to $43 million under its revolving credit facility at quarter end to support growth initiatives
Raised full year guidance for gross margin and adjusted EBITDA¹ to reflect improved profitability
“Our team’s efforts to diversify and strengthen the business over the past few years are clearly yielding results, as shown by our record second-quarter performance,” commented Daniel J. Thoren, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Strong sales growth in our markets, along with exceptional execution throughout the business, have driven meaningful margin expansion. Our strategic emphasis on higher-margin opportunities and operational efficiencies has been a key driver of this success.”
Mr. Thoren added, “We are also focused on recruiting and retaining top talent, and have initiatives to enhance our supply chain, which helps us to improve performance and manage our risk. These initiatives, along with our strengthened balance sheet, robust orders², and growing backlog², we believe positions us well to sustain growth and profitability for the next several years. Importantly, we have raised our full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance, keeping us firmly on track to achieve our FY2027 target of low to mid-teen adjusted EBITDA margins.”
Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“Graham” or “the Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries, announced today its plans to construct a state-of-the-art cryogenic propellant testing facility in Florida, near its P3 Technologies, LLC subsidiary.
Leveraging Graham’s longstanding expertise in the cryogenic and space launch industries, this new facility will help to meet increasing demand for efficient, scalable testing solutions in key markets, including Space, Defense, New Energy, and potential applications in the medical field.
“We believe this new testing facility will strengthen our position as a trusted partner by directly addressing customer needs for timely and cost-effective cryogenic propellant testing, complementing our existing capabilities and advancing the support we can offer current programs,” said Dan Thoren, Graham Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer. “This investment underscores our commitment to supporting both current and future customer programs through innovative and accessible testing solutions, while enhancing Graham’s role across the Space, Defense, and New Energy sectors.”
Sheriff Bill Sheron and his wife Shari. Photo by Howard Owens.
Sheriff Bill Sheron, who retires at the end of the year, was honored at Terry Hills on Thursday evening as a man who has not only served the residents of Genesee County for 47 years but has also been an innovator who has developed new programs to fight crime and assist and protect the young people of the community.
Sheron helped create the Local Drug Task Force in 1989. As sheriff, he created the department's School Resource Officer program, instituted the teen academy to introduce high school students to careers in law enforcement, and oversaw the construction of a new state-of-the-art jail in the town of Batavia.
Sheron started his career with the Sheriff's Office just before his 19th birthday in 1977 as a dispatcher before moving to road patrol. He transferred to deputy sheriff in the jail, then road patrol, then sergeant, then investigator, and then chief deputy of road patrol in 1993, undersheriff in 1996, and sheriff in 2017.
Legislator Shelley Stein recognized Sheron's willingness to shoulder the burden for public safety in Genesee County.
"It's our privilege to be here to celebrate the years of service Bill Sheron has carried on behalf of Genesee County," Stein said. "At first, he took up a badge, and then he took the mantle, and he has carried that for us. And it's not an easy weight."
City Council President Eugene Jankowski, a retired Batavia PD lieutenant, said he understands that burden, noting that there are nearly 60,000 residents in Genesee County.
"He's responsible for every one of those people who live there," Jankowski said. "It's a lot of work. It's a lot of worry. It's a lot of dedication, and he truly deserves his retirement, and I wish him all the best."
Sheriff Bill Sheron Photo by Howard Owens.
Alex Wilson, with the NYS Sheriff's Association, presents Sheriff Bill Sheron with a plaque commemorating his selection as a lifetime member of the association. Wilson praised Sheron's dedication to law enforcement and the association. "It's especially good to come here to say farewell to him and farewell to the wisdom and expertise that he's graciously shared with us for many years, and the tutelage that he's been able to give other sheriffs coming up through the ranks." Photo by Howard Owens.
On the heels of a record-setting weekend, New Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown announced today that Batavia Downs will pay tribute to our veterans with a Veterans Day complimentary meal and drink for those who visit on Monday, November 11.
Batavia Downs anticipates a busy holiday weekend as it will host the Zonta Holiday Festival, an Artisan & Vendor Marketplace, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This free-admission event will feature various vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and holiday essentials, perfect for early holiday shopping.
Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Batavia/Genesee, this annual marketplace brings together local artisans, making it a must-visit event for the community. Guests can also enjoy a visit from Santa Claus on Sunday, November 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., making it an excellent outing for families. To add a touch of excitement, a Buffalo Football Door Prize will be drawn on Sunday.
In honor of Veterans Day, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is proud to offer a complimentary menu for veterans inside of Club Bud Light at 34 Rush on Monday, November 11, from 12 to 6 p.m. With a valid military ID, veterans can choose from a special menu, including:
Boneless Wings: 10 wings with a choice of sauce, served with bleu cheese and fries.
Rush Burger: 6oz beef patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a secret sauce on a Kaiser roll, served with fries.
Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast with bruschetta mix, provolone cheese, and balsamic glaze on a Kaiser roll, served with fries.
Soup & Salad Bar
Beverage Choice: 12oz domestic draft or soda.
Veterans are invited to relax and enjoy a meal in appreciation of their service.
“Our debt to the brave men and women of our military can never be repaid and should never be forgotten,” said Byron Brown, President and CEO of Batavia Downs. “As the new President and CEO, I join with our Board of Directors in thanking them for their service to our great country and look forward to seeing them on Veteran's Day at Batavia Downs.”
The previous weekend saw the 3rd highest Coin in day of all time, with handle passing $5.3 Million on Friday, November 1 as Batavia Downs welcomed the Legends and Stars Sports Expo to Batavia Downs. Several current and former Buffalo Football Players signed autographs for hundreds of fans from Western New York that Friday and Saturday. Legends and Stars’ next event is slated to be the weekend of February 21.
A Batavia High School legend, died Wednesday in Atlanta at age 88.
Bossler, a fullback, played seven seasons with the Washington Redskins, amassing 3,112 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He was drafted by the Redskins in the ninth pick of the first round of the 1957 draft.
He was heavily recruited coming out of Batavia HS and was a four-year starter at the University of Miami. In his senior year, MIami finished 8-1-1 and the team was ranked sixth in the nation. He is a member Batavia High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.
He rushed for 1,642 yards at Miami. He was a first team all-American in 1956 (Jim Brown and Johnny Majors were also in that backfield) and was named MVP of the Senior Bowl when he ran for 187 yards.
While at Miami, one sports writer referred to him as "The Batavia Bulldozer."
Photo of David's most recent holiday romance. Courtesy DN Publishing.
The Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to welcome local author David Neth for a reading, talk and book signing on Saturday, November 16 at 11 am in the Reading Room.
David will discuss being an author and his many books, including a Hallmark-like series of holiday romance books set right here in Batavia!
Get your holiday shopping done early! Books will be available for sale at the event. Light refreshments served. Free to attend and all are welcome!
David Neth is the author of nearly 30 books of fantasy and superhero fiction. He has also written over 10 holiday romance books under the pen name D. Allen. He has worked with books for over 10 years, from writing to editing, designing to promoting, and now curating collections and teaching as a librarian. He lives in Batavia with his family.
For more information visit batavialibrary.org or contact Samantha Stryker at sstryker@nioga.org.
The Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia.
File photo of Genesee County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph Graff. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
On November 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Stuff the Cruiser” will take place at Batavia Towne Center on Veterans Memorial Drive.
Local law enforcement and social welfare agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia Police Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Genesee County Probation Department, Genesee Justice and the Genesee County Department of Social Services, will collect donations to brighten the holiday season for children and teenagers in need across Genesee County.
Community members are invited to stop by and donate new toys, clothing, small gift cards, personal care items, hats, gloves, and non-perishable foods. All donations will stay within the county and benefit local families this holiday season!
For more information, please contact Jason Mindler at 585-344-2550 ext. 2254 or Jason.Mindler@geneseeny.gov.
Kelly Heilemann, Pamela Ware, Robin Ettinger (all DAR members), Michael Doktor, deputy mayor for the village of Corfu, and Jesica Doktor, a prospective DAR member). Photo by Howard Owens.
Members of the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution partnered with the Holland Land Office Museum on Wednesday to honor veterans from all eras, giving away pins, flags, challenge coins, stickers, and Constitution booklets.
"It's just our way of the DAR to help serve veterans and our mission to thank them for everything they've done for our country," said Robin Ettinger.
Photo of Celia Bayama courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
It was a huge Wednesday (November 6) night for Shawn McDonough at Batavia Downs after he accounted for a total of six wins consisting of a driving grand slam -- featuring a natural hat trick in races six through eight -- and a training double.
One of McDonough's driving wins came in the $11,000 distaff pacing feature with Celia Bayama, who despite winning just two starts ago, was completely dismissed by punters and went off at 54-1. But the mare made those speculators regret their collective decisions after she rallied late to win and pay $111.50.
Celia Bayama got away a distant sixth as Forgot Thewallet A (Dave McNeight III) out-dueled Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) to the quarter in :27.1. Now on the point, Forgot Thewallet A backed off the half to :56.2 before It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) came first-over to challenge heading onto the second circuit.
It’s Corona Time eventually got the lead from Forgot Thewallet A at three-quarters and then started to separate. Right behind the new leader was Summer Slash, who tipped out around the fading Forgot Thewallet A, Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) who was two deep around her and Celia Bayama, who was in full flight and four-wide heading into the last turn. It’s Corona time was on top by two, but Celia Bayma was second and closing fast as the stretch drew near. Celia Bayama battled It’s Corona Time all the way to the wire where she edged in front and won by a half length in 1:55.2.
It was the fifth win of the year for the Jean Reid owned Celia Bayama and one of two training wins on Wednesday for Chris Petrelli.
McDonough completed his slam with No More Sweets (1:59.3, $7.60), Mcvera (1:55.3, $11.40) and Gracious Triumph (2:00.4, $3.60). No More Sweets and Gracious Triumph are both trained by McDonough.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 8) with post time at 6:00 p.m. with a $1,209 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a carryover of $414 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 12th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page..
The VA Western New York Healthcare System Enrollment and Eligibility, Connected Care, Medical Foster Home, Speech and Language Pathology, Suicide Prevention, and Visually Impaired Services teams will be on-site to meet with Veterans at State Senator George Borrello's Veteran Enrollment and Outreach Event on Thursday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW Post 1602-Veness-Strollo, 25 Edwards Street in Batavia.
During the event, Veterans and their families can learn about VA benefits and VA representatives will be on hand to answer questions about healthcare options, the federal PACT Act, and more.
Genesee County Sheriff-elect Joseph Graff Tuesday night at the Republican gathering spot of Terry Hills in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Tuesday began early for Democratic Election Commissioner Lorie Longhany, who got up around 3 a.m. in anticipation of a busy Election Day, she says.
Longhany monitored the voting process and supervised 60 election workers throughout Genesee County. At just a few minutes before midnight, votes were still being tallied as exhausted workers looked forward to the end.
“For us, we’re very glad it is almost over,” Longhany said at 11:50 p.m. “Our staff worked very hard, especially the last month preparing for early voting and immediately rolling into Election Day.”
Presidential elections always draw the most people out to the polls, officials have said, and numbers have backed up that belief with early voting and on Election Day for candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
For nine days preceding the big day, there was early voting, which brought in a total of 7,233 people to cast their votes for local and national races. The first day of early voting drew a record-breaking number of 1,143 people to the ARC in Batavia, she said, and there were more than 22,000 votes cast on Election Day in Genesee County. There are 37,670 active registered voters in Genesee County, putting voter turnout at 77.6%
True to this county's deep Republican roots, the numbers panned out accordingly for the presidential, congressional, and Byron clerk and town council races.
Joseph Graff was the lone candidate running for Genesee County Sheriff on the Republican and Conservative tickets and is the Sheriff-elect to fill a vacancy left by Sheriff William Sheron, who will be retiring from the position at the end of this year. Graff received 22,300 votes, and there were 91 write-ins.
Kevin Andrews, who ran unopposed on the Republican and Conservative lines to fill the spot left by former treasurer Scott German, who is also retiring at year's end, will be the Genesee County treasurer. Andrews received 21,939 votes, and there were 59 write-ins.
German will take up a new role in January as the Republican election commissioner to fill a gap left by the retiring Richard Siebert. However, this was an appointed position by the county Legislature and not on the ballot.
David Wagenhauser, a Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for the NY-24 territory, lost by a vote of 7,531 to 18,921.
Donald Trump came out ahead of Kamala Harris for president of the United States with double the votes, 18,580 to 9,098, and 241 write-in votes.
Despite the high number of people processed, everything went well, from setup to the final day for voting, Longhany said. Voters were pleasant, and poll workers and techs did “an outstanding job.”
She said there were no issues with voters on Tuesday, and all poll sites had steady traffic throughout the day. They kept coming to cast their decisions right up to closing time at 9 p.m. Final, unofficial numbers were posted online at the Board of Elections by 2 a.m.
Genesee County Democrats monitored election votes at GO ART! in Batavia. The county party rented the space for $180. Photo by Howard Owens.
Genesee County Treasurer-elect Kevin Andrews at Terry Hills in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Steve Pies, Phil Pies, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley Photo by Howard Owens
Andris Chapin and Assemblyman Steve Hawley Submitted photo
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C-Batavia) was proud to honor Chapin International and Max Pies Furniture, two staple businesses in Western New York, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, for being officially designated on the New York Historic Business Preservation Registry (HBPR). Established in 1920, the HBPR highlights the legacy of local businesses that have made a significant impact in their communities, offering them recognition and support to continue growing and serving the public.
On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Assemblyman Hawley presented certificates to both businesses in honor of their recognition. This recognition represents their long-standing service and dedication to their community, enriching the Batavia area.
Assemblyman Hawley admires the businesses, stating, “Both Chapin International and Max Pies Furniture have built a legacy of hard work, integrity and service to the people of Batavia and the greater part of Western New York. Recognizing these historic businesses is about honoring their contributions to our communities and supporting their continued success,” said Hawley. “Their presence has been a pillar in Batavia, and I am honored to celebrate their achievements.”
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry is a remarkably diverse collection of businesses across the state that have demonstrated generations of dedication to their local economies and communities. We welcome the opportunity to recognize businesses like Max Pies Furniture Company through this honorific program and appreciate receiving nominations from state elected officials to help this registry grow. With more than 200 businesses now listed, it is a fascinating history lesson on New Yorkers’ ongoing ambition, ingenuity and perseverance.”
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry is a remarkably diverse collection of businesses across the state that have demonstrated generations of dedication to their local economies and communities. We welcome the opportunity to recognize businesses like Chapin Manufacturing through this honorific program and appreciate receiving nominations from state elected officials, who will help this registry continue to grow. With over 200 businesses now listed, it is a fascinating history lesson on New Yorkers’ ambition, ingenuity, and perseverance.”
Pub Coffee Hub owner Rob Credi has mixed but confident feelings about his latest decision to close the shop at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, after a four-year run.
Credi announced the news on social media Tuesday and talked to The Batavian about prioritizing his work and family life. Pub Coffee Hub will close on Nov. 16.
“There’s nothing wrong with the business; it’s a profitable business. I think that we really exceeded my expectations. I feel like we really hit the ceiling for as how much we can grow in this space. I was actively looking for somewhere to move the coffee shop to, which is why I was originally engaged in conversations with (realtor) Gavin when the whole Gilliana's thing came up. But there wasn’t really anything that was worth moving the whole shop into … that would give us the greatest opportunity to expand and grow. So that was my first choice was to move it somewhere … and the second option was to see if someone wanted to take it over, whether it was buying the business as a whole and continuing this Pub Hub or just buying the assets and starting their own coffee shop,” Credit said, explaining that nothing worked out for any of those options. “And ultimately, you know, my life will be so much easier if I just wash my hands and call it a day. It’s been a great run. No regrets. We did incredibly well, and I’m happy with what we were able to do.
“So 99% of me is very sad, but the 1% is like, selfishly speaking, happy to get that off of my plate,” he said. “It’s nice because my staff is great; they really do run the day-to-day for me, but there’s still so much that I still need to do that they can’t do for me. So, being able to take that off my plate, we prioritize my young son at home, more that I want to be more available for, and then with my actual full-time job and everything, it’s just going to make my life a little bit easier.”
He currently has five part-time staff, and he is very grateful to them for being dedicated workers, as he is the customers, many who were regulars and most likely will continue to get their coffee and food orders up to the last day of closing, which is Nov. 16, he said.
Credi considered staying open a while longer, but he didn’t want to get into the holiday season, when Pub Hub sold a lot of gift cards, and then have to deal with closing later and the potential for issuing refunds and unused cards. So, mid-November would give a couple of weeks’ notice to everyone and not get into that, he said.
An entrepreneur at heart, Credi bucked the odds by opening the coffee shop on the east end of town, moving into the Harvester Center complex formerly occupied by Moon Java and building up a business frequented not only by coffee lovers but by folks who enjoyed mingling and meeting and conducting business and arts events. He served as a spokesman of sorts when the avenue was torn up and parking became an issue, advocating for better communication between small businesses and municipal leaders.
Credi also opened the Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary and Xavmen Ramen just down the street in the same complex, closing them after a stint of finding some success with the takeout ramen place and hosting a Puerto Rican takeout restaurant for a short time.
He continues to serve as business manager for Shush Wine Bar LLC (the actual name will change once opened next spring 2025) at 41 Jackson St. in the former Gilliana’s restaurant, in downtown Batavia, and looks forward to that venture owned by Bonnie Woodward and family.
Throughout all of his endeavors, Credi understands and appreciates the patronage of loyal customers. On social media, he expressed how “incredibly grateful” he is for the support of his family, wife, customer base, and “trustworthy” staff.
“I couldn’t have taken it on without them,” he said,” “for making Pub Hub what it was.”
Isabell Herdlein, a 1st grader at Jackson Primary School, rode to school today in City Fire's ladder truck as her prize for winning the department's annual coloring contest at her school. Joining her in the photo with the firefighters is her teacher, Lexi Wahr.
