East Greenbush eatery added to NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry

RENSSELAER, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Gene's Fish Fry in East Greenbush was inducted into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry on Monday. It is reportedly the first fish fry to receive the designation in the state.

Gene's Fish Fry first opened in 1961, under Gene Halsey. The business was passed down to his son, Mark, and his wife, Priscilla, in 1998. The two continue to operate the fish fry with the help of their children.

"The fish fry isn't so much about the food or the milkshakes," Mark said during a ceremony on Monday. "It is about family, it is about community, about being a small part of the fabric of the town that we call home."

The eatery's menu features a variety of casual seafood fare, such as fried haddock, clam rolls and shrimp baskets, as well as burgers, hot dogs and chicken fingers. Side dishes include french fries, onion rings, coleslaw and macaroni salad.

The restaurant enjoys several regular customers, according to Mark. His son, AJ, said that people will even return to the fish fry after they've moved away.

"Growing up here and seeing the community that has been built around this establishment is always just so inspiring," AJ Halsey said.

The NYS Business Preservation Registry honors local businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to the history of their community. Senator Ashby nominated the fish fry because of its longstanding reputation in the East Greenbush community.

"Gene's is iconic," Ashby said. "This is a family tradition rooted in hard work, generosity and their faith."

Gene's Fish Fry is located at 300 Troy Road. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"We may not know what the future has in store for us here but I can promise you that, as long as the 'Gene's' name is on the sign, we will never stop giving this restaurant our all," AJ Halsey said. "So thank you for 64 fin-tastic years, now let's get cooking on the next 65."