A Celebration With Heart in Downtown Albany

ALBANY, NY (02/27/2008)(readMedia)-- Jillian’s of Albany will hold a special grand re-opening event on Thursday, February 28, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in partnership with the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID). “A Celebration with Heart” will commemorate American Heart Month and raise funds for the American Heart Association (AHA) while spotlighting significant changes and upgrades to Jillian’s following one year under new ownership.

February is American Heart Month, which kicked off on February 1 with the Go Red for Women campaign’s National Wear Red Day. The day is designed to raise awareness and dollars to fight heart disease and stroke in women, which are the #1 and #3 killers of women over the age of 25. Throughout this month, Jillian’s and other downtown Albany businesses have been featuring special red-themed window displays and selling paper hearts and Go Red for Women red dresses to raise additional funds and show community support for the AHA.

A minimum $10 donation at the door benefits the American Heart Association and comes with complimentary drinks and appetizers. Local favorite Ten Year Vamp will provide entertainment. During “A Celebration with Heart,” representatives from the Downtown Albany BID and Jillian’s of Albany will join Mayor Jerry Jennings for a brief program that will conclude with the presentation of funds to the AHA from companies who collected significant donations on National Wear Red Day.

In early 2007, Ralph Spillenger (owner of the Bayou Café), Mike Diraddo (former regional director of Jillian’s) and business partner John Botti purchased Jillian’s from the chain’s corporate headquarters and arranged to maintain the business’ brand identity. In the year since the change in ownership, the trio has changed the menu, updated entertainment technology and redirected the company’s marketing to target families and businesses.

“While people definitely know Jillian’s as a location for dining and nightlife, it is important to us that people understand the amenities we provide for family gatherings and parties,” said Mike Diraddo, noting the appeal of Jillian’s huge video game room on the building’s lower level. Added Diraddo, “Since we are located in the heart of the downtown Albany’s central business district, it was also essential to provide space for corporate meetings and receptions.”

To that end, one of the most significant additions to Jillian’s of Albany is a new meeting room with a capacity of up to 175. Beautifully decorated with images of Albany history, the room is fully wired, complete with digital video and projection capabilities and separate A/V and lighting controls.

“The arrival of Jillian’s in 1999 was the catalyst for explosive growth along downtown Albany’s Pearl Street entertainment corridor and played a major role in making downtown a premier destination for great dining, performances and events,” said Pamela Tobin, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. She added, “Jillian’s is now realizing its potential as a full-service facility that also actively addresses the needs of area residents and downtown Albany’s 40,000 workers.”

An RSVP is required to attend “A Celebration with Heart” on February 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reply to info@downtownalbany.org. Guests must be 21 and over. Jillian’s will open to the public at 8:00 p.m.

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The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501© (3) organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. Ample public parking is available at downtown’s public garages, lots and on-street metered spaces. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call (518) 465-2143 or visit www.downtownalbany.org.

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