Columbia County, New York Restaurant Closes After 87 Years

A restaurant near the Hudson Valley has announced they have closed after serving meals for almost 88 years.

If you have ever been to the town of Ghent in Columbia County, New York you've probably heard of either the Old Post Road Tavern or Kozel’s Restaurant, both located at 1006 Route 9H. The Old Post Tavern became Kozel's back in 1955 after the Kozel children took over operations from their parents Frank and Eva Kozel and changed the name. Ever since Kozel's has been a staple for amazing meals in Ghent, NY.

Kozel’s Closes

After almost 88 years serving Columbia County and beyond, Kozel's closed their doors for the last time back on November 12th according to News 10. When word of them closing began to spread many were wondering why? According to their website, they are officially closed but didn't reveal why, but did share a bit of history about the Kozel legacy in Ghent saying,

"In 1936, Frank and Eva Kozel founded the Old Post Road Tavern on the newly constructed State Route 9H. They lived in the house next door and operated a gas station as part of their new enterprise. Over time, their children would work in the ever-expanding tavern and restaurant. Frank Jr. and Eddie, along with their wives, Elsie and Barbara, took over the operations officially in 1955 and incorporated as Kozel’s Inc., making us the longest-running family-owned and operated restaurant in Columbia County."

The message went on to share how from the 1960's through the mid-80s the restaurant continued growing and became known "as a popular destination for breakfast meetings, wedding receptions, family dinners, and late-night cocktails."

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From the '80s through 2023, the restaurant was operated by Gus and Helen Kozel and was known for daily specials, sandwiches, roasting their own meats, grinding fresh hamburgers, and hand-cutting all of their steaks since 1936.

Ghent, NY Restaurant Says Goodbye

The Kozel's ended their message online by saying,

"Having served generations of families in the region, we are beyond proud of our legacy and living our mantra: 'There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met.' Thank you for your many years of patronage. Na zdravi"