SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — This weekend marks a significant milestone for Funk ‘n Waffles, a beloved local restaurant in downtown Syracuse.
Ten years ago, the South Clinton Street location officially opened its doors, turning a house party side project into a thriving business.
Now, 17 years since its humble beginnings, Funk ‘n Waffles is celebrating its decade-long presence in the heart of the city with live music, special performances, and a look back at how it all started.
“It’s an honor to serve the community and provide live music and delicious food to people,” said owner Adam Gold. “Some restaurants don’t last more than a year or two, but here we are, 17 years in with our second location, and we’re thriving in the heart of Syracuse.”
One of the things that keeps people coming back to Funk ‘n Waffles is the sense of community and connection it fosters. Joe Capobianco, an employee who’s been with the restaurant for two years, says it’s the regulars and the friendships that make Funk ‘n Waffles feel like home.
“One of my favorite things about the place is seeing the regulars who come in and building our own community,” Capobianco said. “It’s about making those relationships, making people feel welcome, and I think the community is a big part of it.”
While Funk ‘n Waffles is celebrating a decade in the downtown location, the restaurant’s owner is already thinking about the future. Gold hopes the restaurant can continue for years to come and is even considering passing it down to future generations.
“We own this property, so we’re not going anywhere. Hopefully, it’s something I can hand off to my kids one day, in 20 to 25 years,” Gold said.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Funk ‘n Waffles celebrates 10 years on South Clinton Street
Della Piana: Ten years ago this weekend, Funk ‘n Waffles in downtown Syracuse opened its South Clinton Street location. Owner and SU alum Adam Gold went from making waffles at house parties to now a successful restaurant.
Gold: Some restaurants don’t last more than a year or two, but here we are, 17 years in with our second location, which is by far the most successful. It’s in the heart of Syracuse, right downtown, surrounded by other businesses. It’s an honor to serve the community and provide live music and delicious food to people.
Della Piana: Funk ‘n Waffles is bringing back bands from their opening weekend to perform again. Employee Joe Capobianco has been there for two years and stays because of the people of Syracuse.
Capobianco: One of my favorite things about the place is seeing the regulars who come in and building our own community. It’s about making those relationships, making people feel welcome, and I think the community is a big part of it.
Capobianco: Yeah, if anyone asks for the funkiest recommendation you can give, obviously aside from the regular items like the Jive Turkey and the classic Chicken and Waffles, I’d recommend the Chicken and Waffles with banana bread batter.
Della Piana: Let’s dig in. Let’s start with the chicken first. Oh, that’s fresh; that’s beautiful. Now, let’s try the waffle. That banana bread is fantastic. Oh, that’s fantastic stuff, Joe. Right on for that.
Della Piana: As the tunes and food roll on, so does Adam’s love for passing the restaurant down.
Gold: We own this property, so we’re not going anywhere. Hopefully, it’s something I can hand off to my kids one day, in 20 to 25 years.
Della Piana: Reporting in Syracuse, Andrew Della Piana, NCC News.