Delaware North’s travel business this week celebrated the opening of Taste NY café at Pembroke Travel Plaza, where it operates food and beverage services for the New York State Thruway on I-90 just east of Buffalo.
The café is part of a statewide campaign started by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to showcase New York’s food and beverage industries by promoting products made throughout the state. With initiatives like the Taste NY café, the program has created opportunities for local producers to feature their goods at a variety of landmark locations throughout the state, including Niagara Falls, and at large public events such as the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse.
“Delaware North has been serving guests in New York State for more than 100 years, so we know just how distinctive and varied the food offerings can be from all corners of the state,” said Rob Robinson, Delaware North’s district manager for NYS Thruway travel plazas. “We embrace the Taste NY program and look forward to showcasing these items for thruway travelers.”
The Taste NY café at the Pembroke Travel Plaza features a wide variety of grab-and-go snacks and drinks, including popcorn products from Jamestown Popcorn, beverages from Mayer Brothers in Buffalo, and Upstate Niagara dairy products. Hot food and beverage items, such as Zweigle’s hot dogs from Rochester and DeLima Coffee from Cicero (Syracuse), are also available.
“We’re so excited to bring visitors traveling from Western New York a taste of the region — from New York dairy to maple,” said Richard A. Ball, New York state’s agriculture commissioner. “The Taste NY program has grown dramatically since it was created by the governor and shows no signs of slowing down. I thank our partners at the Thruway Authority and Delaware North for helping to share the story of our great agricultural producers in New York and encourage agri-tourism across the state.”
Delaware North also participates in the Taste NY program in its parks and resorts division at Niagara Falls State Park by offering New York State products in its gift shops and local food offerings at the Top of the Falls restaurant.