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Rudy’s Is Open – Can Spring Be Far Behind?

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OSWEGO TOWN, NY – Rudy’s welcomed back dozens of its closest friends on Wednesday.

Don and Bev Alton, the first customers of the year, get their food ready to eat.

Don and Bev Alton, the first customers of the year, get their food ready to eat.

Even though the calendar says the vernal equinox won’t take place until Sunday evening, local residents know better. Spring returns when the historic little restaurant nestled on the shore of Lake Ontario at The Loop throws open its doors.

This year, customers were greeted with mild weather, albeit a tad rainy.

Cars usually begin lining up in front of the eatery more than 90 minutes before its scheduled 10 a.m. opening.

However, this year the first patrons didn’t actually arrive until 10:02 a.m.

Don and Bev Alton were somewhat surprised when they walked through the door and found they were the first customers for the new season.

“Wow, this is the first time we’ve been first,” she exclaimed.

Within a matter of moments the parking lot resembled a hot August night, rather than a chilly and damp March morning.

Patrons, hungry to shake off the winter doldrums with some summer fare, placed their orders of French fries, fish, Texas hots and other items as the counter staff shouted the orders back to the cooks.

Jason Livesey cooks up another order on opening day 2011.

Jason Livesey cooks up another order on opening day 2011.

The restaurant goes through about 30 to 50 cases of its famous Texas hot sauce during the first week they open each year.

Most ate their meals inside while others carried their food in cardboard trays out to their vehicles. The pesky morning drizzle apparently was enough to dissuade people from dining outside at one of the picnic table overlooking the snowcapped icebergs remaining on Lake Ontario.

“I usually get the Blue Plate,” Bev Alton said. “Probably some mushrooms and ice tea, too.”

“I’m going to get a fish hot and a Texas hot and a chocolate milk,” her husband said, adding, “My sister-in-law is always trying to beat us here.”

“This is the earliest we’ve ever been here,” Bev said.

“Well, neither one of us is working anymore,” Don pointed out. “We’ve been here a couple of times checking to see if they were open yet.”

Jason Livesey, general manager, said he was glad to see so many people on opening day.

“It’s our 65th year. We’re excited. The weather has worked out in our favor. I was a little nervous a few weeks ago when it kept snowing,” he said.

“Starting last week, so many of our customers anticipate when we’re going to open, and I would say yesterday alone we must have taken about 100 phone calls from people asking ‘is it true you are opening tomorrow?’ It is a spring time tradition to be here opening day,” he continued.

He describes the lakeside landmark as a social area and entertainment as well as great food. Not much has been changed for the new season, he added.

“It’s a great place to come and meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while or make new friends,” he said. “We are going to do something to celebrate our 65th birthday.”

There are some new items that will appear on the menu during the season.

Gil Oldenburg and his son toast the opening of Rudy's with their chocolate milks. The business is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year.

Gil Oldenburg and his son toast the opening of Rudy's with their chocolate milks. The business is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year.

“We have a couple of things that I’m particularly excited about. One is a soft-shell crab sandwich. It’s a great sandwich; I think the people here are really going to like that,” he said. “And, we’ll be offering a few more spicy things. The next thing that I want to get in is lobster rolls. We won’t start those until probably about May.”

Rudy’s was opened in 1946 by Marie and Rudy Gadziala. It began as an open-air stand, later expanding and adding indoor seating.

Rudy’s second cousin, Brad Livesey with his wife, Carol (Jason’s parents), bought the restaurant when Gadziala died in 1976.

Brad and Carol began working at Rudy’s in 1960; Brad died in July of 2005.

Jason credits the success of the business to its staff and many loyal customers, in Oswego County and beyond.

“Most of all our staff is back this year. Some are part-time,” he noted. “We’re not really changing much this year. I love seeing all the people coming in and seeing all the friends they haven’t seen since last summer. Since the first week of November, I have been ready to come back here. As they say, if it’s not broken – don’t fix it.”

Rudy’s Opening Heralds Unofficial Start Of Spring

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OSWEGO TOWN, NY – Rudy’s welcomed back more than 100 of its closest friends Wednesday.

Kayla Mae Kinney places her opening day order. Looking on are Louis and Harriet Gilmore.

Kayla Mae Kinney places her opening day order. Looking on are Louis and Harriet Gilmore.

Even though the calendar says the vernal equinox won’t take place until sometime on March 20, local residents know better. Spring returns when the historic little restaurant nestled on the shore of Lake Ontario at The Loop throws open its doors.

This year, customers were greeted with warm weather and sunshine.

Cars began lining up in front of the eatery more than 90 minutes before its scheduled 10 a.m. opening.

The first “person” in line this year was actually a canine.

Toby, a three-year-old English lab, sat by the front door and waited patiently. His favorite dish is a Rudy’s Texas hot (without onions) with some French fries, noted Grant Davis.

The doors opened at 9:45 a.m., 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

Immediately, hungry patrons placed their orders of French fries, fish and other items as the counter staff shouted the orders back to the cooks.

Toby waited in the car to have his lunch delivered.

Emily Finn, left front, Katelyn Gurney and Cathryn Darling, right, were among those who enjoyed their Rudy's lunch outside by the lake.

Emily Finn, left front, Katelyn Gurney and Cathryn Darling, right, were among those who enjoyed their Rudy's lunch outside by the lake.

Most of the patrons ate their meals inside while others carried their food in cardboard trays out to their vehicles. A few took advantage of the warm weather and enjoyed their repast at a picnic table. A chilly breeze off the lake did little to detract from the excitement of opening day.

Urban legend holds that if a “tardy” high school student returns with some Rudy’s fare for their teachers, they won’t be marked absent.

Kayla Mae Kinney was so excited about opening day, she was singing, “We’re going to Rudy’s. We’re going to Rudy’s,” pretty much the whole day before, according to her lunch dates, Harriett and Louis Gilmore.

“She called me the night before and asked if I was going to take her to Rudy’s,” Louis said. “She loves coming out here.”

It was the third year in a row the youngster was at opening day.

Kayla waited “all winter!” to come back and get some more Rudy’s food, especially French fries, she said.

Toby waits for a Texas hot - minus onions.

Toby waits for a Texas hot - minus onions.

The restaurant goes through about 30 to 50 cases of its famous Texas hot sauce during the first week they open each year.

Jason Livesey, general manager, said he was glad to see so many people on opening day.

“The kids that were out there first, were there from 8:30 on,” he said. “It’s great to get going again and get to see everyone we haven’t seen all winter. It’s our extended family reunion. We’re looking forward to another great year.”

He describes the lakeside landmark as a social area and entertainment as well as great food.

“It’s a great place to come and meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while or make new friends,” he said.

Rudy’s was opened in 1946 by Marie and Rudy Gadziala. It began as an open-air stand, later expanding and adding indoor seating.

Jason Livesey prepares another order on opening day 2010.

Jason Livesey prepares another order on opening day 2010.

Rudy’s second cousin, Brad Livesey with his wife, Carol (Jason’s parents), bought the restaurant when Gadziala died in 1976.

Brad and Carol began working at Rudy’s in 1960; Brad died in July of 2005.

Jason credits the success of the business to its many loyal customers, in Oswego County and beyond.

This year, he is attempting to hold prices to what they were last year in light of the economic times.

“We’re not really changing much this year,” he said. “We are pretty much maxed out as far as what we can add to the menu.

Rudy’s B Mites Battle in Oswego Minor Hockey Action

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Evan Giocondo of the Rudy’s B Mites carries the puck up the ice in recent action against Midstate Black at the New York State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Next up for Rudy’s is this upcoming weekend’s Port of Oswego Authority Mite Invitational Hockey Tournament in Oswego.

OSWEGO, New York – The Rudy’s B Mites lost a tight 4-3 matchup against Midstate Black this past weekend at the Coliseum at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

After falling behind 4-0 in the first period to the Midstate Black team, Rudy’s battled back late in the second. Rudy’s forward Mark Jones got things started with a goal off a perfect pass from Cole Cullinan. Just minutes later Jones added an unassisted goal that cut the Midstate lead to 4-2.

Spencer Stepien then continued the scoring for Rudy’s at 10:54 of the third period with a backhand into the Midstate net to bring the score to within one goal.

And, despite a flurry of shots on the Midstate goalie throughout the remainder of the period, the Rudy’s squad could not register another goal.

Rudy’s goalie Tyler Wallace recorded 9 saves, and shut down Midstate in the second and third period.

“These kids played really solid hockey after falling behind early in the first period,” said Rudy’s Head Coach Mark Fierro. “I am proud of the way they responded on offense, and also how Tyler and the defense kept them scoreless over the last two periods.”

In previous week’s action the Rudy’s squad picked up a tough win against Midstate Black, and lost a tough matchup against Midstate White.


Rudy’s 6 Midstate Black 4

Rudy’s picked up a 6-4 win on home ice against visiting Midstate Black. The Rudy’s team jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with goals from Nick Burnett, Mark Jones and Cammi Ahern.

“The team really stepped it up early with the three goals and then played strong throughout the remaining periods,” said Rudy’s Head Coach Mark Fierro.

Rudy’s forward Jones had an answer for Midstate’s scoring in the second and third period with three more goals. He also added an assist off of Ahern’s first period score.

Katie Fierro, Anthony DiBlasi and Ahern also added assists in the victory.

Tyler Wallace picked up the win and recorded 21 saves.

Midstate White 4 Rudy’s 2

Three third period goals by Midstate White was the difference in a recent matchup between Rudy’s and their visitors from Syracuse.

After Mark Jones scored at the 1:05 mark of the first period to tie the contest 1-1, Midstate scored three unanswered goals and held on for the win. Jones had one more goal at 5:26 of the third period to finish the scoring at 4-2.

“This was a tough matchup for our kids, but they had lost to the same team 7-1 earlier in the season, so there was a lot of improvement on both ends of the ice in this game,” said Rudy’s Head Coach Mark Fierro.

According to Fierro, the team continues to be led by the combined efforts of Jones, Cullinan, Ahern, Stepien, DiBlasi, Wallace, Burnett, Fierro, Andrew Noyes, Evan Giocondo, Lucas Shepardson, Julia Roman, Bryson Bush, and Isaiah Raby.

Port Of Oswego Authority Mite Invitational Hockey Tournament Scheduled for February 19-21 in Oswego

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The Port of Oswego Authority Mite Invitational Hockey Tournament will hit the ice February 19-21 in Oswego. The 24th annual Oswego Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) tradition will include four Oswego teams, as well others from throughout New York State and Canada. Shown pictured at a Mite Practice recently are from left to right back row: Jennifer Shepardson, Tournament Committee Member; Terry Hammill, Port of Oswego Authority Board Chairman; and Alicia Graham, Tournament Committee Member. Shown representing the OMHA Mite Teams are from left to right front row: Brandon Graham, of Oswego Sub Shop and Lucas Shepardson of Rudy’s.

OSWEGO, New York – The Port of Oswego Authority Mite Invitational Hockey Tournament will take place February 19-21 at the Crisafulli and Cullinan Ice Rinks in Oswego.

The Port of Oswego Authority has once again partnered with Oswego Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) as the major sponsor for the 3-day event, according to Terry Hammill, Chairman of the Port of Oswego Authority Board of Directors.

“We’re extremely pleased to be a part of this longstanding OMHA Mite Hockey tradition,” said Hammill. “The Port of Oswego is proud of their ongoing sponsorship of this tournament, and are pleased that our support will directly benefit the event’s success and the young athletes participating.”

The OMHA Mite Program will be represented in the tournament locally by teams sponsored by Oswego Sub Shop, Rudy’s Lakeside, Domino’s Pizza, and Raby’s Ace Home Center. 11 additional teams in the field are from all areas of New York State, as well as one team from Canada.

“We’re looking forward to a wonderful weekend of hockey,” said Bob Graham, Director of the 2010 Mite Invitational Hockey Tournament. “The kids, parents and OMHA greatly appreciate the support of the Port of Oswego Authority as our event sponsor, and are excited about the competition slated for this year’s tourney.”

For additional information on the 2010 Port of Oswego Authority Mite Invitational Hockey Tournament contact Graham at (315) 343-2827, or visit the Oswego Minor Hockey Association website at www.oswegohockey.com/tourninfo.htm.

All games are free admission and open to the public.

The Port of Oswego is the first U.S. port and first deepwater port on the Great Lakes from the St. Lawrence Seaway and is accessible from virtually any international port in the world. The port was officially commissioned in 1955 but has been a major driver in local and national commerce since the 1800s.

The Port is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to accommodate vessels from all ports on the Great Lakes and around the world. The port entrance depth is 27 feet, a width of 750 feet, a turning basin of 115 acres, and it has no restrictions on beam length for ships entering the harbor. A U.S. Customs Service office is maintained on site to facilitate the movement of legitimate international cargo by rail, truck and water.

For more information, contact the Port of Oswego Authority at 315-343-4503 or visit www.portoswego.com.

Summer Is Still In The Air At St. Luke Thanks To A Visit From Rudy’s Lakeside

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Pictured (left to right) is Rudy’s owners Jason Livsey with his son Bradley; and Carol Livesey with granddaughter Addison; visiting with St. Luke resident Louise Kon; during a luncheon held at St. Luke, courtesy of Rudy’s Lakeside.

Pictured (left to right) is Rudy’s owners Jason Livsey with his son Bradley; and Carol Livesey with granddaughter Addison; visiting with St. Luke resident Louise Kon; during a luncheon held at St. Luke, courtesy of Rudy’s Lakeside.

OSWEGO – What has become an end of summer ritual for folks at St. Luke Health Services, Rudy’s owners Carol and Jason Livsey, and family visited and brought with them all the fixing’s for a great lunch, featuring Rudy’s favorites like a great fish sandwich and of course – “Texas Hots”.

Rudy’s not only provided the ingredient for the lunch, Rudy’s owner Jason Livesey used the St. Luke kitchen to prepare the meals and St. Luke volunteers and staff served the meals to residents.

“Judging by all the smiles and compliments, our residents enjoyed this wonderful event and our sincerest thanks to Carol and Jason Livsey, their family, and everyone at Rudy’s for their hard work in again making this a special event,” said Director of Activities Donna Rose. “Many of our residents have enjoyed the summertime ritual of a meal from Rudy’s for a long time. It is very generous of the Livsey family to donate lunch with all the fixings, their time and their warmth in visiting with our folks.”

Do This Tonight: The History of Rudy’s at The Loop

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<p>This photos shows the carousel which was located just past Rudy’s on the Loop. A trolley ran to this recreation area, which included a public beach, in the summers. </p>

This photos shows the carousel which was located just past Rudy’s on the Loop. A trolley ran to this recreation area, which included a public beach, in the summers.

It’s a rite of summer — a trip to that street that runs along Lake Ontario just west of the college, for a Texas hot or a fish sandwich. Seagulls, throwing rocks into the lake, watching the sun go down.  Summer in Oswego has meant Rudy’s for decades.

Tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Oswego Town Hall in Oswego Center, the people behind Rudy’s will be serving up a rich meal of stories and photos about this signature business.

Here’s an idea — stop by the Loop for a quick bite before you go. Perfect!

The History of Rudy’s To Be Discussed At Historical Society Meeting

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This photos shows the carousel which was located just past Rudy’s on the Loop. A trolley ran to this recreation area, which included a public beach, in the summers.

This photos shows the carousel which was located just past Rudy’s on the Loop. A trolley ran to this recreation area, which included a public beach, in the summers.

Rudy’s, an Oswego Town institution since 1946, will be the program at the next Town of Oswego Historical Society meeting on Thursday, September 10, at 6:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Oswego Town Hall in Oswego Center and everyone is welcome to come and reminisce.

Carol and Jason Livesey of Rudy’s will present the program. Old pictures of the “Loop” will be on display. The public is invited to bring your memories of Rudy’s. Refreshments will be served.

<p>A photo of what was Washington Blvd., looking toward what now is Oswego State. Rudy’s would have been located west of this photo </p>

A photo of what was Washington Blvd., looking toward what now is Oswego State. Rudy’s would have been located west of this photo

Taste Of Oswego Draws Large Crowd

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OSWEGO, NY – Um-um good!

The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Taste of Oswego received rave reviews from a large crowd this weekend.

Megan, left, and Sarah Halstead sample some of Canale's food.

Megan, left, and Sarah Halstead sample some of Canale

Megan Halstead and Sarah Halstead enjoyed some pasta at Taste of Oswego.

“It’s from Canale’s,” Megan said.

“It’s really good,” added Sarah.

The girls said they were going to try several more samples.

“Everything looks so good. We don’t know what to try next,” Sarah said.

They had plenty of options.

Jason Livesey of Rudy's Lakeside Drive-in prepares another Texas hot at Taste of Oswego.

Jason Livesey of Rudy

Pulled pork, turkey drumsticks, pizza, spicy chicken, Texas hots, chicken wings, sausages and ice cream were just some of the many items visitors could sample.

The treat for the taste buds, held on East Linear Park behind the Best Western Captain’s Quarters Hotel, was sponsored by Alliance Bank.

“If you leave here hungry, it’s your own fault,” one visitor exclaimed. “I’ve already gone around to all the booths and a going back for seconds!”

Attendance may have been down slightly this year, due to the threat of rain, according to Jennifer Hill, executive director of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

“We have a good crowd on hand and they’re enjoying some delicious food,” she said shortly after the vent got under way.

“This smells great,” said Barb Bateman of Alliance Bank. “I could smell the hot dogs up on (East) First Street!”

Heidi Bush liked the seafood bisque from Steamers.

“It’s good, very good,” she said. “I just wanted to try it, now I’ll have to try it again.”

Marlene Robinson agreed the bisque was very good.

Tessa Smith said the pasta was "very good!"

Tessa Smith said the pasta was

“We just got here and it was our first stop. It’s really good,” she said. “Now, I can’t wait to sample everything else. It all smells so good. We’ll have to try a little bit of everything!”

The 2008 event featured nearly 20 food booths including Rudy’s, Blue Moon, Stewart’s Shops, P&C, Theresa’s Catering, and more.

There were also eight non-food booths, according to Gail Goebricher, special events coordinator for the chamber.

“We have a special Power for Kids tent (sponsored by Constellation, Entergy, Novelis, and NRG) for the children, and a variety of arts and crafts vendors,” she noted.

The Power for Kids Tent featured a variety of children’s activities including air hops and sno-cones.

WSEN 92.1 FM provided music from noon to 2 p.m. with the Cortini Brothers Jazz Band playing from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Dr. Boogie closed the day, performing from 4:30 – 7 p.m.

The Benefits Consulting Group sponsored the entertainment stage.

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