The Bank, a long-standing bar in downtown Saratoga, has reopened under the new name The Bank Lounge & Wine Bar. The establishment has undergone interior renovations within its 1913 brick building, adding a fireplace and upgraded seating. Large-screen televisions have been installed above the bar area.
A significant operational change involves payment methods. The venue previously operated on a cash-only basis but now accepts other forms of payment, eliminating the need for customers to locate an ATM before visiting.
Other local business changes are also occurring in the area. Executive chef Marc Masek has sold the building housing his family’s French restaurant, La Mère Michelle, to Parviz Sahbaee, who owns the Persian restaurant Negeen in Campbell. Additionally, the former Cinnabar Winery tasting room has become Pop Haus, a coffee shop serving specialty drinks and Georgian wines.
Bella Saratoga owner Clyde Zaya confirmed that his business is not changing ownership. Zaya, who has operated the venue since 2007, noted that the town has become more lively since the pandemic, with new businesses opening.
Another new venue, Scarlett Cocktail Room & Lounge, opened on May 22 next to the Bell Tower Café. Silvia Petrova and her family acquired the Bell Tower Café last year and converted the adjacent space into a speakeasy-style lounge. The bar features a historic Irish back bar and serves craft cocktails such as the Scarlett No. 9 and Velvet Orchard.