Over a year ago, it was announced that a new restaurant, set to open on 107 Utica Street, would come and join the roster of Hamilton’s other restaurants. The owner, Aaron Toomath, is aiming to open the diner almost a year after the original opening date, either at the end of October or the beginning of November 2023.
Toomath, the current owner of Ye Olde Pizza Pub, will open and run this new diner. Toomath has worked at Ye Olde Pizza Pub since 1971 when his parents opened the establishment. When they decided to retire in 2005, Toomath purchased the pizza restaurant from his parents and has run it ever since. In this new venture, Toomath says that he will bring his management expertise and passion for serving the Hamilton community.
The Copper Cricket Diner originally planned to open in October 2022. Supply chain issues pushed the opening back last year, including a delay in the delivery of refrigeration equipment. After some time, Toomath is once again receiving shipments.
“This upcoming week, we are hoping to have the cooler and freezer installed. That is our current major setback we are hoping to overcome,” Toomath said.
In the diner, Toomath hopes to combine traditional diner comfort food, such as burgers or French toast, with more upscale options, including pasta dishes and crepes. Toomath also plans on featuring a variety of beverage options.
“We will be a traditional diner with interesting weekly specials. We will have a full liquor license. We’ll have specialty drinks, coffees, mimosas, wine slushies […] stuff like that,” Toomath said.
The prospect of a potential new restaurant in Hamilton sparked enthusiasm within the Colgate community. Junior Georgette Manos, whose family owns restaurants in the Washington, D.C., area, particularly recognizes the importance of the restaurant community and positively views the idea of a new restaurant opening in Hamilton.
“Bringing a new restaurant to Hamilton will allow students to interact with the larger community,” Manos said. “As someone who grew up in a restaurant environment, they are really crucial points in small communities, especially to allow people to connect to one another through food and conversation. I believe that there is something comforting about local businesses that open up in communities and have the opportunity to act as spaces of comfort.”
In addition to Manos, many Colgate students and Hamilton residents are eagerly anticipating the arrival of The Copper Cricket Diner. Junior Jackson Moran, who began living down the hill on campus this semester, is excited about the prospect of having more food options in Hamilton.
“Now that I live down the hill as a junior, I’m finding myself eating in town much more frequently than before,” Moran said. “What makes Hamilton restaurants so special in my opinion is the cozy and welcoming feel they all have. I am definitely eager for the opening of this new diner and can’t wait to diversify my food options and spend time at another friendly place.”
Upon its opening, the Copper Cricket Diner will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch options, and Toomath hopes to quickly transition to include dinner options.
