Instagram / @themadisonhop

The Madison Hop, a family-friendly diner in Madison, N.Y., held its soft opening on July 24. The diner replaces Quack’s Village Inn, a beloved eatery to many Colgate University students. The Hop will offer dine-in breakfast, served 7-11:30 a.m., and lunch, served 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., from Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 7239 State Route 20.

“Our goal at The Hop is for our new family business to build on the amazing legacy of this treasured community staple, while building something new for folks to love,” The Madison Hop said in a post on their Instagram (@themadisonhop). “We are proud and humbled to be carrying on a longtime local tradition that we grew up with.”

The Hop’s menu included homemade country gravy, sauces, stews, hand-cut fries, local burgers, slow-roasted meats and seasonal vegetables. The majority of these dishes will be made with local ingredients. Freshly brewed coffee, teas and homemade baked goods will be available daily. Eventually, The Hop plans to offer old-fashioned milkshakes, soda floats, sundaes and ice cream. Customers will have options for pickup, catering and group orders.

A banquet room, which is currently under renovation, will host community and private events once complete. To cater specifically to Colgate University students, The Madison Hop soon plans to accept ’Gate Cash.

The diner is family-owned and operated by Colgate alumna Carrie Blackmore ’08, who co-founded and previously owned Good Nature Farm Brewery in Hamilton, N.Y., before stepping into her new role as manager of The Madison Hop. She remarked on the contributions from her business partners William Jones, Anthony Jones and Jane Welsh.

“Many family members have played a role in helping to fix up the diner,” Blackmore said. “Our goal was to create an atmosphere and menu that families can feel comfortable gathering with family members and friends of all ages.”

Blackmore shared the inspiration behind the opening of The Madison Hop.

“One summer, not too long ago, we enjoyed a classic Central New York jaunt for roadside ice cream cones on the way home after a family vacation. We stopped at Joan’s Cones at Quack’s Village Inn on Route 20 in Madison,” Blackmore said. “We understood that the property had been for sale for several years. Over root beer floats and chocolate vanilla swirl soft serve, we imagined what it would be like to take the reins of this local landmark. We took the idea to members of our family and together they planted the seed from which The Madison Hop would grow.”

Quack’s Village Inn was cherished by the local community for 76 years. The local staple was well-known for its old-fashioned atmosphere and reasonably priced food.

Colgate students like senior Sarah van Dyke, share fond memories of their experiences at Quack’s Village Inn.

“I think Quack’s was a really nice place to go on weekends, hangout with your friends and eat a really good meal. I have so many good memories of sitting there Saturday and Sunday mornings,” van Dyke said.

The previous owner of Quack’s, Joan Oliver, listed the Quack’s property for sale before the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue retirement. It closed on Sept. 24, 2023.

“It was so sad […] But it’s good to know that there’s another one reopening in its place,” Van Dyke said. “I hope they keep the same decorations that they had. It was just such an interesting and special place with all the cows and ducks on the walls — and really eclectic.”

Senior Grace Ashley also shared her thoughts on The Madison Hop.

“I would hope that it would be like a real diner experience. I feel like those are pretty rare these days, like an old-town, true diner where you can get a really good grilled cheese or a really good all-American burger,” Ashley said.

Blackmore recognized and appreciated the significance that Quack’s Village Inn had on the local community.

“There were so many lovely and charming elements to the building and decor. Our goal was to preserve and highlight those elements, while completely renovating others to ensure a safe, clean and attractive environment,” Blackmore said.

“Our philosophy at The Hop is to embrace the nostalgia of an iconic country diner, while developing an updated authentic local dining and event culture,” Blackmore said. “We have been so touched by the warm reception we’ve received from the local community, and cannot wait to welcome the Colgate community to The Hop come fall semester.”