The river of time flows on and on. With time, many small businesses in Central New York that stand their ground and continue on as well, seemingly forever.
Here is a list of some venerable businesses in the greater Syracuse area that have stood the test of time and have remained good neighbors to our communities for 100, 150 and even 200 years.
Did we miss your favorite? Let us know at feedback@syracuse.com.
The Sherwood Inn
Lakeside elegance for more than two centuries. The inn, with its graceful façade overlooking Skaneateles Lake, has warmly welcomed visitors, diners and overnight guests ever since Isaac Sherwood first flung open his doors in 1807. Today, this is a destination with numerous awards, including a top-notch menu, wine list and exquisite overnight accommodations.
Address: 26 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles
Hancock Estabrook Law Firm
When putting together a list of longtime legacy businesses, it is not a surprise that law firms are well-represented. There are dozens of century-old (and older) such firms in Upstate New York. To represent them, we chose this 1889 Syracuse firm, now in its 135th year.
Address: 1800 AXA Tower I, Syracuse
Nibsy’s Pub
Perhaps the Salt City’s original place where everybody knows your name. Comfortable and familiar watering hole in the heart of Syracuse’s “Green District” on Tipperary Hill. Excellent bar menu and more than 25 taps ready to pull you a cold one. Opened in 1890, this is the city’s oldest tavern.
Address: 201 Ulster St., Syracuse
M. Lemp Jewelers
A Syracuse legend. It would be most interesting to find out how many people, through the years, have purchased their engagement and wedding rings here, one of the oldest jewelry stores in the Empire State. Michael Lemp opened the store in 1890, and it is still going strong in the 21st century.
Address: 300 S. Warren St., Syracuse
Columbus Bakery
Oh, if these walls could talk. This beloved Old World bakery in the city’s Little Italy section has been making loaves of wonderfulness since 1895. If you look closely, you can still see the black smudge marks on the ceiling over the old ovens where the smoke from the original coal fires reached. Shop early on religious holidays because you will find a line down the sidewalk waiting to get in to grab a couple of loaves for the celebration dinner! For making a signature item that consists of only four ingredients (water, flour, yeast, salt) the Columbus Bakery has reached perfection.
Address: 502 Pearl St., Syracuse
Brannock Shoe Device Co.
The Brannock name has been in the shoe business since 1906. Otis Brannock, alongside with Ernest Parks, founded Park-Brannock Shoe Co. in downtown Syracuse. Otis’ son Charles, who was a student at Syracuse University, tried diligently to find a perfect way to measure a customer’s shoe size so he could get it right back at the store. The result is the Brannock Device, which is still today the gold standard for accurately measuring one’s foot or shoe size. He sold over a million of the devices all across the country.
Address: 116 Luther Ave., Liverpool
Hercules Candies
A familiar fixture on the Syracuse “candy scene” since it started in 1910. Business was formed by the three Greek Andrianos brothers. The candy company owners are still in the founder’s family tree. There are too many mouthwatering handmade chocolates to mention, but if you are a “barker,” you will find none better than here. Suggestion: Birthday Cake Oreo Bark!
Address: 720 W. Manlius St., East Syracuse
Farone and Son Funeral Home
Started by Joseph Farone Sr. in 1911 to serve the growing Italian immigrant population in Syracuse. Today, it is one of the oldest family-owned funeral homes in New York State. It is still owned by the fourth generation of Farone family members.
Address: 1500 Park St., Syracuse
Heid’s of Liverpool
Opened in 1917 and now a true Central New York legend. Classic “Happy Days” feel to the place. In fact, you half-expect “Fonzie” to strut through the front door. Famed for Philly cheesesteaks, Gianelli sausage sandwiches, milkshakes, French fries and Coney dogs. They sell 250,000 Hofmann hot dogs a week at Heid’s.
Address: 305 Oswego St., Liverpool
Manlius Cinema
A wonderful movie-going experience. Small, with the sidewalk presence of a tiny home, this is rare in that it is one of only a handful of single-screen theaters left in New York State. Despite its many changes over the past 107 years — including names like the Strand, Seville, London, Colonial, Billings, F-M, Manlius Art and (probably) others — this little theatre is still showing first-run movies, still popping great popcorn, and still reigning as Central New York’s oldest active movie house! Opening night was December 6, 1918, with a showing of “Sunset Trail,” starring actress Vivian Martin.
Address: 135 E. Seneca St., Manlius
Tully Building Supply
Company was started by John L. Schultz of Skaneateles and is now run by fifth-generation family member, Jay Shaw. Business has provided an uncountable number of carpentry items to builders in Central New York over the past century. So much history and growth has happened all around Tully Building Supply since its opening in 1921.
Address: 24 Onondaga St., Tully
Varsity Pizza
The cake is being baked, the candles are about to be lit, and the 100th birthday celebration of the opening of Varsity Pizza is about to commence. First opened in 1926 by Greek immigrant Jerry Dellas, this iconic Syracuse University “hill” restaurant is still in the hands of the founding family. Emotionally attached to the history and traditions of S.U. sports, this is a beloved place for students, graduates, faculty and (especially) sports fans. Stop in and ask them what it means to “Flip the Banner.”