Archive: Business & Technology

The Wildfire Restaurant at 106 S. Cayuga Street in downtown Ithaca is now open, and joins the Wildfire Lounge in serving food and drink with a sophisticated twist at downscale prices. Wildfire, both the restaurant and lounge, will mark the occasion of the restaurant’s opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony that will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at 106 South Cayuga Street. Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson is scheduled to attend, and the press and public are invited.

The Wildfire Restaurant and Lounge are owned by Teresa and Scott Miller of Ithaca. The Millers also own Madeline’s Restaurant at 215 The Commons, making them part of a small group of local entrepreneurs who own and operate multiple businesses in downtown Ithaca.

Wildfire represents a $675,000 investment in both downtown Ithaca and the local economy, by the Millers. In addition to purchasing the multi-story building at 106 South Cayuga Street, the Millers also undertook an extensive remodeling and decorating project before the restaurant opened. The purchase and renovations were financed with monies from the Tompkins Trust Company, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and the Millers’ own equity. The Wildfire Restaurant and Lounge employ 20 people on a full-time basis and another 10 who are part-time employees.

Owner Scott Miller says, “We’re truly grateful to everyone who helped us make opening a second restaurant in downtown Ithaca a reality. Through the support of the Tompkins Trust Company, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and of course, the public, Wildfire will be a restaurant where meat and fish lovers will join vegans in satisfying their culinary desires.” The Millers chose an American Comfort Food menu theme for Wildfire, to go with the down-to-earth, no-fuss service and elemental décor and atmosphere that reflect the business name.

Downtown Ithaca Alliance Executive Director Gary Ferguson says, “Teresa and Scott’s decision to open a second business in our downtown is a prime example of the opportunity that exists in downtown Ithaca for independent entrepreneurs, and an outstanding example of the investment local entrepreneurs are making in our local economy. Wildfire will help bring additional foot traffic to Cayuga Street, benefiting the other businesses in the area. By occupying a prime downtown storefront, the Millers are helping to retain and build the vibrancy of downtown, keeping jobs and bringing new energy to Cayuga Street.”

Wildfire’s location at 106 South Cayuga Street puts it in the center of downtown Ithaca’s Theater District, and the restaurant has already reached an agreement with the State Theater of Ithaca to donate dinner to all of the outstanding performers who appear at the venue. The Wildfire Lounge, which is located above the restaurant, regularly features a wide variety of local musical favorites such as Kevin Kinsella, Doug Robinson and many others. It also hosts themed D.J. nights and dance parties.

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