Onondaga County is stepping in to protect a beloved neighborhood eatery. County Executive Ryan McMahon announced Friday that the county’s Hospitality & Tourism Fund has awarded a $25,000 grant to Twin Trees restaurant on Avery Avenue in Syracuse. The funding is earmarked for needed capital improvements and a modest marketing push, giving the family‑owned business a chance to stay open and continue serving the community.
How the grant works
The Hospitality & Tourism Fund, launched in 2023, operates as an application‑based safety net for the local hospitality sector. Money for the fund comes from what McMahon calls “visitor dollars” – primarily the 2 percent hotel occupancy tax collected from guests staying in Syracuse‑area hotels. By reinvesting those taxes back into restaurants, hotels and other tourism‑related businesses, the county aims to protect sales‑tax revenue and preserve critical dining options for residents and visitors alike.
Owner’s perspective
Don Ross, the owner of Twin Trees, described the grant as a “much‑appreciated second chance.” After announcing a closure earlier in the week, Ross said the sudden financial relief helped keep the doors open for the next few weeks. “Everybody was in tears; I did lose a few people,” Ross told reporters, referring to staff who had already moved on. “They decided to move on, not even in the restaurant business. They’ve had enough; they’ve done it all their lives, just like I have. So it’s gonna be tough for a little while. We’re gonna need to hire a few people, but our employees care deeply; the ones that are still here, and actually.”
Ross also noted that he has rehired several former employees, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a stable employer in the neighborhood. Twin Trees will operate Thursday through Sunday with a limited menu while the improvements are completed.
County’s broader goal
McMahon emphasized that the grant is part of a larger strategy to sustain the hospitality ecosystem that fuels Onondaga’s tax base. “We invest back into the industries that support our sales tax,” he said. “I want to thank the visitors of Onondaga County for helping to invest in facilities like this and others throughout the community so that they can provide critical dining opportunities and critical sales tax for our county budget.”
The grant reflects the county’s commitment to preserving family‑run businesses that contribute to the local economy and community fabric. By using hotel‑tax revenue, the county ensures that tourism dollars directly benefit the places that make Syracuse a welcoming destination for travelers.
What’s next for Twin Trees?
With the grant secured, Twin Trees plans to address immediate repair needs and launch a modest advertising campaign to let diners know the restaurant is back in business. Ross expressed optimism that the infusion of capital will allow the restaurant to rebuild its customer base and eventually expand its menu offerings.
Local residents are encouraged to support Twin Trees by dining there during its limited‑hours schedule and spreading the word about the restaurant’s revival. The county hopes that this example of targeted assistance will inspire other small businesses to apply for similar support when needed.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
