Daley's on Yates Reopens as Catering Venue

Iconic Schenectady restaurant transforms into event space under new management.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:47pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen illustration of a wine glass repeated in a grid pattern, representing the transformation of the former Daley's on Yates restaurant into a catering space.The reopening of Daley's on Yates as an upscale catering venue brings new life to a beloved Schenectady institution.Schenectady Today

After shutting down as a restaurant nine months ago, the historic Daley's on Yates in Schenectady, New York is reopening as a catering venue for weddings, parties, and other private events. The new operation is being run by Old Daley Custom Catering, a division of the Troy-based Daley organization.

Why it matters

The reopening of Daley's on Yates as a catering space represents an opportunity for the iconic Schenectady restaurant to reinvent itself and continue serving the local community, despite the challenges of the pandemic era that led to its initial closure. It also highlights the resilience of the regional hospitality industry as businesses adapt to shifting consumer demands.

The details

Daley's on Yates originally operated as a full-service restaurant in downtown Schenectady for decades before shutting down in mid-2025 due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under new management by Old Daley Custom Catering, the venue will now focus on hosting private events and functions, leveraging the company's expertise in catering to provide an upscale experience for clients.

  • Daley's on Yates closed as a restaurant in mid-2025.
  • The venue is reopening as a catering space in April 2026.

The players

Old Daley Custom Catering

A division of the Troy-based Daley organization that is taking over operations of the former Daley's on Yates restaurant in Schenectady.

Daley's on Yates

A historic restaurant in downtown Schenectady that operated for decades before closing in 2025, and is now reopening as a catering venue.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to breathe new life into this beloved Schenectady institution and provide an exceptional catering experience for the community.”

— John Daley, Owner, Old Daley Custom Catering

What’s next

Old Daley Custom Catering plans to host a grand reopening celebration for Daley's on Yates in early May 2026 to showcase the venue's new event capabilities.

The takeaway

The transformation of Daley's on Yates from a restaurant to a catering space under new management represents the adaptability of the regional hospitality industry, as businesses find innovative ways to serve their communities and stay viable in the face of economic challenges.