Senate Resolution No. 1947

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Steven and Michelle Klosek upon the
occasion of celebrating 35 years in business on
March 1, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Steven and Michelle Klosek upon the occasion of celebrating 35
years in business on Tuesday, March 1, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Steven and Michelle Klosek are truly the heart and soul of
Varick Street in Utica, New York, where they have built an arts and
entertainment hub with their three extraordinary and successful
businesses, The Varick Bar and Grill, The Stief, and Sicken@624; and

WHEREAS, The Varick Bar and Grill, located at 618 Varick Street, was
built in the 1850s as a small hotel with a tavern on the bottom floor;
and

WHEREAS, The Stief, located at 618-622 Varick Street, was built in
1875 by Primus Stiefvater from Baden, Germany, and was opened as Primus
Stiefvater and Sons Butcher Shop on the bottom floor with six beautiful
flats above; and

WHEREAS, Also located on Varick Street, The Sickenberger Lane
building was formerly Varick Brake and Alignment in the mid-1900s, and
its courtyard was once the site of an 1800s home which was torn down in
the 1960s; and

WHEREAS, In November of 1987, Steven Klosek and two business
partners purchased the Stiefvater building, and on March 1st of the
following year, they purchased what is now known as The Varick Bar and
Grill; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Michelle Klosek served as The Varick's first
bartender, drawing a crowd of patrons from Utica and its surrounding
communities; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, The Varick merged with the Stiefvater building and
the storefront created a backroom for the Bar and Grill which contained
a stage for live bands and bar games such as darts, pool and foosball;
and

WHEREAS, In March of 1990, Steve Klosek became sole owner of The
Varick Bar and Grill and The Stiefvater building; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, Michelle Klosek used her vision and creativity to
transform the backroom of The Varick Bar and Grill into the Stiefvater

Room, a classy martini bar with specialty drinks, martinis and craft
cocktails; and

WHEREAS, One year later, The Varick Bar and Grill created a renowned
ventilated smoking room after acquiring a waiver from the Oneida County
Health Department, making it the first bar in New York State to receive
this waiver after smoking was banned in all bars and restaurants; The
Varick was subsequently featured in The New York Times; and

WHEREAS, After renovating a deteriorating garage and clearing loads
of debris in the adjoining property, Steve and Michelle Klosek opened
Sickenberger Lane, an Adirondack style bar, in May of 2005; in 2019, the
establishment became known as Sicken@624, and was transformed into a
unique art bar with artwork from over 30 local artists adorning its
walls and courtyard; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, in January of 2022, Michelle and Steve
Klosek renovated The Stief into a 1920s style bar with the instrumental
guidance of two dedicated employees, Brenden Boucher and Isabelle
Fasolo, who were the lead designers on the project; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the local
community, Michelle Klosek has been actively involved with The Landmarks
Society of Greater Utica, the former Downtown Utica Development
Association and The Brewery District Association; and

WHEREAS, Steven and Michelle Klosek have been united in marriage
since October of 1992; with them throughout have been their two
daughters, Stephanie and Taylor, both of whom feel privileged to be a
part of their lives and rejoice in their many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges the Klosek's success, recognizing their contributions to
the local and State economies, and extending its highest commendation to
their businesses and employees, fully confident that, in their future,
they will continue to enjoy the same success which has so characterized
their past; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Steven and Michelle Klosek upon the occasion of celebrating 35
years in business; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Steven and Michelle Klosek.