Back in October, Level Bar and Lounge received a lot of attention after a shooting happened in its parking lot. But now, Level is getting attention for its new, local focus. Alana LaFlore explains what's in store for the Utica restaurant.
UTICA, N.Y. -- Something different is coming to one of Utica's restaurants.
Level Bar and Lounge now serves specialty waffles, and features artwork made by locals.
"We're bringing different artists and they're going to display their own work," said Ziam Dedic, owner of Level Bar and Lounge. "And you can actually purchase it here. We're going to let you you display it for 45 to 90 days and then you'll rotate."
In October, a Utica Police officer shot a man accused of shooting four victims in Level's parking lot.
It turned some people away from the business, but Level's new slogan "Focus," was in the works for a long time and wasn't related to the shooting.
"I'm still not ashamed of what Level is or what Level was all about," said Dedic. I've always wanted to bring some kind of food and I've always had that hipster desire and what better to underlie that with local artists and people who love this area."
Level provides paint and canvas and anyone can come in to make their own creations.
"It's one of those things that you try to look for in a big city," said Edwin Guzman, who has his paintings hanging in Level. "To have a place locally to actually be able to express what you want to do and get a couple drinks while you're at it - why not?"
Level's owner said he wants the new "focus" theme to help boost downtown Utica's reputation. And despite what happened there last fall, he said he won't give up on the city or his business.
"The sentimental value of this place is killing me, I can't let it go," said Dedic." And I always want to try something different constantly so hopefully this works."
To celebrate a new theme - Level will have its rebranding party on Friday.
The celebration is from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. It will feature an art show and music by Funkadelic Conception.