![As Food Vendors Cancel at the State Fair, a Utica Restaurant Expands](https://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2021/07/attachment-69257534_2094692563970393_4528812279398924288_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
As Food Vendors Cancel at the State Fair, a Utica Restaurant Expands
More than 60 food and merchandise vendors have opted out of this year's New York State Fair, many citing a labor shortage, according to media reports. Now, a Utica restaurant is stepping up by doubling the size of its food booth and turning it into a large restaurant and bar at this year's state fair, which will showcase the city of Utica.
Charlie Digristina of It's A Utica Thing! in Utica told WIBX, "We're stepping up. We're doubling the size of our booth and we're adding Saranac and Utica Club. It's not going to be easy with the labor shortage, but we're going to get it done and showcase the greatest little city in America - Utica, NY, he said.
Digristina's restaurant and bar will be located on Broadway at The Fair, across from the big rollercoaster. "I want to show the people of the state that Utica is hot right now and people are getting off exit 31 because what we have to offer," said Digristina.
It's A Utica Thing! features Italian specialties like Utica style Pizza, Utica Greens, Utica Chicken Riggies, and what Digristina calls "The Everything Sandwich" which features Greens, Chicken Riggies, in between 2 slices of Utica Tomato Pie.
Digristina said he's worked with the F.X. Matt Brewery in Utica to serve Utica beer products at the 2-week event in Syracuse. "How can you showcase the products of Utica, NY without Saranac," said Digristina.
According to the Syracuse Post Standard, 65 food and merchandise vendors have decided not to participate in this year's fair, including Vendors like Gianelli Sausage and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Baker’s Chicken Coop and Haddock’s Paddock, Tully’s Good Times and Tarson Pools & Spas.
LOOK: Here is the richest town in each state
LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs
LOOK: Here are the 50 best beach towns in America
LOOK: The most famous actress born the same year as you
LOOK: The Most Famous Actor Born Every Year
LOOK: 30 fascinating facts about sleep in the animal kingdom
KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state
LOOK: The most popular biblical baby names
LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades
How Many in America: From Guns to Ghost Towns
READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest
More From 96.9 WOUR
![Buy A Million Dollar Mansion On Delta Lake, Dating Back To The Revolutionary War](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2021/07/attachment-s1300902_0_yzzu7e_l.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![CNY Child Sexual Predator Gets Sentenced to 120 Years in Prison – Daniel Hatch Faces Decades Behind Bars](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2021/07/attachment-hatch-via-oneida-city-police.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![In Onondaga? Fuel From One Gas Station Has Caused Thousands In Damage](http://townsquare.media/site/42/files/2021/07/attachment-RS7210_490883015.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Did You Know These Restaurants in The Utica/Rome Area Are Dog Friendly?](http://townsquare.media/site/40/files/2021/07/attachment-anders-ipsen-2sPaYbFtnRA-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Running On Empty, When Do You Decide To Fill Up Your Gas Tank?](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2021/07/attachment-GettyImages-649709144.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![USA Blind Hockey Returns To Skating In Central NY This Summer 2021](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2018/12/HOCKEY.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![One Of New York’s Safest Towns Is In Central NY, It’s Not New Hartford](http://townsquare.media/site/42/files/2021/07/attachment-RS2676_105639936-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Simone Biles Out of Team Competition at the Olympics](http://townsquare.media/site/341/files/2021/07/attachment-attachment-GettyImages-1330499206.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![You Won’t Believe How Good This 8-Year-Old Boy’s National Anthem Performance Was](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2021/07/attachment-b-kidwell.jpg?w=980&q=75)