GREENE - A German-themed food and beer experience mixed with live classic 80’s rock-and-roll music is coming to Greene in early October thanks to the efforts of Patocka’s Gastropub.

Patocka’s is co-owned and operated by Alexandra Howe and Gary G. Parker Jr., and is located at 62 Genesee St. in the Village of Greene. The restaurant is scheduled to host several themed events including Rock-tober Fest from 4 to 9 p.m. on October 14th, and a wild game and whiskey pairing event on November 12th.

According to Parker, Patocka’s opened on December 7th in 2022, and both owners greatly appreciate all of the support they have received in their first year.

Parker said Rock-tober Fest will feature a selection of authentic German beer and food, with the highlight of the night being a live performance from the band Razzor. He said Patocka’s usually sells out within a few days of announcing their events, and individuals interested in placing a reservation for the event can call them directly at (607) 875-0485.

“We will celebrate our first year open in a few months, and we really appreciate all of the support the community has shown us,” said Parker. “It took serious planning to get to this point, but in the beginning I met with my daughter and asked her if she would be interested in opening a restaurant and she said yes.”

He said the family previously owned a cafe in Greene, but ultimately decided to sell the business to focus on their physical therapy practice. He added that his daughter Alex has done an excellent job managing the business, and it wouldn’t be where it is today without her hard work and dedication.

“About 15 years ago her Mom and I opened a cafe, and while it was very successful - we’re both physical therapists and ultimately decided to sell it,” said Parker. “Since then we’ve longed to do something else like that, and Alex came up with the design for Patocka’s.”

“Alex is the absolute manager of the place, and while I help where needed this is really her passion.”

When asked about the challenges of a restaurant, Howe said she had some past experience working at the family cafe, but her inclination towards planning and organization helped make starting the business a great time.

“I’m always moving and staying busy, and I personally need that in my life,” explained Howe. “I taught myself a lot in the beginning, and I’m still learning every day, but it’s been amazing.”

“Having a professional crew to work with made the entire process easier as well.”

Parker said one way the Gastropub sets itself apart from other restaurants is it hired a professionally trained executive chef that studied at the Culinary Institute of America, along with a bar manager that has been working in the field for her entire adult life.

He said that working with professionals allows the restaurant to be flexible with the types of events it holds, and that after the Rock-tober Fest there will be another themed event in November.

“We’re doing a big event on November 12th, and it’s a wild game and whiskey pairing event,” he added. “It’s going to be a feast with 21-year-old scotch, and all of these high end whiskeys that you don’t normally get to try.”

“We’re going to pair them with all of these small plates with seven different courses including wild game from around the world such as pheasants, rabbit, New Zealand Lamb, Red Stag, and a few others.”

When asked about how they came up with the name Patocka’s, Parker said it’s based on his family’s original Czech name, which was changed to Parker in the 60’s. He said that again he can’t thank the community enough for supporting its events, and that he hopes everyone has a great time at Rock-tober Fest.

Those who are interested in learning more about Patocka’s Gastropub may visit its Facebook page, or its website at patockas.com for additional information.