Brother and sister team, Peter (Andy) Novak and Jennifer Novak opened Cider Belly's doors in August 2014 with the goal of bringing back, what they believe to be a true doughnut experience and adding some "happy" to downtown.

"With the opening of Cider Belly, we don't just get to see the growth of downtown Albany, we get to smell it as well," said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan in a press release. "As we work to draw more visitors, residents and employees to this area, it is businesses like this one that prove our Capital City and its culinary choices are ever-evolving and growing."

“Their shop is evolving into a hot spot for warm, fresh doughnuts but it’s also adding to the growing inventory of creative, modern retailers that are critical to the growth of a City,” explained Georgette Steffens, executive director, Downtown Albany BID. “The Novaks’ thought through their business model from concept to design to implementation, incorporating the attributes of downtown Albany into that model.”

Their Downtown approach identifies anyone not on a diet as their clientele, catering to individuals, businesses and groups including weddings, birthdays, showers, holiday parties, school functions etc. Already they have established ongoing daily orders for area companies and hotels for multiple dozens of doughnuts. They anticipate that their delivery efforts and order will expand rapidly over the next few months.

"Since day one, downtown Albany and the Capital Region have given Cider Belly a supportive welcome and a feeling that we are really wanted in Downtown,” said Jennifer Novak. “My brother and I love providing the area with sweet (and savory) treats as well as a daily dose of ‘Happy’. It's great to see so many smiles walking in and out our door each day."

The official grand opening of Cider Belly Doughnuts is at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept.30  at 25 North Pearl Street.  

A ceremonial ribbon cutting will be followed by live music by Irish Band “Blame Arthur Guiness”, prizes, contests, coupons and activities for both children and adults. 

For more information on Cider Belly Doughnuts find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or visit www.ciderbelly.com.