Photo credit: The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) The grand opening celebration for Coulson's News & Deli's deli counter was held July 16, 2015. Shown, from left, are Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Richard Eustace, Coulson's owner Richard Metzger, Tracy Metzger, and Downtown Albany BID executive director Georgette Steffens. ALBANY - A downtown Albany business that has been operating for over 100 years has grown and adapted to meet the needs of an increasing employee, residential, and visitor base thanks to the foresight of a new owner. At the ribbon cutting held July 16, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), Mayor Kathy Sheehan and customers welcomed owner Richard Metzger’s addition of a deli counter to Coulson’s News & Deli. The event also served to celebrate the one year anniversary of Metzger purchasing Coulson’s and opening neighboring Broadway Plaza Liquor. Maintaining the newspaper and magazine selection for which Coulson’s News & Deli is known, after acquiring the business Metzger quickly began adding items to accommodate the changing landscape of Downtown; a selection of healthy grab and go items were added along with fresh fruits and vegetables, and his goal of offering sliced meats and cheeses to customers came to fruition almost exactly one year after he purchased the business. Sandwiches, subs, and wraps are also available the counter, with a plan to add salads in the near future. “Coulson’s is quickly filling an important need of the growing community Downtown—that for fresh foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables,” says Mayor Sheehan. “We look forward to seeing how Richard Metzger continues to grow Coulson’s and improve the quality of life for those who are choosing the Downtown as their neighborhood.” Along the corridor on which Coulson’s News & Deli and Broadway Plaza Liquor are located, other recent investment projects include the rebranding, reopening and Downtown debut of three businesses, residential conversions at the Argus and Arcade Buildings, and a $1 million entrance improvement at SUNY Plaza. “The ability to meet the everyday needs of those who work, live, and visit Downtown will be increasingly paramount as investment projects in our District totaling $180 million are completed,” says Georgette Steffens, Downtown Albany BID. “In summer 2015 alone, 110 residential units will come online in the Downtown Albany BID, and the next wave of 100 units within and abutting the District are slated to open in the near future. As residents increase, the need for everyday services will only continue to grow.” For people who live or work Downtown, Metzger is working to ensure a stop on the way home is more convenient. “For the growing number of Downtown residents, and those who need to pick up a few items on their way home, my goal is for Coulson’s News & Deli to have anything needed to prepare dinner,” says Metzger. “The reactions to the changes I’ve made so far have been phenomenal, and my expectation is that will remain true as we continue to add items including beer on tap, frozen foods, steaks, fish, soft serve ice cream, and more.” Located at 420 Broadway, Coulson’s News & Deli is open Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday Noon to 6:00 PM.