In 1930, George Blessing opened a fruit and vegetable stand on the site now home to Blessing’s Family Restaurant, with produce grown on his father-in-law’s 84-acre farm. In 1932, George built a house for his family next to the stand, later turning the stand into a chicken coop. After returning from WWII in 1946, George’s son Ed, alongside him, built the building that would become Blessing’s 3B’s Tavern, opening on June 15, 1950. Ed ran the tavern until his death in 1953, with his brother Chet helping until 1969.

In 1983, Liz Bennet Altrock came to help tend bar for Ed, and in 2001, after nearly 51 years of operation, Ed closed the tavern and Liz reopened it as Blessing’s Tavern. Liz ran the tavern until 2016 when a car crash caused a devastating fire. After years of rebuilding, Liz opened Blessing’s Tavern II in 2019 with the community’s support. Liz passed away in 2022, leaving the tavern to her nephew.

The Blessing’s legacy in Colonie lives on and continues to grow, now with an even stronger focus on family…

In January of 2025, Sean Willcoxon and Bill Miller became the proud new owners of Blessing’s Tavern, renaming it Blessing’s Family Restaurant to reflect a renewed commitment to creating a warm, inviting space where families can gather, share meals, and create lasting memories. This new name captures the essence of what Sean and Bill aim to offer—a place where every guest feels like part of the Blessing’s family.

With over 28 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and passion, ensuring that each dish is made with care and attention. Bill, with his extensive business expertise, complements this with a vision for growth that keeps the restaurant rooted in community while preparing it for future generations of families to enjoy. Together, they are devoted to honoring the rich legacy of Blessing’s, while shaping its future as a true home for families in Colonie.