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Nik Kozel

@nikkozel

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❤️DRB & HRH🍁| 🇵🇱🇮🇪🇨🇿🇸🇪 | New York original | @kozelsrestaurant

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It was a family affair this weekend as we served our final meals as the owners and operators of @kozelsrestaurant. There was a lot of love, laughs, hugs and tears knowing that after almost 88 years the end had come. My parents now get to enjoy some well-deserved retirement after having spent decades at the helm of a Columbia County institution.

I’ve had a difficult time putting into words my own feelings. As the 4th generation member of the family who would have been the next in line to take over, it is very emotional seeing it close. We decided 20 years ago that I was not going to take over, but until the end I proudly served, cleaned and socialized with our “family” each holiday and visit Upstate. I will miss those chaotic, stressful, exhausting days. I’ll miss the people, most especially those who are very dear personal friends of mine. But I remember all the great times we all shared at Kozel’s. And I especially remember all the people who are no longer with with us.

I recalled my grandfather Frank sitting on his stool everyday keeping a watchful eye. My grandmother Elsie giving a kiss to everyone as they walked in the door. My maternal grandparents, George and Lovey, bringing me for dinner when I was a kid so I could see my parents on the holidays. There is so much more that has overwhelmed my heart in recent months, but in a way I never really thought the day would come.

Having so many members of the family working those last days, and many more cousins, friends and current & former colleagues stopping in for a final meal has made November 12, 2023 a date I’ll never forget.

I doubt my great-grandparents Frank and Eva imagined what their Old Post Road Tavern would become and the generations it would feed and entertain. I’m grateful for the almost 40 years I had with that special place. It taught me to be the person I am and allowed me to have the life I now have. All I can say is THANK YOU!

“There Are No Strangers Here. Only Friends We Haven’t Met!”

#kozelsrestaurant #columbiacountyny #friends #family by @nikkozel

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3 years ago

For those of you who haven’t heard, my Mom and Dad were named Citizens of the Year by the Columbia County Association in the City of New York! I’m so thrilled to celebrate them at Gallagher’s in Manhattan on May 8th.

There are still tickets available for dinner. You can call Nina Finger Smith, 518-828-4500 ext. 153 or email ccanyc@yahoo.com for more details on timing and transit options, or to purchase tickets. Hope to see some of you there! by @nikkozel

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a year ago

Tourists today. @sarahsheapt @d2prod @drbaker4 taken in Vermont State House by @nikkozel

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6 months ago

Someone loves the fire. taken in Stowe, Vermont by @nikkozel

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6 months ago

Never really posted pics from Panama. #panama by @nikkozel

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6 months ago

Belated Panamá photo dump. by @nikkozel

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7 months ago

taken in Louis Armstrong Stadium by @nikkozel

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a year ago

Kentucky y’all! taken in Louisville, Kentucky by @nikkozel

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a year ago

by @nikkozel

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2 years ago

More Innsbruck. The views and vistas were amazing, just avoid the heatwaves. 😂🥵 by @nikkozel

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2 years ago

Catch up. #innsbruck by @nikkozel

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2 years ago

#olympics #bubbles by @nikkozel

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2 years ago