New Restaurant Envisioned for Historic Binghamton Train Station

A Binghamton developer is clearing a section of the Lackawanna Train Station with an eye toward opening a restaurant in the iconic downtown building.

Mark Yonaty, who acquired the site about eight years ago, says work has been underway on the old tower portion at the west end of the Lewis Street structure.

A view inside the old tower at the Binghamton Lackawanna Train Station. (Photo: Mark Yonaty)

Yonaty believes the original ticketing and waiting room of the train station holds plenty of potential for an eatery.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Yonaty acknowledged now isn't the "best time" to open up a restaurant because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But he indicated work is underway to come up with "a unique concept" that would work for the site.

The west side of the old Lackawanna Train Station in Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Yonaty would like to see a restaurant that would include a patio for outdoor seating.

For now, the developer is taking steps to prepare the former train station for a new project. Several businesses now occupy the rest of the building.

Inside the former waiting area of the historic Binghamton train station on August 18, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)