Mac's Local Yolk

My memories of my father, always seemed to be surrounded by food. He was a tall good looking man who had the metabolism of a hummingbird (not like his weight watching daughters). He loved to eat and share good
food with everyone. Born in New York City in 1909, he grew up in Coney Island where he picked up the nickname
‘Mac.’ He moved to Syracuse with my mother, Helen, and infant sister, Arlene, where he established himself into the community. He started his career at E.W. Edwards & Son, a prominent department store in downtown Syracuse
and successfully sold radios and appliances. Having a talent for electrical engineering and hobbies of music and
entertainment, he followed the advancement of television broadcasting. He opened a retail radio and appliance store in downtown Syracuse, “James Radio.” When television was in its infancy and only being broadcast in New York City,
he built a large roof-top antenna on the 10th floor of the building where his store was located, bringing in the magic
of TV to a little room in the rear of the shop. He loved demonstrating the new medium and entertaining the crowds of people that squeezed into the tiny room. Of course, there were always refreshments and food available.
When early TV’s were big and a major piece of furniture; my father would say that someday we all would hang them on our walls like pictures; we thought he was nuts! Hmmm... How did he know!
Mac was always a kind and loving person who wanted to share his passions with those around him; energetic and inquisitive you would always hear him whistling and singing or playing the piano by ear. When a person in need would come into his store, he would try to help and make sure they had a decent meal.
His favorite food was Jewish delicatessen: corned beef & pastrami sandwiches, chicken soup with matzo balls and the like. Mac’s love for people, music, and food is what he instilled in each of us as his children and that is why we have dedicated this restaurant in his name.