Our Legacy

There Are No Strangers Here, Only Friends We Haven't Met

In 1936, Frank and Eva Kozel founded the Old Post Road Tavern on the newly constructed State Route 9H. They lived in the house next door and operated a gas station as part of their new enterprise. Over time, their children would work in the ever-expanding tavern and restaurant. Frank Jr. and Eddie, along with their wives, Elsie and Barbara, took over the operations officially in 1955 and incorporated as Kozel’s Inc., making us the longest running family-owned and operated restaurant in Columbia County

Between 1960 and 1985 the restaurant continued its growth, known as a popular destination for breakfast meetings, wedding receptions, family dinners, and late-night cocktails. During this period the next generation of the Kozel family started taking the reins of operating the family business. Gus Kozel became the third-generation owner, who along with his wife, Helen, operated Kozel’s Restaurant until Nov. 12, 2023.

Kozel’s was part of the fabric of Columbia County for almost 88 years. ​Roasting our own meats, grinding fresh hamburgers and hand-cutting all our steaks since our founding. Our large bar was up to any cocktail task and offered a wide variety of beers and wines. We also offered a rotation of fresh daily specials with all food made to order.

Having served generations of families in the region, we are beyond proud of our legacy and living our mantra: “There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met.”

Thank you for your many years of patronage. Na zdravi​