Elizabethtown
The Arsenal Diner Elizabethtown eatery changes hands after 41 years. By Alvin Reiner
The Arsenal’s owner and chef, Josh Olcott, delivers a platter as patrons dine.
Many towns and hamlets which dot the North Country have eateries which cater to the locals as well as travelers, and The Arsenal is no exception. The Arsenal bills itself as, “An American-style bistro which is a fun quirky diner that offers fresh farm-to-table chef-inspired food with a diner twist.” In September of 2019, Josh Olcott, 42, took over the stove of the venerable eating establishment after it was owned by Steve Pierce for the previous 41 years. "I am a local guy from E’town,” Olcott responded as part of his rationale for purchasing The Arsenal. “My family came here every Sunday after church, and I had always wanted to own a restaurant.” 22
Previously, Olcott was the food service director and chef at Camp Dudley. Other experiences included working at a catering company as well as a French restaurant in Albany, and at The Point at Lake Clear under the tutelage of renowned chef Kevin McCarthy. “He’s the main reason I wanted to become a chef,” Olcott said. "Cooking is an art form to me. It is a passion. I am a big fan of the farmers around here and of farm-to-table food. We use local maple products, cheeses, veggies, sausages, and beef from local farmers.” Olcott is environmentally conscientious, as well. “One of the big things we do here is use compostable
