ABOUT US
Building the "Ugly Empire"
Big city flavor,
small town heart.
These are the words we live by.
Inspired by the flavors and culture of our owners Ariel & Maggie, it is our mission to serve those flavors to our customers with the warmth, pride, and love we feel for and from our community every day.
A culinary dream began for Ariel Pagan and his family in the mid '90s when his first adventure as a restauranteur began in a small pizzeria. Though he loved this property, Ariel knew that to see his larger dream come to fruition someday, he would need to further his education. This meant culinary school!
After this exciting adventure, and with a heart full of new tools and passion, Ariel became pastry chef at the flagship property of a powerhouse catering company, working alongside the area's foremost talent, not only refining his skills but breaking into the world of full-scale catering.
MEET ARIEL!
Continuing to build on this foundation, Ariel not only became pastry chef at yet another top-shelf local catering house and restaurant but went on to cut his teeth in the food distribution and wholesale fields as well.
Having worked hard to put his dreams into reach, in 2009 with his wife Maggie and children Cesare and Chris by his side, he opened The Ugly Rooster on North Main Street in Mechanicville, New York. The warm and inviting café soon became an instant favorite of townies and travelers alike. Having outgrown the quaint building they began in, the family moved their location to its forever home at 312 North 3rd Avenue.
BEGINNINGS
TODAY
The Ugly Rooster Cafes located in Mechanicville, NY and Malta, NY boast bustling crowds, 5 star reviews, and countless memories for friends, family, and travelers alike.
Our Mechanicville location now hosts The Coop, a gift shop packed with local artisan and maker goods and items.
Mechanicville Cafe
THE COOP
Malta Cafe
Ariel, with his family and team consistently striving to build and grow, has gone on to now offer full-scale catering as well, winning multiple awards and accolades from its fiercely loyal customers and industry legends. Ugly Rooster Catering has become a staple in the community and area at large, and the team hopes it will remain this way for years and years to come.
+ CATERING
In 2024, Ariel expanded his culinary footprint with the launch of Ugly Ice Cream, an fun and delicious ice cream shop located on Browns Beach in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Partnering with local brothers Joe and John Starr, Ariel brings the same passion for creativity and community that made his cafes a success to this sweet new venture. Ugly Ice Cream debuted in May 2024 and reopens for it's second season in May 2025.
Ugly Ice Cream stands as just another reflection of Ariel's dedication to quality and his love for bringing people together. This vibrant ice cream shop quickly became a favorite summer destination, sending a buzz throughout the season about the area's newest addition to the beachside vibes on the lake.
THANK YOU
With happy hearts and full bellies, we want to say thank you to all our amazing customers. You've truly brought the humble Ugly Rooster to heights we never imagined... and we don't see it slowing down any time soon. We do this for you and we look forward to serving you for many more years!