We’re kicking off March with our Meet a Mom Series! Today we’re featuring Westchester native, Lindsay Walsh, the co-owner of Crotty’s Cheesesteaks in New Rochelle. Lindsay grew up in Bronxville and now lives in Rye. After a successful career in the city, followed by a rewarding experience as a stay-at-home Mom, Lindsay and her dad came together to open Crotty’s Cheesesteaks – in the middle of a pandemic no less! I’m personally thrilled to have a Philadelphia style cheesesteak shop right around the corner – and these cheesesteaks do not disappoint! Check out the full interview below to learn more about Lindsay, including her favorite item on the menu. Spoiler alert – it’s not the cheesesteak!
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Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I grew up in Bronxville & after a stint in Manhattan, settled in beautiful Rye almost 8 year ago.
How did you decide to settle in the Sound Shore?
As a Westchester native, I always loved the area! The quaint towns, amazing restaurants & close proximity to NYC. I grew up going to a beach club in Rye & was always drawn to the beauty of the water. My husband is originally from Rye. When we were looking to purchase a house, we knew the exact area we wanted to be in!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have two daughters – built-in best friends for life! Clare is 6 and Mary Kate is 4.
What do you love about living in the Sound Shore?
It’s a very tight knit community & I have wonderful friends here! The activities, the beautiful parks, the beaches, the restaurants – all here in our amazing community.
What are your go-to restaurants and shops in the Sound Shore?
I love to support other local small businesses. Friday night is family night! We often frequent Kelly’s in Rye and Sherwood’s in Larchmont with our kids. Billy & Pete’s Social in Larchmont is a favorite for date night….especially when we can get a seat in one of the igloos!
I’m a big fan of Palmer & Purchase in Rye (and Larchmont) for fun jewelry, accessories & gifts.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
We love golfing, hanging at the beach & pool, playing with our cat & dog, going out to restaurants & riding bikes around our neighborhood!
How do you spend “me time”?
I love yoga, long walks, cooking, shopping, volunteering and catching up with my girlfriends & Mom. I also just opened a small business & I really enjoy working on it!
How did the idea of Crotty’s come to be?
My Dad, Joe Crotty, had been in the restaurant and bar business his whole life (just like his Father before him). His most recent establishment in Riverdale permanently closed last year due to the city-wide Coronavirus shutdown.
Being an eternal entrepreneur, he decided to partner with me (a former stay at home mom to 2 little girls!) to turn a challenging setback into a new adventure in Westchester – Crotty’s Cheesesteaks.
By recreating ourselves & opening a new business, we are partnering together as a family (a tradition long held by the Crotty’s) to bring wholesome food to a community we love!
What’s it like working with your dad?
It’s great! He is resilient, hardworking, determined & extremely creative. He is not afraid to take chances and think big. I aspire to be more like him everyday!
It also means a lot to “join the family business”. He worked in the restaurant business alongside my Grandfather for many years. It really warms my heart that now I am working alongside him!
What’s your favorite thing on the menu?
People are often surprised to learn that I am a vegetarian (the odd one out in a big family of meat lovers!) We have a vegan veggie burger that can be paired with any of cheesesteaks combinations and it is delish – I especially love it with whiz & caramelized onions!
How did you choose New Rochelle as the location for Crotty’s?
After my Dad’s business in Riverdale closed, we knew we had to pivot and do something that would work well in a post Covid world. Fast casual with a focus on delivery, take out and curbside pickup seemed to fit the bill! We found a small shop for rent sandwiched between New Rochelle High School and Iona College. We felt that the location would be a success for what we were trying to build.
What did you do before starting Crotty’s?
I worked in corporate finance for almost a decade after college. When my oldest daughter was born, I decided to become a stay at home mom. Both of my children started school full time this year, so I had the time to join my Dad in building Crotty’s Cheesesteaks.
How do you juggle motherhood, parenting and owning your own business? Any tips for keeping it all together?
My husband is a wonderful support! He is a big help with the kids, house and pets! It can often be challenging trying to keep so many balls in the air – but I think it’s important for my daughters to see that women can be successful in many areas.
How can we try Crotty’s Cheesesteaks?!
Call, order online or pop by in person – we can’t wait to hear from you!
Crotty’s Cheesesteaks
8 Eastchester Road
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914-636-7000
Follow us:@crottyscheesesteaks
