Our Story

At BG Budas, every dish tells a story—one that began in a small home kitchen in Canastota, New York.

Betty Gail (BG) Buda was a devoted single mother of five, a lifelong educator, and a woman who believed that food was more than just fuel—it was love, connection, and tradition. Though she spent over 30 years teaching math in the small town of Canastota, her true love was the kitchen. Raised among her father's large Italian family, she passed down cherished recipes, traditions, and timeless lessons to her own children.

Betty Gail had a gift for turning the simplest ingredients into something special. Her home was always filled with the comforting smells of sauces, casseroles, and from-scratch meals that disappeared almost as fast as she made them. Her cooking was rarely fancy, but it was always full of heart. Whether it was a quick dinner or a holiday feast, Betty Gail believed that food was how you showed people you cared.

Amidst the chaos of busy schedules and the demands of growing up, family gatherings weren’t always easy to come by, but when they did happen, they were treasured. Her children remember those rare evenings together with fond memories: the comforting aromas from the stove, the laughter, and the way Betty Gail made every meal feel like home. She welcomed anyone who walked through the door—friends, neighbors, strangers—with a warm smile and a full plate. In those shared moments, they learned what mattered most—love, family, and the joy of being together, even if just for a meal.

This restaurant is a tribute to the woman who taught those around her that the best meals don’t come from cookbooks, they come from the heart.

Welcome to BG Budas, where fresh ingredients come together with loving meals shared among friends and family.