Business

Pixabay photo

It’s been a difficult 18 months, especially when we think back to the early days of the pandemic as we watched businesses across our communities adjust to state mandates after COVID-19 raged through our area. From limiting capacity to some businesses not being able to operate at all, many owners had difficulty adjusting.

Despite the lifting of state mandates a few months ago, many are still suffering.

As we look around more and more, places are closing or are in jeopardy of shutting down. In the last two weeks, we have heard the news of the Book Revue in Huntington set to close by Sept. 30. After 44 years of business, the village staple is in a financial hole.

The store had been shut down for three months during the pandemic. Once it was reopen, the business struggled to get back on its feet, and the owner fell behind on the rent.

To the east, Smithtown Performing Arts Center is having trouble holding on to its lease of the old theater. The nonprofit is also behind in its rent and has been unable to make a deal with the landlord, which led him to put the theater up for sale two weeks ago.

Both businesses received assistance during the pandemic. The Book Revue, like many others, was fortunate to receive loans through the federal Paycheck Protection Program to pay employees’ salaries and keep the lights on. For SPAC, the nonprofit received a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant but needs to have a full account of debts to be able to reconcile grant monies.

With the pandemic lingering, what many people are discovering is that the assistance just artificially propped them up for a short while. Now more than ever, local businesses and nonprofits need the help of community members to enter their storefronts and buy their products. When a consumer chooses between shopping or eating locally instead of online or going to a big chain, it makes a difference.

If one looks for a silver lining in all this, it may be that many business owners have come up with innovative ways to stay open, while others have embraced curbside pickup and created websites and social media accounts that will be an asset in the future.

And while it’s sad to see so many favorite businesses closing their doors, it also paves the way for new stores with fresh ideas to come in with items such as different types of ice cream or creative giftware or clothing.

Many of our main streets need revitalization and the arrival of new businesses or current ones reinventing themselves can be just what our communities need to reimagine themselves — and not only survive but thrive in the future.

We can all help small local businesses stay afloat, whether it’s an old staple or a new place. Because at the end of the day, if a store or restaurant has been empty and the cash register reflects that, we’ll see more and more empty storefronts in our future.

Spend your money wisely — shop and eat locally.

The Three Village Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting and grand reopening celebration for Mario’s Restaurant in East Setauket on Aug. 18. The community welcomed back brothers Jack and Gary Tiply, along with partner Billie Phillips, for a classic reboot of one of the oldest and most notable Italian restaurants on the North Shore.  

The special event was attended by Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, members of the chamber, family and friends.

The Tipleys owned Mario’s for 28 years before selling the restaurant in 2007. They reclaimed ownership in 2019 after a fire damaged the restaurant’s kitchen. Renovations have been completed and the restaurant has put pizza back on the menu.

“Mario’s Restaurant is a community treasure as are the owners. Everyone in the community can tell a story about being there for a reunion of friends or classmates, a special life event or family gathering. So many people in the area also met their spouse here. Congratulations to Gary, Jack and Billie on the new Mario’s,” said Leg. Hahn.

Pictured in first photo from left, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Three Village Chamber President Jane Taylor;  chamber members Carmine Inserra, Colette Frey-Bitzas, Rob Taylor; Legislator Kara Hahn; owners Gary and Jack Tipley; and chamber members Charles Lefkowitz, and Michael Ardolino.  

Located at 212 Main St., East Setauket, the restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Tuesday to Sunday for indoor dining and takeout. For more information, call 631-751-8840 or visit www.mariossetauket.com.

Chembio's Medford facility

Long Island-based Chembio, a leading point-of-care diagnostics company focused on detecting and diagnosing infectious diseases, including COVID-19, respiratory and insect vector diseases, will be holding a Job Fair on Sat., Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the company’s 3661 Horseblock Road, Medford facility. 

The company is growing rapidly and has over 100 job openings. New staff is needed as the company scales up manufacturing to meet already existing orders for its infectious disease tests. Multiple manufacturing, quality and scientific positions are available and employment opportunities include full benefits, $16-$35 per hour wages, $2,000 sign-on bonuses and other financial incentives.  

For more information, call 631-924-1135 or visit www.chembio.com.

S. Prestano Bakery

A beloved Italian bakery in Selden has closed its doors. In business for 4 decades, Santo and Laura Prestano, the owners of S. Prestano Bakery at 806 Middle Country Road, made their last Italian-American breads, cookies, pastries, cakes, doughnuts and specialty cakes on Aug. 22. The announcement was made on their Facebook page.

“After 40 years in the bakery business we’ve made the decision to retire to North Carolina. The decision is bittersweet but is one that has to be made. Thank you everyone for all the years of your loyal patronage! We are blessed and grateful to have been able to serve this community for all these years,” they said. 

Customers immediately took to social media to express their sadness and to wish the owners well in their retirement.

Matthew Hetterich with Nancy Geiger, Director of Gurwin Home Care Agency, after receiving his award. Photo from Gurwin Jewish

Matthew Hetterich, administrator of Gurwin Healthcare System’s Certified Home Health Agency in Commack, has been honored with a 2021 Moxy Man Award. The award is presented by the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation and honors men and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of women in the workplace.

The Sound Beach resident was nominated by four women who have worked closely with him throughout his career. They highlighted his intelligence, kindness, fierce independence and his ability to constantly unify those he worked with. 

“Matt has always reminded us to continue to fight the good fight and that sitting back was never an option. He always inspired,” said Taryn Birkmire, executive director of Recco Home Care. Eileen Gerard, an agency consultant at Addus Homecare, said, “Matthew was surrounded by powerful, convicted women, and he never feared us. He embraced us as we all learned from each other, and together we soared.”

Hetterich was celebrated at a luncheon in June. Upon receiving the award, he shared high praise for his female colleagues. 

“Healthcare, especially home care, is primarily dominated by women in both clinical and administrative roles. I’m fortunate to have spent my career surrounded by strong, intelligent women who have shared invaluable professional and life experience that has helped me to not only become a better leader, but a better person as well.”

Arkk Wellness Center ribbon cutting. Photo from Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich's office

On July 26, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (sixth from left) and Town Clerk Donna Lent (second from right) and members of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce were on hand to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for The Katherine Jon Salon’s The Arkk Wellness Center and Academy located at 4747 Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station. 

The ceremony included live music from 1 Step Ahead and featured healthy food tastings and tropical beverages. Also pictured are members of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce; Katherine Jon Salon and The Arkk Wellness Center and Academy team members and owner Kat Riley (fourth from right).

“Congratulations to Kat Riley on her continued success. Self-care is an important part of our overall wellness and I’m happy to see that the salon utilized its resources and opened a creative and much needed space,” said Councilmember Kornreich. “I wish nothing but success to Kat and her team who have already done and continue to do such amazing work. Despite the challenges that may occur when owning a business, she remains as cool as the other side of the pillow.”

“Kat Riley’s history of long-standing success in business continues to flourish with the grand opening of The Arkk Academy. This wellness center, born out of the pandemic and driven by a desire to bring forth healing through education and self-care, is a testament of Kat’s commitment to the community,” added Town Clerk Donna Lent.

For more information, call 631-474-0747 or visit arkkwellnesscenter.org.

The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Long Island Lending a Helping Hand, Inc. at 341 Route 25A in Rocky Point on August 2.

Guests who attended included Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Chamber President Gary Pollakusky and the RPSB Chamber board, the Girl Scouts, volunteers, local media and residents.

Long Island Lending a Helping Hand is a food pantry and resource center that helps provide assistance for families in need. They offer families and individuals school supplies, food, diapers, formula, clothing, furniture as well as other resources and support around the holidays.

Founder, Dawn Lang, said “In 2014, I realized that there was a real need in my local community. Many people “in need” have jobs, sometimes more than one, and are still struggling to get by sometimes having to make a difficult decision of whether to pay a bill or buy food / diapers. Some have family and friends to lean on but many others do not. That’s why I created…Long Island Lending a Helping Hand…we do our best to fill in the gap and help people who are in need.”

“We are so appreciative of founder Dawn Lang and Donna McCauley’s commitment to our community. It is with great pride that the chamber formally welcomes this brick & mortar Food Pantry and Resource Center to the community,” added Gary Pollakusky.

Operating hours are Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information regarding Long Island Lending a Helping Hand, please visit www.lilahh.com.

Burlington Stores has reported it will open a new store in Farmingville in November of this year. The announcement was made in a news release on Aug. 10.

The national retailer plans to open a 32,000 square-foot store at Expressway Plaza at 2280 North Ocean Avenue in part of the former Kmart location. A spokeswoman said that the new smaller-format location will feature an updated, clean design that makes “it easy for customers to navigate and find fantastic merchandise at amazing values throughout the store.”

The outlet, which is known for an array of discounted coats, will offer a wide selection of items, including mens, womens, and kids clothing as well as shoes, baby gear, and home décor. A layaway program will also be offered.

The company has 740 stores in 40 states and Puerto Rico, with its corporate headquarters located in Burlington Township, New Jersey.

The Farmingville store is now hiring. Visit www.BurlingtonStores.jobs.

Photo from Your CBD Store

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for Your CBD Store® in Port Jefferson Station on July 23.  

In less than two years, Your CBD Stores® have grown to become the world’s largest brick and mortar CBD retailer with locations in over 600 locations and 40 states. Founded with an emphasis on education and community, Your CBD Store® has helped dismiss misconceptions about its hemp derived products.

“Everything we do is focused on improving the lives of our customers. We are a high-quality learning environment where customers can try products and leave knowing what is in their CBD product,” said Dee Earle Browning, store owner of Your CBD Store Port Jeff Station. 

“We are not just another retail chain. We are a community of store owners who truly care and are educating CBD consumers around the nation,” she said.  

Your CBD Store® offers a variety of CBD infused products that don’t require a prescription or medical card to buy. All stores only sell products manufactured by SunMed, which uses a special CO2 extraction process to eliminate the need for chemical solvents to produce a high-quality, full-spectrum CBD. The CBD is then processed again to remove all traces of THC for the company’s zero-THC products. 

Located at 590 Patchogue Road in Port Jefferson Station, Your CBD Store® is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays. For more information, call 631-828-3877.

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Smithtown Concrete, shown in 2018, was a staple in Smithtown for decades. Photo by Gary Woods

A modern car dealership is taking the place of a Smithtown staple along Route 25.

All that is left of Smithtown Concrete. Photo by Rita J. Egan

A few weeks ago, the old Smithtown Concrete Products Corp. building was demolished to make room for CarMax.

A representative for the used car dealer said the business is slated to open in Smithtown toward the middle of next year. The dealership is moving into the location of the former concrete business on the corner of Middle Country Road and Montclair Avenue. A company official called Smithtown “a good fit.”

“We chose the Smithtown site because it was centrally located in the trade area we wanted to serve, in the middle of a very strong car dealer row, and was large enough to meet our needs,” the official said.

According to the CarMax representative, the company “typically invests between $10- and $25 million on each store location, and they are planning on a small-format store in Smithtown which would require an estimate of between 10 and 15 employees.” CarMax stores can have anywhere between 200 and 400 used cars on its lots, and it offers more vehicles on its website and mobile app. Cars can be chosen from any of the company’s locations and can be delivered to homes, according to the company.

CarMax received site plan approval unanimously Nov. 6, 2018 from the Smithtown Town Board. At the time, the site was recorded as 18.31 acres. The irregularly shaped property is composed of 13 tax lots and is not near any wetlands or flood zones.