Tags Posts tagged with "Grand Opening"

Grand Opening

Studio 45 ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Sunday, April 13, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the grand opening of Studio 45 in Rocky Point, a cardio dance and strength training facility owned by Dr. Kimberly Roff, an Associate Professor at Touro University .

Located at 53D Broadway, the studio offers health and wellness classes featuring a full body workout with cardio dance and teach elements of Yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing blended in as well as additional strength training. “I know the Rocky Point community is passionate about rebuilding and revitalizing Broadway and what a great idea to start a fully woman-owned business there,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

Studio 45 can be reached by calling 631-495-5668 or online at www.studio45rockypoint.com.

It is said that all good things come in threes and the The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s  event on April 11 was no exception as it hosted ribbon cuttings for Stony Brook Village Center establishments Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; North Shore Injury Lawyer Mark Freeley, Esq.; and The Little Cheese Shop.

For over 20 years, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters has been perfecting the art of roasting coffee in Farmingdale. Now they are thrilled to expand their legacy with a new location at 131 Main Street in Stony Brook. Founded by Lydia and Georgio Testani, the coffee shop offers Georgio’s signature roasted coffee beans and freshly ground coffee, available in 21 varieties. Their extensive drink menu features specialty lattes, cappuccinos, and rich hot chocolate, featuring house-made syrups. For those on the go, Georgio’s also serves delicious to-go items, such as bacon, egg, and cheese tacos and challah peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-841-1700 or visit georgioscoffee.com.

North Shore Injury Lawyer, Mark Freeley, Esq., brings over 30 years of personal injury litigation experience to his new office at 111 Main Street in Stony Brook. A longtime local resident and Senior Partner at a respected law firm in Woodbury, Freeley offers clients in the Three Village area personalized legal services backed by the strength of a full legal team. He is available by appointment in Stony Brook with a flexible schedule. In addition to handling injury cases, Freeley provides free reviews of auto insurance policies to help ensure proper coverage. Known for his daily walks with his rescue dogs and his volunteer work with Last Chance Animal Rescue, he is a familiar face in the community he proudly serves. By appointment only, call 631-495-9435 or visit northshoreinjurylawyer.com.

Little Cheese Shop at 127 Main Street in Stony Brook is run by Chris and Krystal Abate—industry professionals with over 20 years of experience in the food world. The charming boutique cheese shop offers an impressive selection of over 30 international and artisanal cheeses, many of which are rare finds on Long Island. In addition to cheese, the shop is stocked with gourmet pantry staples including jams, spreads, crackers, and mustards, as well as a curated selection of charcuterie. Perfect for entertaining or gifting, they also offer custom cheese platters, grazing tables, and beautifully packaged gift baskets. Cheese lovers can enjoy their full sandwich and grilled cheese menu, featuring over 20 delicious options made fresh to order. To learn more or place an order, call 631-223-0245 or visit littlecheese.shop.

Pictured from left are Marketing Director Tricia Catalani; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Regional Manager Pablo Cuevas; General Manager Johanna Cruz; Catering Manager Karen Diaz and Quentin Palifka, Legislative Aide for Legislator Chad Lennon. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On March 27, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined the owners, employees and guests to celebrate the grand reopening of Moe’s Southwest Grill located at 346 Route 25A in Rocky Point. With more than 600 restaurants in the country, Moe’s serves delicious southwestern food including burritos, nachos, quesadillas, tacos and burrito bowl with a twist. Pico de gallo, seasonal salsas and good times are made in house every day. 

Pictured from left are Marketing Director Tricia Catalani; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Regional Manager Pablo Cuevas; General Manager Johanna Cruz; Catering Manager Karen Diaz and Quentin Palifka, Legislative Aide for Legislator Chad Lennon.

Operating hours are weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Sundays. They also offer delivery. For more information, call 631-849-6487.

Optical Outfitters in Port Jefferson held a ribbon cutting on March 22. Pictured on left, chamber members Ron Schlumpf, Mary Joy Pipe, John Huber, Brett Sceraviao and Steve Munoz; pictured on right, Alan Paulus, owner Danielle Cossari Paulus (with scissors), Natalie Cossari, Anne Cossari, staffer Amelia Bass and Dr. Alfred Cossari.Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, celebrated new chamber partner, Optical Outfitters, with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22 at 158 E. Main Street & Arden Place, Suite 2 in Port Jefferson. 

The new shop offers affordable quality prescription eyewear for children and adults with an added focus on specialty collections, quality sunglass brands and a gift section. 

Upcoming events include Mother’s and Father’s Day Wishlist gatherings with a jewelry making demonstration and sunglass fittings to be announced on the shop’s website, opticaloutfitters.com. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and extended concierge appointment hours are available by calling 631-928-6401.

 

By Heidi Sutton

A new Chick-fil-A® restaurant began serving the Selden community on Tuesday, April 1. The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Tabatha Fajardo from Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa’s office, Penny Hines from New York State Senator Dean Murray’s office, Thomas Lupo on behalf of Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Ryan Gessner from the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, staff, and members of the community. Franchise owner Stan Abrahamsen and his wife Debbie cut the ribbon.

Located in the College Plaza shopping center at 949 Middle Country Road, the 5,500-square-foot restaurant will be open for drive-thru, dine-in and delivery from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The new restaurant will also feature Mobile Thru, a fully dedicated lane in the drive-thru where Guests can pick up orders placed ahead of time on the Chick-fil-A App®.

The Selden restaurant joins 10 other Chick-fil-A restaurants serving Long Island, including Port Jefferson Station, Commack, Smithtown, Huntington, Farmingdale and the recently opened location in Farmingville in Suffolk County. Additional restaurants are planned for Medford, West Babylon and Lake Ronkonkoma.

Stan Abrahamsen, who also operates the Port Jefferson Station location, will be responsible for all day-to-day activities of the Selden business, including employing approximately 120 full- and part-time team members, “serving guests, cultivating relationships with local organizations and businesses, and tailoring philanthropic efforts to meet the Selden community’s needs,” according to a press release.

According to the release, Abrahamsen has lived on Long Island for 38 years and has spent more than two decades as a small business owner, building a career rooted in hospitality and service. His journey with Chick-fil-A began in 2015 when he became the local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson Station, which was the first free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant in New York state. He will continue to operate the Port Jefferson Station restaurant in addition to the new restaurant in Selden.

“As a longtime Suffolk County resident and the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson, I’m honored to continue serving my neighbors and making a positive impact in the community that I call home,” Abrahamsen said. “At Chick-fil-A Selden, my focus is on building a welcoming, service-driven culture and helping my Team Members grow — both personally and professionally.”

 

Chick-Fil-A in Selden. Photo by Heidi Sutton

According to the press release, Chick-fil-A business is built to add positive impact beyond profit, including giving back to local communities. Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators are empowered to support the neighborhoods they serve with a key focus on hunger, education, and specific community needs.

In celebration of the opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America in honor of the new restaurant. These funds will be distributed to partners in the greater Long Island area to aid in the fight against hunger.

Abrahamsen’s restaurant will plan to participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, an initiative that redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks and nonprofits in need. To date, more than 35 million meals have been created from Chick-fil-A Shared Table donations from over 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In addition, Chick-fil-A Selden is recognizing 100 local heroes making an impact in the Selden area by providing them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.

“With this opening and the impending opening of Aspen Dental next door it marks the redevelopment of two lots that were empty or barely used for well over a decade. Wishing Chick-fil-A success as they serve up delicious food and great hospitality to the community. Stop by and check them out!” said Town Clerk LaValle.

For the latest news and updates on Chick-fil-A Selden visit the local restaurant’s Facebook page. For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the Brand’s food, people and customers across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.

By Heidi Sutton

It looks like some book lovers will have to wait a bit longer. In TBR News Media’s Arts & Lifestyles on March 20 it was announced that the new Barnes & Noble in  Huntington Station at 301 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station would hold a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, March 26.

Author Tessa Bailey will attend a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.

Now the retail store has issued a statement that the grand opening has been pushed to April in a Facebook post, writing “Hello BN NY Huntington Shoppers! Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, BN NY Huntington’s Grand Opening will be delayed until April 2nd. We thank you for your continued patience while we make this store perfect for you! We will post an update soon about opening day events, so keep an eye out!”

The retail store lost its lease in the Huntington Square shopping center in East Northport and moved to the current location last year in the space formerly occupied by Johnson Fitness & Wellness. The new store has about 14,000 square feet of space and features books, toys, games and gifts and an updated B&N Café.

“While we were saddened to leave East Northport, we could not be happier with the space we have found in Huntington,” said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. “Here we bring the community a completely updated Barnes & Noble and, fittingly, do so right next to the birthplace of one of the greatest American poets.”

“We are so excited to bring Barnes and Noble back to the community of Huntington and surrounding areas,” said Store Manager Kyle Goehle, Barnes & Noble Bookseller of five years. “I can’t wait for all the new memories our customers will make with our brand-new bookstore and café!”

Special guest, New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey, will attend the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, April 2 at 9 a.m. followed by a book signing. For more information, call 631-350-5503.

 

The new storefront at 37 West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station. Photo from Harry & Davids

Harry & David, the gourmet food brand known for its premium products and artisanal gift baskets, opened a new brick and mortar retail store in Huntington Station on March 6. 

Located at 37 West Jericho Turnpike, next to the store operated by its parent company, 1-800-Flowers.com, the boutique storefront is the only one on Long Island and is committed to offering customers “a one-of-a-kind, in-person shopping experience and last-minute gifting options,” according to a press release.

Cheryl’s Cookies, renowned for their buttercream frosted cookies, will also be featured at the shop. This marks the first time Cheryl’s will have a retail store presence on the East Coast.

The Huntington location will feature a curated selection of Harry & David and Cheryl’s Cookies signature items, including Royal Riviera® pears and other premium fruit, gourmet food and wine, Moose Munch® premium popcorn, Scharffen Berger® chocolates, English muffins from Wolferman’s Bakery, seafood from Vital Choice and an assortment of gift baskets. 

In addition to offering fan favorites, the store will host a variety of special events throughout the year, including exclusive product tastings, seasonal promotions, and interactive experiences designed to delight food lovers of all ages. The company also offers in-store discounts for AAA members, veterans and their families, and Senior Tuesdays.

“We are thrilled to open a community store on the east coast and especially in Long Island,” Jim McCann, CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com, said in a statement. 

“This store embodies the legacy and spirit of our brand allowing us to foster connections with our customers in a more personal and meaningful way, creating shared experiences that bring the community together,” he said. 

Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-485-8970 or visit www.harryanddavid.com.

Sal Filosa and Jenny Bloom cut the ribbon for the new Teen Center at 205 Main Street on March 14. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

It’s been 10 years in the making but it was all worth it when the doors to the new Port Jefferson Free Library Teen Center swung open after a ribbon cutting event on March 14. A large crowd, including Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, attended the celebration which continued into the evening and at an Open House on March 15. 

According to a press release, the library purchased the 1812 Bayles house at 205 East Main Street 10 years ago with plans of turning the former “Scented Cottage” store into a Teen Center which had been operating out of a rental space across the street from the library.

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich present certificates to staff of the Port Jefferson Free Library. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

A designated “Safe Space,” the new Teen Center features “multiple small rooms offering teens the ability to browse the library’s book, video and game collections, get homework and college application help, play board and video games, access craft supplies or participate in the busy schedule of program offerings,” according to the release. The Center, which is geared for teens in grades 6-12, also features a 3-D printer, homework stations and laptop computers. 

Working with BBS Architecture and Belfor Property Restoration, the library preserved much of the building’s charm, including 5 fireplaces, a beehive oven, the front “Dutch Door,” and the original pine floors. A covered front porch was added after Kate Von der Heyden of the Port Jefferson Historical Society shared historic photos which showed a previously existing Greek Revival-style porch. Amendments include a wheelchair lift and wider doorways.

“The reputation of this institution transcends the boundaries of the village. This is a draw for kids not just in this community but all the surrounding communities. I want to thank you for putting this together and for doing it in such a sensitive way that it maintains the streetscape and the look and feel of the village; it is such a great enhancement,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

“I am so grateful to this library board, to the leadership here and to the community for having the foresight to obtain this historic building, maintain it and renovate so that it can continue to be part of the beating heart of our library system and be a safe, wonderful and fun place for the teens,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.

“… So proud to walk through these doors for the first time and see what’s inside. I want to use it! There’s a nook and cranny for everything. I’m so glad that my nieces and my nephews and their friends will be able to use it as they come through middle school into the high school … It’s an incredible facility and what a great resource for them,” said Mayor Sheprow, who went on to thank Head of Teen Services Sal Filosa and Library Director Jenny Bloom for bringing the Teen Center to fruition.

“Growing from our one-room rental space to multiple rooms with a covered porch offers a variety of spaces for teens to relax, do homework, play games, or create art. We hope they consider the Teen Center to be their new ‘home away from home,” said Filosa.

“The restoration of the Bayles House and development of the new Teen Center has been the dream of a decade of Board Trustees, Staff, and community members, and the Library is very proud to welcome the community to the grand opening, and for teens for generations to come,” added Bloom.

The Teen Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-509-5707.

Wegmans in Lake Grove is the first to open on Long Island. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

The wait is finally over. Wegmans Food Markets has announced that it will celebrate the grand opening of its Lake Grove store on Wednesday, Feb. 26 with a ribbon cutting set for 9 a.m. Located at 3270 Middle Country Road in the DSW Plaza, the 101,000 square-foot supermarket will be Wegmans’ first on Long Island. 

“We have been actively hiring and training new employees and are excited to open our doors on Feb. 26 to serve the Lake Grove community,” said store manager Dawn Cooper in a press release. 

Located in the former Fairway Market  space, the new store will employ more than 500 people in full- and part-time positions and will feature restaurant-style foods at its Market Café including sushi, pizza, chef-made salads, and sandwiches; along with a hot self-serve bar; a large produce department; and a wide variety of seafood, meat, bakery, deli, and cheese options. 

There will be an equal number of full-service and self-checkout registers and plenty of parking. Casanova the Rooster,  the company’s mascot, will greet customers at the top of every hour and there is a designated seating area to enjoy eat-in meals.

Before even opening, the Lake Grove leadership team has been focused on building relationships and getting to know and support the local community. 

Over the summer, fall, and holiday season, the team participated in festivals, volunteered at local food pantries, and sponsored the annual Pictures with Santa display at the Smith Haven Mall. 

They also formed a partnership with Long Island Cares and Island Harvest to improve food security for local families through their annual Check Out Hunger scanning and by providing donations three days a week to the food banks through their perishable pick-up program. 

“With Wegmans’ help, we will be better able to support those on Long Island experiencing hunger, including families, children, seniors, veterans, unhoused individuals, and others who need assistance,” said Bob LaBarbara of Long Island Cares.

To date, the store team has donated nearly $30,000 to over two dozen local non-profit organizations and events, including United Way of Long Island, Village of Lake Grove for the Summer and Harvest Festivals, Ronkonkoma Fire Department, Suffolk Community College Foundation, Sachem Teen Center, and United Veterans Beacon House.

“It is such a warm and welcoming community; we are enjoying getting to know the people who live here,” said Cooper. “From volunteering at events to sponsoring them, the team has done a great job building connections in the area, and we are excited to have those connections grow.”

Based in upstate Rochester, the regional supermarket chain operates over 100 locations along the east coast. The family company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. 

After Wednesday’s 9 a.m. opening, the Lake Grove store will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call 631-285-1300.

Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of PJCC
Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich’s office

It was a great turnout for the ribbon cutting of new Port Jefferson Village business Global Language Reads at 402 Main Street on Jan. 15. 

Hosted by the Greater Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, former New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Port Jefferson Village Trustees Kyle Hill and Robert Juliano, PJCC President Stuart Vincent, Third Vice President Douglas Quattrock, family and friends who came out to congratulate owner Caterina Lemos-Cunha and wish her the best of luck in her new venture.  

“I’m excited to welcome Global Language Reads to our community. This new bookstore offers a unique collection of books in multiple languages, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to explore stories from around the world,” said Councilmember Kornreich. 

“Global Language Reads is a wonderful addition to our town, celebrating diversity and encouraging cultural exchange. I can’t wait to see this new business thrive and contribute to the cultural fabric of Port Jefferson. Be sure to take advantage of the variety of exciting activities they host! From movie and game nights, to engaging book clubs, to the science society and debate club for young adults, there’s something for everyone,” he added.

For more information, visit www.glrbooks.com.