Business News

A business boom in Seaford

Chamber of Commerces welcomes five new shops

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New businesses have been popping up in Seaford left and right — literally. The Seaford Chamber of Commerce hosted a spate of ribbon cuttings last Friday morning to welcome five new establishments to the community.

Four of the businesses are located on a two-block span of Merrick Road, two on the south side and two on the north side. The other is north of Jerusalem Avenue.

The Lobster Shack, at 3915 Merrick Road, opened in the middle of July, replacing the old Phoenix restaurant. Owner Greg Garofalo said that about 90 percent of the menu is seafood, but there are also steaks and Italian dishes. It is a casual dining menu, he said, with different fresh fish options every day in addition to lobster, crab, oysters and other traditional options.

“We needed a seafood place in these towns,” he said. “There’s not much around and people enjoy seafood.”

Since opening at the corner of Merrick Road and Jackson Avenue, Garofalo said the business has been well received. He said customers like the bright, lively décor, which features a nautical theme. “The food is really good, a friendly staff,” he added.

Two doors down, Seaford natives Heather Umhafer and Kristen Collins came together to open Downstage Dance. It debuted in August and features classes in ballet, tap, hip hop, Pointe and modern dance, as well as music and movement classes for toddlers, yoga and zumba workshops for adults, and more.

They said what sets their business apart from other dance studios is that they don’t take part in competitions. Customers are simply there to learn. “We want to just promote arts education,” Collins said.

Both taught dance classes elsewhere, and still do at their new studio, in addition to running the business. Collins and Umhafer have a staff of about a dozen people, and more than 100 regular customers so far. “It’s very exciting,” said Umhafer, who still lives in the community. “I would say it’s challenging but it’s very rewarding. We have the creative freedom to do the things we want to do.”

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