Lynbrook residents honored for ‘crafting’ a successful business

Anthony Garaci and Thomas Garrett wanted to start a business in Lynbrook, where they grew up. So, almost three years ago Garaci and his business partner, Tom McNicholas, opened Craft Kitchen and Tap House on Stauderman Avenue.

“We wanted to do something there in our backyard,” Garrett said. “I think it’s a great community [where] everyone helps each other.”

Members of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce voted to name Garaci and Garrett Business People of the Year. They were honored at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce breakfast at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Oct. 19. There, they listened to speeches from other business owners and received citations from Nassau County Legislator William Gaylor, a Republican from Lynbrook.

Since its opening, Craft has hosted a slew of events, including a Halloween party, an Oktoberfest outing and a viewing party for the Ultimate Fighting Championship match between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Garaci is also involved in the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, the Lynbrook Community Chest and Our Lady of Peace’s Father’s Club. In addition, he hosts fundraisers for a variety of local organizations, including one to help children with special needs.

“They serve a lot of the community in different ways,” said Carol Burak, the president of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce. “They’re always there to help the community.”

Garaci said he was appreciative of the Lynbrook business community and the village for the honor. “It’s very nice to operate a business in a town that supports the business community,” he said.

Burak said she is planning to honor Garaci and Garrett locally in January.