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Mostly Cloudy Celebrating a revitalized Wantagh
Chamber hosts trio of ribbon-cuttings
There are many ways to breath life into a business community. Sometimes it’s about bringing new merchants into the mix, while other times, it is about simply giving something old a new look.
The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce celebrated both of these concepts last week with a trio of ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Wantagh Avenue, including the opening of two new businesses and the renovation of an existing shopping center.
At the first stop on Nov. 25, Chamber leaders and elected officials gathered at the Cherrywood Shopping Center to cut the ribbon for Coco Belle, a ladies fashion boutique. Partnering up to open Coco Belle were friends Jeanine Janosko and Dawn Corso, and Janosko’s mother, Anne Puccio. The ownership trio bills the store as “a boutique for girls of all ages.”
The store, located at 1174A Wantagh Ave., opened in August. It has clothing and accessories such as jewelry, headbands, birthday crowns, iPhone cases and gift cards. The owners say the store fills a niche and is suitable for children, teens and adults.
“It’s a place where moms can come in and get a great outfit and buy something for their daughters,” Corso said. “It’s everything in one, and you don’t have to go all the way to the mall.”
Corso said that she and Janosko, who both live in Wantagh, have frequented the stores and restaurants in the shopping center for years, so when they saw a spot open, they quickly decided it was the right location for Coco Belle.
The owners added that they can give customers a personalized shopping experience. So far, they say, business has been good and they hope to continue growing. Joining the Chamber of Commerce is part of that plan.
“We love to be part of our community,” Janosko said. “I’m a huge supporter of our town and I believe we should keep it local.”
Just a stone’s throw away is the revitalized Wantagh Woods Shopping Center. The Chamber celebrated the recently completed facelift of the strip mall, located at the southeast corner of Wantagh and Jerusalem avenues, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Several of the business owners and employees were on hand.
The shopping center has 11 businesses, including a stationary store, bagel shop, laundromat, wine store, nail salon, insurance brokerage, florist, burger joint, real estate agency, eye glass store and bar. It is owned by brother and sister Rob and Lisa Gordon, who took over management of the property from their father, who acquired it in the 1970s. They take pride in the diversity of businesses in the strip.
“We have very little turnover in the shopping center,” Lisa Gordon said. “We have wonderful tenants.”
The facelift was completed in about 10 weeks by Shulman Industries of Commack. Gordon said the goal was to do the work with as little disruption to the businesses as possible. “We take pride in our properties,” she said.
Tony Smith, owner of SAS Realty, which hosted guests last week, said he is very pleased with the work. His business has been in Wantagh for 39 years, and at the present location for nearly a quarter century. He said Wantagh Woods is now the nicest looking shopping center in town.
The Town of Hempstead maintains the parking lot around the shopping center. Supervisor Kate Murray, who was on hand, announced that in order to compliment the work that was done by the owners, the town will repave the parking lot.
Murray said Wantagh Woods almost looks like a brand new shopping center. “It’s a great shot in the arm for individual businesses,” she said.
Old is also new at Guido’s Retro Bar, down the road at 1923 Wantagh Ave. Owner Karen Romano was looking to bring a 1980s- and 90s-themed bar to Wantagh, so she acquired an existing pub and gave it a new look.
She took over the space earlier in the year. It has been a bar for 50 years and has gone through many name changes, including Guido Mulligan’s, which inspired the current moniker. There are numerous theme nights highlighted by Way Back Wednesdays, which features a live singer paying tribute to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and others from that era.
Karaoke is on Tuesdays, and Thursdays are always ladies nights. Friday nights will feature live bands or DJs. Guests can enjoy the entertainment on the new dance floor.
“It just needed to be revamped,” Romano said of the bar. “I want to give it that old-school feel but a new, positive vibe.
Romano said she upgraded the sound system and beer taps, and Guido’s Retro Bar will have seasonal beers. The business will continue to evolve. “I’m not done,” Romano said. “Like anything, it’s never done. We want to make it fun and safe.”
The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce will hold its next event this weekend, with a holiday lighting ceremony this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Triangle Park, across from the Long Island Rail Road station.
