Business News

Wantagh business owners share optimism

Chamber hosts four ribbon-cutting ceremonies

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Four ribbon-cutting ceremonies last week in Wantagh didn’t so much celebrate growth in the local business community, as it did stability.

Three of the businesses are under new ownership, while the fourth relocated to Wantagh’s main shopping district. The ribbon cuttings were hosted by the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce.

The first stop was Amul Yoga Studio at 3018 Merrick Road. Melissa Filano took over the business in April 2014, so the Chamber came to celebrate her new venture.

The studio was opened in 2007 by Dr. Promod Goswamy. When he looked to retire, he turned to Filano, who one day had walked in to inquire about a job, and was teaching a yoga class an hour later. “I never left,” she said.

After owning a Pepperidge Farm delivery route for 20 years, this is Filano’s first foray into independent small business ownership. Her studio, with its light purple walls, purple mats and inspirational quotes all over, offers yoga, meditation and Reiki classes. A volunteer instructor leads a free one-hour meditation session every Thursday evening.

Filano said she loves the location and is hoping to continuing growing her business.

Roger Ulanoff took over the Subway sandwich shop at 1887 Wantagh Ave. four months ago. After a career as a video producer, he said he wanted to try something new. “I like meeting the people,” he said. “I never thought retail would be so much fun.”

Located in an active shopping center just north of Park Avenue, Ulanoff said there are lots of potential customers in the area. He also was pleased to join a business that is well known, and he noted Subway’s reputation for fresh food. “We make it all right there, right in front of you,” he said.

Five stores down is Flour Girl, owned by Lisa Papanio and Robin Gleiber. They took over an existing bakery and rebranded it when they opened up in January. They specialize in unique and custom pastries such as cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

They say the Meyer lemon cake and fondant cakes are among their specialties. Papanio and Gleiber described their bakery as having a “boutique feel” and said they are looking to grow their business by adding seating, hosting birthday parties, offering decorating classes and putting in a new coffee bar.

Papiano said her favorite part of owning the business is hearing from returning customer what their favorite treats are. “It’s been really great,” she said. “Everyone’s been very welcoming.”

Across the street, between a shoe repair shop and baseball card store is Platinum Party Planners. Tracy Koenig, of Wantagh, has run the business out of her home for the past four years, and in December moved into a storefront at 1890A Wantagh Ave.

She said the shopping center location is a chance for her to grow her business as it gives her a more formal setting to meet with clients. Koenig plans events such as weddings, Sweet 16 and other milestone birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, backyard barbecues and corporate events. Her business provides all event coordination, center pieces and staffing needs.

Koenig described herself as a hard worker, and said owning a party planning company allows her to tap into her creative side. “I’m just really looking forward to expanding, getting to know the people in the area,” she said. “I love what I do.”

Chris Brown, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said he was thrilled that all four businesses have joined the organization and hopes the owners will take advantage of the networking opportunities. He noted the ways businesses can work together, such as Koenig who, as a party planner, can use the bakery across the street or the florist two doors down.

“That’s the importance of the Chamber, so you can network your businesses,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”