Salutes Small Business - Sponsored by - NORTHERN WESTCHESTER - The Examiner News
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER
Salutes Small Business
Sponsored by
2 June 8, 2021 YSBA Special Edition - Examiner Media
Importance of Local Small Independent Businesses (LSIB)
By Bob Giordano LSIB, you are in turn supporting your local
economy; significantly more money stays
Local small independent businesses in a community when purchases are made
(LSIB) constitute a major force in the U.S. at locally owned – rather than Big Box,
economy. There are more than twenty-seven National, Regional chains or via ecommerce.
million local small independent businesses • LSIB are the backbone of their
in this country, and they generate about community. For every $100 you spend
50 percent ($10.15 Trillion) of our gross at local businesses, $68 will stay in the
domestic product (GDP $20.3 Trillion). community. Spend that same $100 with
LSIB created 1.8 million jobs in 2019. As a Big Box Store, National or Regional
of 2019, the SBA estimates there are 30.7 Chain, ecommerce and just $43 stays in
million local small independent businesses the community.
employing (59.9 million) 47.3% of the entire • LSIB retailers return more than three
U.S. private workforce. times as much money per dollar of sales
LSIB provide opportunities for to the community in which they operate
entrepreneurs, jobs for neighbors and than chain competitors. Independent
gathering places for friend’s families restaurants return more than two times
and communities. They are rooted in as much money per dollar of sales than
the landscape where they grow, and national restaurant chains. Bob Giordano, YSBA President, with Support Connection Executive Director and YSBA Board Member
they give back vitality and sustenance. • LSIB are owned and operated by your Katherine Quinn and Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli, YSBA Vice President.
Their importance to local communities is neighbors! They care about and are from. community involvement, no matter what
emotionally connected to buying and selling invested in the well-being of your LSIB provide character and individuality goods or services you are providing, is the
with friends and neighbors. community and its future. to a community. It is neighbors helping most effective advertising that you can do.
LSIB are integral parts of local economies, • There are far-reaching advantages to neighbors — friends helping friends. To find out more about the YSBA
helping to create webs of financial deciding to “shop local.” By supporting However, small businesses are more than (Yorktown Small Business Association)
interdependence that foster broad-based LSIBs, you are in turn supporting your that. They benefit their local communities in www.yorktownsba.com , WIBA (Westchester
prosperity. When you spend money at a local economy; significantly more money many concrete, quantifiable ways. Volunteer Independent Business Alliance) initiative
privately owned local store, that money goes stays in a community when purchases work, charitable donations, or participating www.westchesterIBA.com and our Alliance
to pay a worker in your neighborhood, who, are made at locally owned – rather than in community festivals and events are all with AMIBA (American Independent
in turn, is likely to spend money at another nationally owned – businesses common for LSIB owners. 52% of LSIB Business Alliance) www.amiba.net follow the
neighborhood business. The more that Exceptional service. More than just a owners donate to charity, and of those that links. We would welcome your membership,
small businesses leverage their potential product or service, LSIBs offer customers donate, 90% donate to local causes. sponsorship, support or all three.
to support each other, the greater their an experience. Local companies can provide LSIB owners often live, work and play in Thanks to US SBA, BBB and the Houston
capacity to create a thriving local business one-on-one service that is often impossible their communities, taking pride in making Chronicle for their excellent publications and
community. for large corporations. Excellent service their towns a desirable destination for all data we were able to access and share for
There are far-reaching advantages to encourages customers to build personal to enjoy. Building the reputation of your this article. Bob Giordano yorktownsba@
deciding to “shop local.” By supporting connections with the businesses they buy small business through volunteer work and optonline.net 914-874-4347
www.TheExaminerNews.com June 8, 2021 3
The Gramercy Restaurant Aims to Build Long-Term Bonds with Patrons
By Sherrie Dulworth streaming through large pane windows. It businesses and
is a place suited to meet-up with friends for families during a
Its name originates from the old French appetizers and drinks at the bar as well as challenging time.”
word “gran-merci,” and great thanks are savor a meal over leisurely-paced dining. Now, business is
a foundational principle at The Gramercy Described as an American Brasserie, moving closer to the
restaurant in Yorktown Heights. the menu can also attract a cross-section pre-COVID level,
“I felt it was very fitting for the hospitality of diners, from those hungry for a classic including a return of
industry to show a huge sign of gratitude and burger or others in the mood for more pre-pandemic diners.
say thank you to everyone who supports our formal cuisine, like shrimp Marseille or duck “It’s great to see
business,” said JT Selimaj, The Gramercy’s cassoulet, the latter being a recent favorite them coming back,”
owner. with guests. Selimaj said. The
The 34-year-old restaurateur added, “I Just shy of The Gramercy’s first-year 3,500-square-foot
really look at this place as a home and it’s anniversary, the COVID-19 pandemic restaurant and bar
how I treat people. It’s not just a business temporarily halted indoor dining. The offers ample room for
transaction.” His goal is more than good food previous November, Selimaj had decided to physical distancing.
alone. “People eat all day long but there are add an outdoor patio, which turned out to Private events
certain places that are special to everyone. I be a serendipitous asset with its 60-guest like communion
believe a huge part of that is the experience.” seating capacity. celebrations,
With a relaxed, engaged manner and Selimaj said, “The town has been birthday parties, and
quiet voice, Selimaj explained that the wonderful. We are very fortunate; without showers provide rising interest in vegan options. “Food is
establishment’s name also reflects his their support we wouldn’t be here.” He another business uptick. constantly evolving and changing,” he noted.
Manhattan Gramercy Park roots, an area still added, “As soon as we shut down, we got According to Selimaj, post-pandemic “What will the dining scene look like in a few
dear to his heart. He started helping in his hundreds of calls for gift certificates, people business challenges include finding available years? What will service look like? What will
family’s restaurants when he was 15 years buying for neighbors and friends.” The employee assistance and rising produce the food options be?”
old. restaurant created a three-course prix fixe costs, which are up an estimated 15 to 20 Speaking of the future, Selimaj said The
He and his finance, a native of Chappaqua, takeout option for $28, which has been so percent, created by supply and demand. Gramercy has a 10-year lease with two five-
wanted to live in northern Westchester. popular, they continue to offer it. Selimaj has a vision for a VIP Dining Club, year options to renew at the current location.
Selimaj started looking for restaurant space During the shutdown, The Gramercy which was delayed because of the pandemic. “We plan to be here a long-time, hopefully,”
in 2018. He saw potential inside the red brick joined in a local multiorganizational Members might have perks like a monthly he said. “Ultimately, the maximum business
building with wide arches, previously home Community Table Partnership that helped chef’s tasting and the chance to explore new reward will be if we can build a sustainable,
to a sports bar. “The bones for the space provide food to people in need through cuisines and beverages. It gives the business long-lasting business that gives people value
were there. I loved the space, the windows, County grant funding. According to Cheryl another way to engage with customers and and builds long-term relationships.”
the frontage,” he said. Sanchez, the former Executive Director of gain their feedback. The Gramercy is located at 345 Kear Street,
After a 13-month interior renovation, the Yorktown Small Business Association He believes it is important is to try Yorktown Heights. The Gramercy - American
The Gramercy opened in March 2019, now who headed the initiative, “I was happy that to anticipate what is coming next in the Restaurant in Yorktown Heights, NY (the-
transformed with elegant sleek ambiance, through the YSBA we were able to bring world of food, not just as fads but longer gramercy.com)
spacious and warm, wooden floors with light the money to Yorktown to help both small lasting trends. He cites an example of the
Peace Garden for Women Veterans ’s I c e C r e a m • M i l k s h a k
ford
The Barbara Giordano Foundation & the Town of Long es
Greenburgh will install a Peace Garden honoring
women veterans this fall at the Greenburgh
Library.
If you would like to make a donation to support the
garden or the Foundation,
go to www.Giordano foundation.org and click TRAILSIDE CAFÉ
DONATE.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT IS HERE FOR YOUR BUSINESS i c e s & Smoothies • Panini • Baked Goo
Ju ds
y a B o w l s D e to x J u i c e C l e a n s e s • S
•
P i t a
Aça í& ou ps
Element 46 Launch1000
Westchester County Financial and
Biosciences Accelerator Business Resources
ORDERS 914.302.7331
WWW.WESTCHESTERCATALYST.COM 1807 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
trailsidecafeny@gmail.com • trailside-cafe.com for online menu
4 June 8, 2021 YSBA Special Edition - Examiner Media
Community Support Helped Keep Yorktown Pizza & Pasta Afloat
By Abby Luby toppings. The expansive menu offers soups working, including his wife, son and and by many local organizations. Among
like tortellini soup, assorted appetizers and daughter who work there as well. His staff those helping to keep the restaurant open
Joe Giuliano, owner of Yorktown Pizza and sides including broccoli rabe and sausages, had to take a sanitation course to learn the was Support Connection, which purchased
Pasta for more than 30 years, stood outside different salads, more than 20 different pasta proper handling of food according to updated several hundred dollars of $50 gift cards to
his restaurant looking at the small garden of dishes, meat entrees including chicken, guidelines from the health department. give to essential workers, including police
bolted broccoli rabe his father planted before veal or shrimp parmigiana, hot and cold Some high-priced menu items were dropped, and firefighters; the Yorktown Youth Athletic
he died last year. sandwiches and wedges. signage went up as did sheets of plexiglass League ordered more than 1,200 sandwiches
“I’ve let the plants go to seed to save the When the pandemic hit, Giuliano said for the restaurant foot traffic. for nurses at the New York-Presbyterian
seeds because they are part of my father,” he had to quickly switch gears and offer Giuliano said at the beginning customers Hudson Valley Hospital; BJ’s placed large
Giuliano said. “I’m sentimental.” curbside service and pizza delivery. called in wanting to know what they were orders of pizza for their over-worked staff
Giuliano’s restaurant is one of Yorktown’s “We were told we could stay open doing to keep everyone safe. “We were at the beginning of the pandemic; and the
steadfast eateries located right in the heart because we were considered essential. unsure ourselves back then, but we tried to Yorktown Chamber of Commerce actively
of Yorktown Heights. The menu mainstay, Curbside pick-up and delivery saved us, it’s keep everyone calm and run the business as promoted Yorktown Pizza.
of course, is pizza, and specialty slices and what kept us afloat,” he explained. normal as we could,” he said. “Because of all the help and support we
pies can be embellished with a variety of For more than a year during the pandemic It was the Yorktown community who got, we were lucky enough to be able to pay
Giuliano was able to keep all of his staff showed continuing support. Large numbers our rent and utilities,” Giuliano said. “We
of gift cards were purchased by residents didn’t need to apply for any loans.”
SEPTEMBER 17, 18, 19, 2021
DOWNTOWN STREET FAIR OPPORTUNITIES SATURDAY 9/18 & SUNDAY 9/19
TO SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS SERVICES AND/OR SELL MERCHANDISE.
ABBY LUBY PHOTO CONTACT MOUNT KISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR VENDOR INFORMATION
Joe Giuliano, owner of Yorktown Pizza & Pasta, displays some of his pizza offerings. DIRECTOR@MTKISCOCHAMBER.COM
Hudson Valley Gardeners
512 Smith Street
Peekskill, NY 10566
(914) 497-4747
HVgardeners@optonline.net
facebook.com/HudsonValleyGardeners/
Landscape designer for more than 30 years, working in the Hudson
Valley region. We have provided services for commercial properties
and residential homes with attention to detail at affordable prices.
Spring Into A Great Smile!
Northeast (We Won’t Wear Masks Forever!)
Dental
Amanda M. Wiechert, DMD
Dr. Felicia Nicolas, DDS
1855 Commerce St., Yorktown Hts
914-302-7717
www.TheExaminerNews.com June 8, 2021 5
Invest in Your Community — Shop Local
By Adam Stone we live, what images do we usually conjure? shopping local a way of life. It’s not just the and invest in your community — your home
It’s so often of the stores dotting main business owners that benefit. By spending — instead.
As we head into summer, optimistic about street. But it’s not just the downtown. The local, you’re investing in your community. So Adam Stone is the publisher of Examiner
better, healthier, more normal days ahead, business community more broadly engines next time you’re about to click the Amazon Media.
it seems fitting to salute the successful the local culture and general atmosphere. app, alter your habit, take a trip downtown,
efforts of business owners across the area So when Bob Giordano of the Yorktown
in navigating the treacherous terrain of the Small Business Association approached
past 15 months. me about producing this special section,
Area entrepreneurs have had to muster I jumped at the opportunity. Thanks to a
all of their ample problem-solving skills to generous grant the YSBA received, we
address the challenges associated with the were able to provide more than two dozen
pandemic. As a community, it’s important local enterprises with free ad space while
we acknowledge these efforts and rally to also telling the success stories of a handful
support local business like never before. of standout area business owners. Yet the
After all, when we envision the towns where best way we can all say thank you is to make
(914) 245-0048 Residential - Commercial
Autos
“Your Key to Security”
LOCKSMITH ON WHEELS
Music Scholarships 2021 Crompond Rd.
Multimedia Drug Awareness Talk Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Contact Us Jeff@TheJustinVeatchFund.org
Eugene Camia
E M P O W E R I N G Y O U N G M I N D S T H R O U G H M U S I C
Carl Camia
6 June 8, 2021 YSBA Special Edition - Examiner Media
Trailside Café Slowly Rebounds from Pandemic Shortfalls
By Anna Young stopped out of nowhere and anything could penny, just to be quite honest.”
have happened.”
‘We’re hoping to get
Rodriguez added that the pandemic
While navigating the COVID-19 crisis Because the folks at the Yorktown-based had done so much to negatively impact
café feel so strongly for their clientele, a
back the traffic flow
as a health food eatery certainly had so many people – even himself getting
its challenges, Trailside Café manager decision was made early on that despite diagnosed with the virus last March – but
the financial hit the business may take
that we had before and
Ulibel Rodriguez said it was even tougher urged that closing the doors to the café
grappling with the grim realization that due to the health crisis, they were going would have been another loss for people
to keep their doors open daily. Even if that
we’re hoping to get
some loyal customers were never going to to cope with. He said he couldn’t do that
return. meant only making $10 a day off two cups to those who needed a pick-me-up on their
of coffee.
back our customers
“It was sad when you didn’t see a way to work in the morning or his one full-
returning customer, which was really Rodriguez compared the experience to a time employee.
snowstorm that continued every day.
and many new ones.’
tough for us because you started noticing But with a lack of foot traffic and a
they probably got sick with COVID or “Most of the businesses here have decline in business impacting the café,
stayed open just to keep their customers
- Ulibel Rodriguez
they didn’t make it,” Rodriguez said. “In which caters to those seeking a healthier
a sense our regulars are family to us; happy,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t think diet offering smoothies, juice blends, acai
they used to come in everyday and then anybody was thinking about making a continued on next page
Visit Us on Facebook!
WEDC provides quality business training
facebook.com/meadowsfarmmarketofyorkown
programs, advisory services, and access to capital
329 Underhill Avenue (914) 962-4306
914.948.6098 info@wedcbiz.org Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 info@meadowsfarmmarket.com
HEY NORTHERN WESTCHESTER NEIGHBORS
Did you know that your small businesses have helped contribute
to the health & resilience of the community by participating in
Sustainable Westchester’s Community Energy Programs?
JUST ANOTHER REASON TO
THANK OUR SMALL BUSINESSES!
STOP BY.
SUPPORT LOCAL. Fresh Award Winning Burek
Meat, Cheese, Spinach
(Made Fresh Daily)
-Fine European Foods
SHOP SMALL.
-Fine Cheeses From Europe
-Homemade Suxjuk &
Cevapa
-Homemade Sweets
-Products From Albania,
Croatia, Macedonia, Turkey,
Germany, Poland, Ireland
and much more
2013 Crompond Rd
Yorktown Heights NY 10598
(914) 352-6321
Learn more and see how you can participate in Sustainable Westchester’s Community Mon-Fri: 10-7 Sat-Sun: 10-6
Energy Programs at sustainablewestchester.org/programs
www.TheExaminerNews.com June 8, 2021 7
continued from previous page Trailway, he noted how the business gets kind when it comes to that and you’re
bowls, coffee, paninis, and ice cream, much of their revenue during the warmer basically putting your health and your
Rodriguez, like many restaurateurs, began months from people walking along the family’s health on the line because you’re
to rely heavily on social media to entice path. seeing people every day.”
people to place an order. Now a year later with more people With summer around the corner,
Rodriguez said he also dabbled with vaccinated and unafraid to leave their Rodriguez is simply elated Trailside
third-party delivery services for a bit but homes, Rodriguez said that while business Café survived the last year and can offer
felt that wasn’t the best course for the has been booming, they’re still working customers the valued service and health
business. to make up the shortfall the pandemic options they’ve been providing for nearly
“It was really tough for us each week caused. Rodriguez said business is still a decade.
seeing ourselves go down from the week down 50 percent compared to two years “We’re hoping to get back the traffic
before,” Rodriguez said. “We had to adapt ago and is striving to hire and adequately flow that we had before and we’re hoping
to all of this, and we tried our best with pay for extra employees. to get back our customers and many new
social media and word of mouth to get He said the café will usually hire as ones,” Rodriguez said. “Many people
customers in.” many local teens as possible to work the are suddenly going the healthy way and
While business struggled for some time, summer months. are more aware of their health than they
Rodriguez said old and new customers “It’s been tough to be competitive at were before. We’ll be here to best serve
slowly began to return as coronavirus paying people because we can’t have customers’ needs with proteins and
cases began to improve late last spring. people risking their lives and not reward vitamins in a tasty juice.”
With the café adjacent to the North Country them,” Rodriguez said. “You have to be
LADIES & GENTLEMEN,
Unique Offerings PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SEATS!
Teacher’s Gifts
Wedding 7/9
UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS:
TOM PETTY TRIBUTE
Presents 8/13
8/28
CLASSIC STONES LIVE
TOM PETTY & DAVE ATTELL
& More! 10/22
10/3
THE HIGH KINGS
Oldies Night:
STARS OF THE SIXTIES
1811 Commerce Street • Yorktown Heights NY 10/9 Improv Comedy:
914-962-9474 WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?
10/20 THE MONKEES FAREWELL TOUR
In the Heart of Yorktown 10/30 & 10/31 THE MAVERICKS
Store Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5:30 11/5 & 11/6 VIC DI BITETTO
11/19 THE MACHINE performs PINK FLOYD
Follow us on instagram @wishesboutiqueyorktown 12/12 TOMMY EMMANUEL www.tarrytownmusichall.org
Geoconda E. Liciaga, Licensed Insurance Broker
Dinora Rod, Licensed Insurance Broker
Personal Auto, Business Auto Life Insurance
Defensive Driving Course Bonds
Homeowners, Renters, Condo Workers Compensation
Rental Dwelling, Umbrella Disability
Business Insurance Dot
DMV Services Letters, Translation, Fax, Copies
1010 Park St 3rd Fl
Peekskill NY 10566
Ph: 914-348-4717
Fx: 914-402-1402
gdinsurancea@outlook.com
914-245-1912 thewonderwash.com
thewonderwashyh1700@gmail.com
962-0096
2013 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Soups•Salads•Wedges•Italian Entrees
Catering Available•Corporate Accounts Welcome
car wash & express lube ORDER ONLINE www.yorktownpizza-pasta.com
1700 Front St, Yorktown Hts, NY 10598 John Olert, President Like Us on Facebook
Mon-Sat, 8:30am-6pm; Sun, 9am-4pm Conor Heine, Manager
8 June 8, 2021 YSBA Special Edition - Examiner Media
Signs Ink Weathers the Pandemic Storm with Creative Touches
By Erin Maher services, Signs Ink kicked into high gear and
found a fun, celebratory way to stay afloat.
If you live in the tri-state area, chances Signs Ink pivoted its focus to the design
are, you’re familiar with Signs Ink’s work. and production of graduation signs for local
From The Club in Briarcliff to the Katonah students. Whether it was graduation from
Lewisboro School District, hundreds of high school, college, eighth grade or just
other places in Westchester County and finishing another year of school, Signs Ink
beyond have featured sign products and sign produced plenty of the signs for students in
services from the Westchester born-and- Westchester that enabled families to share
bred business. the exciting news, all while maintaining
Signs Ink was established in 1989 by social distancing and COVID precautions.
brothers Tim and Matt Beachak in Yorktown Signs Ink managed not only to keep its
Heights. The brothers grew up in Cortlandt. business running but showed gratitude to
Over the years, the business has expanded those on the front lines in hospitals, facing
to nine full-time employees. COVID head-on daily. Signs Ink designed,
“We create everything from small signs to produced and donated large signs that
large signs,” said Signs Ink CEO, Tim Beach. read, “Heroes Work Here,” to six different
Signs Ink services include monuments hospitals, including Northern Westchester
and carved signs, neon signs, vehicle wraps Hospital in Mount Kisco, Westchester PHOTOS BY TIM BEACHAK, CEO, SIGNS INK
and lettering, and more, all done in-house. Medical Center in Valhalla and Phelps Signs ink “Heroes Work Here” sign donated to Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco.
Most of Signs Ink’s customers are small Hospital in Tarrytown.
businesses in the Westchester community. “The signs were our little way of giving
After 30 years in business, Signs Ink, like back,” said Beach.
many businesses throughout the nation and Signs Ink’s altruism did not end at the
the world, faced a crucible in 2020 when it signs. The pandemic sparked a national
came to the pandemic. shortage of personal protection equipment
“The pandemic was scary. We didn’t know for medical workers and regular civilians
what was going to happen,” said Beach. alike. It helped mitigate the shortage and
Signs Ink was considered an essential fabricated face shields in-house that were
business and stayed open throughout the donated to health care workers in the county.
entirety of the pandemic. But business With the pandemic coming to a close
proved difficult, as Signs Ink saw a decrease and restrictions lifting, Signs Ink is looking
in orders from its usual clientele of fellow forward to business picking back up and
Print, Digital & Social Solutions for our advertisers.
businesses. Signs Ink also could not conduct continuing to serve the customers it has
a lot of its regular services, such as sign been dedicated to for the past 31 years.
NEWSPAPER POWER.
installations or client visits and in-person For more information on Signs Ink and its
consultations. services, visit signsink.com or call (914) 739-
Instead of paralysis from its limited 9059. Signs ink office and factory located in Yorktown, N.Y.
WANT TO HOLD
GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTABLE?
“Read and support your local
newspaper. Local journalism, Print, Digital & Social Solutions for our advertisers.
than anyone else, will stand
more than anyone else, will stand
NEWSPAPER POWER.
tary in recognition of 2021 Sunshine Week
aulson, director of the Free Speech Center
r your right to information.
book will not be going toe-
up for your right to information.
paper. Local journalism,
d and support your local
Facebook will not be going toe-
to-toe with your mayor.”
le Tennessee State University;
e with your mayor.”
Design by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.
BLE?
— Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center
at Middle Tennessee State University;
OLD
commentary in recognition of 2021 Sunshine Week
ENT
You can also read
