City Island businesses look to build on restaurant week momentum amid storefront vacancies
A successful restaurant week is giving a boost to dining establishments on City Island, as the community looks to sustain that momentum while many storefronts remain vacant.
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A successful restaurant week is giving a boost to dining establishments on City Island, as the community looks to sustain that momentum while many storefronts remain vacant.
New business owners are beginning to fill some of those empty spaces, bringing fresh energy to the waterfront neighborhood.
Only open for a month, Greek restaurant The Silent Sea is already drawing customers from across the region.
“Lot of people from Westchester, New Rochelle, city too — Manhattan, Long Island,” said owner Kemal Cobic.
Cobic introduced Greek cuisine to the island, featuring fresh fish daily, and said the location was a natural fit.
“Food brings people together,” he said.
Another newcomer, Cozy Cove, opened less than two weeks ago. The family-owned play space aims to provide a gathering place for children and families.
“We’ve become that place to connect and really bring the community together,” said owner Sasha Kreig.
Despite the new openings, more than a dozen storefronts remain vacant, according to the City Island Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber says it plans to host more events throughout the year.
“Last week we had a most successful restaurant week. Thousands of people came here, and we hope among them might be some people interested in maybe opening a business,” said Monica Glick of the chamber.
Meanwhile, Lickety Split ice cream shop is getting a fresh start under new ownership after its space sat empty for more than a year.
“We really hope that we get to do it for another 20 years and really keep it going,” said owner Kimberly Woodruff.
For now, business owners remain optimistic that new shops, continued community support and increased activity will help turn vacant storefronts into thriving businesses once again.
