NORTHPORT
La Casa Closer To Renewing Contract
Current proprietor ‘thrilled’ to have shot at 10-year extension
By Danny Schrafel/ dschrafel@longislandernews.com

La Casa Café proprietor Joe Celano is one step closer to securing a 10-year contract extension to serve his customers on Crab Meadow Beach.

During their Dec. 13 meeting, the Huntington Town Board scheduled a Jan. 10 hearing to consider awarding the contract to Celano, who was selected from four bidders.

Since the contract to operate a restaurant and snack bar at Crab Meadow Pavilion went out for bids, Celano and La Casa have been riding a wave of support from neighbors, something he’s particularly grateful for.

“They wanted to make sure it remained a family-style place. It’s their neighborhood… they know the way it’s been the last 17 years and they know how I run it,” he said. “They’re nice people. We’ve become very friendly with all of them.”

According the to the town’s request for proposals, the decision was made based on: the quality of the concept and business plan; the financial investment; experience of owner/operator; financial capacity; references, innovative ideas and plans to promote the restaurant; proposed rental payments no less than $53,000/year and other relevant factors. Celano would pay $56,500 in rent for 2012, which increases incrementally and tops out at $85,197 for 2021.

If Celano is awarded the contract, he would also be eligible for two five-year extensions without going out to bid again. Celano said the lengthy commitment from the town would afford him the opportunity to make major improvements to the restaurant.
“We’re going to redo the kitchen as soon as they sign the resolution and get the men’s and women’s rooms done,” he said. “It depends on the timing. We know we’re doing the kitchen.”

La Casa would close one more time during the winter of 2012 for a top-to-bottom renovation to be ready for the next year. In 2013, the café is expected to be open Thursday-Sunday during the winter months.

“Nobody wants to work for six months and then be off six months… if we can keep them busy for six months, we can keep the help,” he said. “[If La Casa Café is open during the winter], I’m not starting up a brand new business every year, which is tough.”

Celano has been the proprietor of La Casa since 1993. When the town first opened the location in 1987, neighbors were unhappy with the first lessee and the clientele. In 1990, the town did not renew the first owner’s lease and the restaurant was vacant until Celano took over.

A dozen of La Casa Café’s neighbors wrote letters to the town board in the late summer, urging them to renew the restaurant’s contract. They credited Celano for transforming a once-rowdy spot awash in drugs and alcohol into a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant.