|
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 hes particularly grateful for.
They wanted to make sure it remained a family-style place. Its
their neighborhood
they know the way its been the last 17
years and they know how I run it, he said. Theyre nice
people. Weve become very friendly with all of them.
According the to the towns 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.
Were going to redo the kitchen as soon as they sign the resolution
and get the mens and womens rooms done, he said. It
depends on the timing. We know were 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], Im
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 owners
lease and the restaurant was vacant until Celano took over.
A dozen of La Casa Cafés neighbors wrote letters to the town
board in the late summer, urging them to renew the restaurants contract.
They credited Celano for transforming a once-rowdy spot awash in drugs
and alcohol into a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant.
|
|
|
|
|
Click
to enlarge photo |
|

|
|
A Jan. 10 hearing will consider giving La Casa Café a
contract to remain a fixture on the Crab Meadow Beach pavilion
through 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|