Dan's Papers - June 12, 2009 - Givin' You The Business

The entrepreneurial spirit is flourishing this year in Montauk. A visit to the hamlet and its vibrant Chamber of Commerce revealed an amazing number of new businesses this year. Executive Director of the Montauk Chamber Laraine Creegen was herself amazed as she showed me the many new applications being added to the almost 300 businesses in the Montauk Chamber.

One new business is Gansett Lane in the brand new building at 805A Montauk Highway (Main Street) right next to Cromer's Market in the village. The "long time dream," of 30ish couple Jon and Jessie Tabone, Gansett Lane will be a furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories shop. In their first venture which opens this weekend, they will present to the Montauk community, in their words, "eco-friendly products, light, airy, clean lines with punches of color." Jessie added, "where surf town will meet cool modern." Big fans of Montauk, they believe they are ready to service the "laid back relaxed Montauk crowd." Tabone added, "Our furniture for Montauk represents that."

Behind Gansett Lane at 805B Montauk Highway, a new, still unnamed gelato shop is to open very soon. It is worth just visiting these new buildings (first season ever) that are architectural jewels. Creegan mentioned Pamela's New Beginnings Hair Salon, on 89 South Euclid (near the post office and next to Pete's Potting Shed) where Pamela Loffreno is giving it a go. On 770 Main Street (Montauk Route 27) is Whoa Nellie, Linda Seaton's presentation of Americana. It is a must see. Also new to Montauk this season is Living Well Yoga at 44 South Elmwood Street. Here Lori Newell will present group exercise as well as yoga. Mike Heather has returned from Ireland to start up his own taxi business, Moko Taxi. The veteran driver, a fixture in Montauk, is giving it a go as an owner. Also new this season will be the Montauk Lake Front Cottages, operated by Pam Drum on 3 South Lake Drive just east of the Village off Route 27. In that general direction but at 541 East Lake Drive, Susan Vitali will be operating her Gin Beach Market through its first season. (It is downstairs from the famous Seafood Inlet Restaurant.) There will be a new T-shirt shop at 781 Main Street where Joe Titus will open Land Shark. Montauk legend entrepreneur Kai Costanzo has added yet another Kai Kai sandal shop to his empire, at 500 West Lake Drive near Gosman's. Kai, who seems to be growing his business wonderfully, loves to say that he sells the "World's Most Comfortable Sandal!" And there's Kai Lani pronounced (khy-LAH-nee) at 12 South Etna, just off the circle behind Herb's Market, a new, hip boutique for women sizes 2-22. Selections include divine dresses, sexy swimwear, beautiful beads, and awesome artwork.

And what would a Montauk story be without mentioning a new fishing charter boat? The Miss Montauk, which can be found at Pier One down on West Lake Drive behind Havana Beach Club, is the pride of new owner Jamie Quaresino.

Creegan said she is always encouraged by new businesses in Montauk, "because of the good vibes it brings." She also mentioned that all the many new restaurants that opened last year, (Surf Club, Second House Tavern, Old Harbor House and Runaways) are back this year. So even with the tricky economy, Montauk's economic heart seems to be pumping at full throttle. Every one of the new owners is taking a shot at the American dream of owning their own business. As for the economic downturn, these entrepreneurs rising to the challenge with their dreams. Creegan said it's her experience that the successful businesses usually do. As for Gansett Lane's owners Jessie and Jon Tabone a few days away from their opening the world looks wonderful, magical and exciting. God speed to all of them.