On July 17, the Chamber celebrated the grand re-opening of the Upper Crust Café at 931 Franklin Avenue (516-248-5677_ with owner/host Nick Lucchesi and Ashley Lemire. the Upper Crust's new cuisine is receiving rave reviews for both lunch and breakfast. Specializing in breakfast omelettes, sandwiches, many low carb options, "large selection of mixed salads, assorted wraps and two soups of the day, Upper Crust is available for business meetings and private parties on both evenings and weekends. Also available is off-premises and in-house catering. Pictured at the ribbon cutting are; L-R: Donna Lillie (Bank of Smithtown to open on Seventh Street on August 15; Upper Crust Staffers Sean Finnegan and Daniel Gershoff; Ashley Lemire and Nick Lucchesi, proprietors; Scott Knuckles, Chamber director and membership chair; John Appelt and Grace Loughran, directors; Jennifer Anthony, (Bank of Smithtown); Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director; and Liz Denby, assistant director. New business firms and retail services continue to flourish within Garden City's commercial districts, bringing with them new vitality and energy to the Village. The Garden City Chamber of Commerce recently held welcoming celebrations for three new member businesses; Upper Crust Café, Met Life and Ideal Image.

On July 23, Garden City Financial Group, an Officer of Met Life, 1325 Franklin Avenue, hosted a gala grand opening and luncheon at their new office, 1225 Franklin Avenue, Met Life moved into Garden City this past April and has expressed their appreciation for the welcome they received from Mayor Peter Bee and the entire Garden City community. Garden City Financial Group continues to be in the forefront of full-service planning. The team extends an invitation to anyone who as not able to attend the Gala to stop in for a tour. Among the attending dignitaries were L-R Michelle Pedigo, Vice President of Sales; Peggy Fechtman, executive Vice President; Joseph Colombo, managing director, all of Met Life; Roger Eltringham, Chamber president; Nick Episcopia, village trustee; Ken Krieger, Past Chamber director; John Appelt and Suzanne Eigl, current directors; Liz Denby, assistant director; and Althea Robinson, executive director. Not pictured was Mayor Peter Bee.

On July 29, the Chamber welcomed IDEAL IMAGE Laser Hair Removal to 600 Old Country Road (516-397-9000). IDEAL IMAGE specializes in laser hair removal. It's all they do! They pride themselves on treating clients as guests. From the inviting atmosphere, to a complimentary consultation and personalized treatment plan, their aim is to provide "An experience which exceeds expectations." Pictured L-R are: Amy Kaufman; Lauren Sauer, Regina Middleton, Joy Pollack, center director; and Michael Donohue, managing partner; Roger Eltringham, Chamber president; Scott Knuckles, Chamber director and membership chair; Althea Robinson, executive director; and Liz Denby, assistant director.Photos by John Ellis Kordes