Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce Meeting Recap

During their first in-person meeting since January 2020, the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce welcomed new businesses and discussed the increasing level of homelessness in downtown Bay Shore.

“We’re having problems in downtown Bay Shore with homelessness,” said chamber president Donna Periconi. “You know Bay Shore has always welcomed the homeless.”

Periconi described how recently there have been particular issues with homeless individuals causing lots of commotion, and in turn, preventing potential patrons from visiting restaurants on Main Street.

“Our businesses are tolerant and wonderful,” Periconi said. “They are always generous to our homeless.”

The chamber is working with the Third Precinct on the issue though, a police representative at the meeting stated, “We can’t arrest ourselves out of the problem. Individuals cannot be forced into shelters, so patience and cooperation is needed to help combat the issue.”

New businesses

Since their last meeting over a year ago, a plethora of new businesses have opened up or are planning to soon.

Hook and Reel

Located at 1701 Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore in the Westfield South Shore Mall, Hook and Reel specializes in seafood boils and has been open for about five weeks now. The restaurant is in the location of the Old Country Buffet. Hook and Reel is open Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Pure Barre Bay Shore

Coming soon to the Bay Shore Commons shopping center, Pure Barre is a fitness studio that specializes in low-impact exercise. The studio is planning to open July 15 for classes. More information is available by calling 631-518-4140. Pure Barre is located at 603 East Main St in Bay Shore.

Kitty Mulligan’s

Newly opened Irish pub Kitty Mulligan’s prides themselves on being family-run and family-oriented. Located at 615 East Main Street in Bay Shore, the restaurant has a room that is available to rent out for events. Kitty Mulligan’s is open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily.

Blast from the Past

Blast from the Past is a new retro video game store that also sells toys, music and movies. They have been very well received so far and specialize in vintage games and toys. The store is open from 10 a.m to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Blast from the Past is located at 125 West Main Street in Bay Shore.

North Fork Doughnut Co.

In August, North Fork Doughnut Co. will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of their Bay Shore location. All the doughnuts are made fresh daily and feature decadent flavors such as Cookies ‘n Cream and Caramel Coffee Cake. They also have a weekly rotating menu that features special doughnut flavors. The Bay Shore store is North Fork Doughnut’s second location, with their first location in Mattituck. The store opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. daily or until they sell out. They are located at 125 West Main Street in Bay Shore next to Rock City Dogs.

Kismet Beauty and Wellness Institute

This new institute located at 9 4th Avenue in Bay Shore offers classes in esthetics, nail technology, waxing and Reiki for individuals looking to pursue careers in the beauty and wellness space.

The Fruit Mandala

This new store labels itself a “refuge” where people can come and let their body heal. They offer crystals and herbs and many more services. Fruit Mandala is open 12 to 5 p.m., but they also accept appointments as well for people who cannot make those hours. They are located at 60 West Main Street in Bay Shore.