As Rye shoppers and diners visit local businesses this fall, they’ll encounter a slew of new and changed restaurants and retailers in town.
New Businesses
Annex Sports Performance Center (1010 Boston Post Road) started offering strength and conditioning this August to clients ranging from local student athletes to professionals, according to owner Mickey Brueckner. The business is a collaboration with Jason Lefkowitz, a baseball hitting coach Brueckner has worked with for many years at his 19-year-old facility in Chatham, N.J.
Antonio’s Italian Deli & Market (544 Milton Road) has attracted lines of customers eager to try its fresh mozzarella, sandwiches, salads, cured meats, and other Italian specialties since it opened on August 25. This is mostly a take-out location with only a few outdoor tables, but owner Joe Fiore has years of experience serving Arthur Avenue-style cuisine at Antonio’s Trattoria in the Bronx.
Jauja Pet & Grooming (280-A Purchase Street) added this shop in Rye to its Greenwich location in August. Among Jauja’s signature offerings: special care for older pets and a crate-free environment, according to owner Yanet Castillo.
Lulu Skincare & Beauty Bar (18 Purchase Street) should be up and running sometime in September at 18 Purchase Street, according to owner Lourdes “Lulu” Hollman, a medical aesthetician, who prides herself on “helping clients achieve healthy, glowing skin — naturally.” In addition to availing themselves of facials and other treatments, clients who visit the shop’s beauty bar will be able to have products like lipsticks and serums custom blended for them.
Noblesse Nail & Spa (36 Elm Place) opened in mid-July on the long-time site of Fong’s Laundry. The fourth link in this small chain, Noblesse’s offerings include manicures, pedicures, nail art, body massage, and facial skin care.
Ora (530 Milton Road) This Italian steakhouse is slated to open in mid-September in the striking location that housed Ocean Blue Prime for about two years before it closed in January and was the home of La Panetiere for 36 years. Property owner Andrew Tonaj had requested an outdoor seating permit from the Rye Planning Commission, but withdrew that application in the face of neighborhood opposition. Tonaj said he is working with his lawyer to determine his next step on that front. Ora owner Leon Pllumaj said the restaurant will open whether or not the request to allow outdoor seating on the building’s second floor is granted.
Closing or Changing
Plush Blow (62 Purchase Street) moved in late August. This is its fourth Rye location since the blowout bar opened in town in 2011.
The Reveal Collection (80 Purchase Street) opened as a short-term pop-up shop offering women’s contemporary fashions and lasted several years, but was scheduled to close by early September, according to Gena DiDonato, the real estate agent responsible for leasing the property.
