Five new businesses open their doors

Local residents and community leaders have welcomed five new businesses to Oceanside and Island Park in April.

Hungry customers lined up around the corner and down the block last Monday morning for the 11 a.m. grand opening of Buffalo Wild Wings at 3131 Long Beach Road in Oceanside. The new restaurant was giving away coupons for a year of free wings to the first 100 customers.

James Bitzonis, president of Four M Franchising LLC, the franchisee of the new restaurant, said the company chose the location of the former Nathan’s over other potential locations in Baldwin, Freeport, Lynbrook and Rockville Center. “We feature all kinds of sports on 80 TVs in the restaurant,” Bitzonis said. “So we can show baseball, basketball, football and hockey, even soccer. Look at all the local teams we have — Islanders, Rangers, Nets, Knicks, Jets, Giants, Mets, Yankees. And, of course, wings.”

On Saturday, friends, family members and local officials gathered to honor the late Island Park businessman Tony Puma, and cut a ribbon at a new shopping plaza that carries his name, at 4000 Austin Boulevard in Island Park.

Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito said that Puma was a friend, and thanked his family for carrying on his legacy. Puma, the owner of Puma’s Auto Body, also on Austin Boulevard, for 25 years, lost a battle with cancer in 2014, at age 48. He was known as an enthusiastic supporter of community events and charities.

The Vivo Salon and Green Apple Tattoo Parlor join Puma’s Royal Rent-A-Car in the new shopping center.

Diva’s Nails and Waxing salon has opened in the Kikkert Plaza, at 375 Long Beach Road. Some Island Park residents know Maria Lhicay from her work at other salons, but now she and her daughter, Miriam, have opened their own shop, taking the last space in the newly rebuilt shopping center. “The people here have been very friendly,” Miriam said, “and we are excited about our new place.”

They join ESPN Sport and Fitness, which opened in the plaza last year, and Fluffy Angel Pet Grooming, which opened earlier this year.