Rockville Centre is popular with new businesses

In an effort to take advantage of what he believes is a vibrant community, Sean Basdavanos has opened a dessert shop in the heart of Rockville Centre’s business district.

“There are so many restaurants, such a big night life,” said Basdavanos. “In my opinion, it is one of the most happening and up-and-coming towns on Long Island.”

Basdavanos, whose shop, Get Baked, opened on Oct. 14 at 19 S. Park Ave., isn’t the only business owner to see the village as a prime location.

“My partner, Melanie Eggers, and I have always loved Rockville Centre — it’s a beautiful neighborhood,” said Annie Bailey, co-owner of The Pretty Suite. “Our customers are really nice and are very supportive.”

The Pretty Suite, a gift shop at 70 N. Village Ave., opened in late July. Customers can purchase a variety of what Bailey described as “whimsical” items, including jewelry, pocketbooks and other gifts. According to Bailey, business has been good, and is growing every month through word of mouth.

Lucky Finds owner Shannon McComb shared Bailey’s sentiments about the village. McComb opened a consignment shop, which specializes in designer clothing, at 74 N. Park Ave. on Oct. 15.

“Business has been good,” McComb said. “I’m waiting for everyone to catch on that I’m here. I bring in trendy designer clothes and great prices.

“It’s an alive village,” McComb added. “It’s a hot spot, a destination. It’s just a great village to walk around in.”

According to Basdavanos, Get Baked’s business has also been strong since it opened, with a large lunch and dessert crowd as well as a significant night crowd. The shop is unique, he said, because of its long hours and wide variety of desserts, including gelato, sorbetto, cupcakes, coffee and its own shaved-ice invention, called the Snowball. He added that the shop receives the baked goods fresh every day from Francesco’s bakery in Hicksville.

“We’re a little bit different because we kind of took a bakery, Starbucks, Red Mango and more and put it all together in one place,” Basdavanos said. “Everyone has an option.”

Other new businesses that have recently opened in the village include Gyro Boss, at 1A N. Park Ave., iSchool of Music & Art, at 325 Sunrise Highway, Heaven Can Wait, at 19 S. Village Ave., Vanity Suite Boutique, at 222 Merrick Road, RVC Gourmet Deli, at 209 N. Long Beach Road, and South Nassau Dental Arts, at 85 N. Park Ave. Mormile Florists, meanwhile, has new owners and has opened in a new location, 239 N. Long Beach Road.

Business has been strong despite the poor economy, Bailey said. “We figured there’s no time like the present, and we felt we could make it work,” she said. “Our customers seem happy, so we’re happy.”

McComb said that the state of the economy actually drove her to open in the village. “The economy pushed me more toward Rockville Centre because it was alive and it’s a hot spot,” she said. “I was willing to take the risk, and I know I can make it successful.”