When Mike Orza, owner and chief executive officer of Webair.com, a Garden City-based managed website hosting and development company, saw an opportunity to open a new business in Long Beach, his hometown, he jumped at the opportunity, he said.
Orza said he was looking to invest in a new venture, he said, one that was a far cry from the “thriving” online business he launched in 1996, which hosts hundreds of thousands of websites. The Long Beach High School graduate wanted to do something that wasn’t Internet-driven.
“Doing something hands-on is a welcome change,” said Orza, 43.
So he decided to buy the former Tiki Bar, at 832 W. Beech St. Orza, his father, Carl, and his business partner, John Rugolsky, purchased the vacant property when it was sold at auction last November for $700,000, after the bar went into foreclosure. The 3,413-square-foot space has a capacity of 186 and has a cabaret license.
The Tiki Bar’s liquor license was revoked by the New York State Liquor Authority last year after the business racked up numerous violations — including serving alcohol to minors — and its owner was unable to pay a $10,000 fine.
Orza said he saw an opportunity to transform the building from a kitschy bar into an “upscale and trendy” eatery with an eclectic menu, specialty drinks and a lounge area — a place that’s polished and casual, with a South Beach or Manhattan-style atmosphere. Though he has yet to settle on a name, Orza said he believes the new business will be a welcome change for the West End.
“I grew up in Long Beach and my family lives there,” he said. “I thought if I was going to do it anywhere, Long Beach would be the place to do it.”
Orza also said that the restaurant, which he hopes to open by Memorial Day, would feature live music several days a week, and that he hopes to offer valet parking. “We’re also looking for property to purchase for parking in the area but haven’t committed to anything yet,” he said.
