Over at the Chicken Coop, it is a family business. Alicia Katsiqeras, 50, and her sister-in-law Diana Carrillo, 38, own the restaurant together, which serves Colombian food. Offering unique breakfast items like scrambled eggs with corn cake and cheese, seafood, specialty dishes like the “Coop Typical Platter” including steak, plantains and rotisserie chicken, there is a wide selection of food for customers.

Carrillo said the goal is to put customers first. “We want to make sure the food is the best and make sure the restaurant is clean,” she said. “There is interacting with customers and we make sure that the food is prepared.”

Both owners came up with the idea about a year ago to open the eatery. Buying the storefront last April, they opened on Oct. 20. Carrillo said that the village was a good place to have their business, noting that a Latin restaurant would bring a fresh flavor to the area. Both owners are trying new ways to appeal to their customers including starting a karaoke night every Wednesday, a ladies night and adding live music. Currently, the staff of about 10 employees, including waiters and waitresses, is preparing for Valentine’s Day, which will feature special food selections couples.

During their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Jan. 6, about 30 people joined in. Carrillo noted the many community members said the food was good.

The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce participated in both ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Debbi Gyulay, the chamber’s president, said she is happy to welcome both businesses. “We appreciate that they chose Valley Stream to open their stores,” Gyulay said. “Both Alicia and Diana of the Chicken Coop and Vyancka of the Little Sugar Shop are lovely women who provide delicious food and good service in their respective shops. The Chamber hopes that these new businesses help to stimulate the community’s business climate.”