Starting out in RVC

Looking to visit some new businesses around town this holiday season? If you need to pick up some last-minute gifts, grab a quick bite or get coiffed for a party, you’ve got plenty of options at a number of new shops that have recently opened in the village.

Press 195

This new restaurant and bar, adjacent to the Fantasy Theater, has generated an overwhelmingly positive response from residents with its knish sandwiches, hand-cut french fries and cocktails.

In late October, Press 195 — a chain that has restaurants in Bayside and Brooklyn — opened its third location on North Park Avenue. Co-owner Brian Karp described the response from Rockville Centre customers as welcoming and wonderful, and he said that through word of mouth, the restaurant has become increasingly popular.

“The people [in Rockville Centre] are like a big family,” Karp said, “and the economy has actually helped us out. People are less inclined to go to the fancier restaurants, and instead they spend their money on us.”

Chichen Itza

Another restaurant and bar, Chichen Itza, can be found on Merrick Road. Known mostly for its Mexican dishes, it opened in October and has quickly become popular, with customers enjoying specially made meals that, according to owner Marcus Merino, appeal to both the health-conscious and lovers of spicy cuisine.

“So far, people around town have been coming to our place often and the response has been encouraging,” Merino said. “Our restaurant has a lot of great Mexican dishes, depending on whether you’re a health freak, a taco lover or a nacho devourer.”

As is the case with Press 195, prices are reasonable, with most dishes ranging between $6 and $16.

Isabella’s

Isabella’s, a women’s clothing store on South Village Avenue, opened in early November, and features fashions ranging from $25 to $98, according to co-owner Elizabeth Heins.

Heins, a Rockville Centre resident and a first-time business owner, described the experience as a “thrill.” “We had a strong opening and the response so far to our store has been very good,” she said. “The prices are moderate, and the people in the community have been thankful for our clothing items even in the midst of tough economic times.”

She added that many mothers and daughters shop together, and that holiday shoppers have provided a needed sales boost during the recession.

Mihaliya

A unisex hair studio on Sunrise Highway, Mihaliya opened in August and, according to owner Rita Hanimov, new customers are coming from all over — Baldwin, Freeport and Oceanside in addition to Rockville Centre.

“We have acceptable prices and reliable professionals who can assist you with your cosmetic needs,” said Hanimov. “The economy has somewhat hurt our business since August, but we’re happy to finally be open and testing the waters.”

The studio offers cuts, hair extensions, waxing and coloring, and other services, and customers range from infants to teens to elderly women, according to Hanimov.

Go Green Dry Cleaning

Bill Hostetter, owner of Go Green Dry Cleaning on South Village Avenue, said that his business should not be compared to other dry-cleaners because Go Green cleans clothing with liquid silicon and uses biodegradable products. Since opening in October, the shop has received much positive feedback from the community. “The villagers are very receptive so far,” Hostetter said.

Go Green offers free pickup and delivery in a van that runs on ethanol, and Hostetter describes his dry-cleaning process as “100 percent nontoxic.” “We’re not your ordinary dry-cleaner store, and we’re proud of that,” he said. “We’re happy to be a part of the commercial aspect of the village. There are so many charming stores in Rockville Centre.”

Other businesses that have recently opened around the village include:

- Prime Catch, a seafood restaurant and bar on South Park Avenue.

- Rapid Realty, an apartment realty company on South Village Avenue.

- TD Bank, on Merrick Road.

- E.VAN Creations, on Long Beach Road, which makes signs, banners and other promotional items.

- Tasty Crepes, on Merrick Road, an eatery that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

- Garden Gate Revisited, an antique and collectables store on North Park Avenue.

- Dark Horse Tavern, a bar on South Park Avenue.

- Lavalier, a costume jewelry, accessory and makeup store on Sunrise Highway.

“It’s great to see that vacancies are being filled …,” said Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce President Larry Siegel. “[The businesses] will succeed if they hang in there long enough … There are still more vacancies that need to be filled around the village, and it’s up to the chamber and the community to get that accomplished.”

Village Trustee David Krasula echoed those sentiments, saying he was happy with the number of new businesses. “They’re great finds for us …,” Krasula said. “We were a little surprised by a recent survey that found that the occupancy of commercial businesses was up in the village compared to this time last year … It was a pleasant surprise.”

Rich McQuillan, owner/broker of Link Real Estate Group, said, “The market continue to be depressed in other communities … even though home prices have dropped, sales are still consistent. Rockville Centre is maintaining strength and is a great place to live and conduct business.”