City Island welcomes new ventures

City Island welcomes new ventures

Two new businesses have popped up on City Island Avenue, occupying several storefronts that have been vacant for some time.

Krunch Time, one-on-one training and yoga, at 538 City Island Avenue, is set to open soon and Doggie Island pet grooming and supplies at 268 City Island Avenue has opened despite a tough economic atmosphere.

Bob Carmody of Atlantic Emeritus Realty at 300 City Island Avenue has tried to identify businesses that can serve City Island’s needs. Carmody handled Doggie Island lease and has also leased a City Island storefront to a new barbershop.

“We’re all doing our part, building the community one store at a time,” Carmody said. “We’re trying to find out what people want. Islanders wanted a pet store and barbershop and they got both.”

Doggie Island’s awning pays tribute to a family pet that passed away last year, a Labrador named Roxy.

“My husband and I are the owners of the pet shop,” Susan DiFrancesco said. “We sell supplies and offer professional dog grooming. We also offer a self-service pet wash. Owners rent tubs to wash their own dogs. The tubs are $17 per dog. We provide the shower, dryer and towels.”

The business boasts a doggie waiting area gated off by a white picket fence. Doggie Island’s owners are counting on support from the island itself.

“We’ll order the products that people on City Island request,” DiFrancesco said. “We’re unique [and] are hoping that the people of City Island will support us to help boost the local economy.”

Krunch Time has replaced another personal training studio that closed more than a year ago.

“This [spot] was a personal training facility for many years,” Krunch Time co-owner Anthony Cecere said. “We’re a one-on-one personal training facility that also offers yoga and pilates.”

Krunch Times boasts affordable rates and will feature a juice bar complete with training shakes and a shower for clients.

Cecere plans to operate fitness “boot camps” as well as boxing and kickboxing classes. He’s been a personal trainer for more than ten years.

For more information Doggie Island, call (347) 945-4044. To reach Krunch Time, call (347) 326-5575.

Reach reporter Patrick Rocchio at 718 742-3393 or procchio@cnglocal.com