Business Notebook: A toast for the new Pioneers

Warwick - Almost any business owner will admit that the first year is the toughest. And, when you celebrate that anniversary, it generally means you did something right. The new Pioneer Restaurant first opened its doors a year ago, Feb. 17, 2005. The restaurant, located at 49 Oakland Ave., near the intersection of Routes 17A and 94, had been a familiar Warwick eatery for more than 40 years but had changed its name a few years ago when it became Walsh’s Restaurant. When Paul and Cheryl Karas, both longtime Warwick residents, purchased it, they decided to reopen as “The Pioneer.” Since then, the new owners have extended their hours, offered outdoor seating, introduced premium ice creams and obtained the necessary license, this February, to serve beer and wine. A variety of wines along with a large selection of foreign and domestic beers are currently on the menu and Paul and Cheryl are open to suggestions from patrons for additions to their list. The restaurant also features Boylan Vintage Soda-Pops made, as they have since 1891, with pure sugar cane and, like during a bygone era, served from thick glass bottles. The Pioneer serves mostly American cuisine and offers everything from bacon and eggs to hamburgers to full course dinners. Prime Rib is a featured specialty along with traditional meat, seafood and pasta dishes. The atmosphere is casual and family friendly. “Our slow roasted Black Angus prime rib, which we serve every Friday and Saturday,” said Karas, “is the best in Orange County. And our premium ice cream, Sundays, shakes and splits are as close to home made as you can get.” The Pioneer serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and also offers take-out service. Call 986-6500. New business Take some time out, leave your troubles at the door, and enter a world of soothing music and light scents of ginger tea and Asian spice candles. Local resident Jennifer Warner, a licensed Esthetician, also referred to as a skin care specialist, recently opened “The Skin Studio” in the historical Clock Tower building on Main Street, Warwick. She had previously worked in the skin care profession at a wellness center. “You will feel as if you are in an ultra private Soho loft,” said Warner who offers therapeutic facials and other skin services for men, woman and teens in an attractive studio featuring high ceilings and skylights, hardwood floors and serene ocean blue walls. Warner uses highly concentrated all natural products for her facials and also offers body waxing using a soy based hair removal system. “The truth is,” said Warner, “there is no legal definition for words like ‘natural’ for cosmetics. And,” she added, “almost 60 per cent of the chemicals we put on our bodies is absorbed through the skin and into our bloodstream. The skin care line that I use is all natural and free of any toxic or harmful ingredients.” Warner uses quality products such as “Skin Fitness Therapy” and body care lotions ordered from “Island Mist,” a small cottage industry located on Block Island in the State of Rhode Island. The Skin Studio is open Wednesday through Saturday, by appointment, day or night. Call 988-1577. Upcoming events at Mount Peter Ski Area It’s been a surefire hit every year and this Saturday evening, March 4, popular comedian Rich Meyer will once again be appearing at Mount Peter Ski Area. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets should be purchased in advance. Next Saturday, March 11, will be Firefighter’s Family Day. The event will feature races, games, contests, raffles and prizes and discounted lift tickets and rentals for all “uniforms” and their families. Part of the day’s proceeds go to the Lt. John Ginley Scholarship Fund. Earlier that same day, March 11, at 8 a.m., the Mount Peter Ski Patrol will be conducting a membership drive. “If you enjoy the outdoors, helping others and learning new skills,” said Jim Mehling, “we invite you to come to Mount Peter for a ‘Ski or Snowboard with Patrol Morning.” Mehling, director of the Mount Peter Ski Patrol, which is affiliated with the 26,500 member National Ski Patrol, explained that his organization is seeking new members, ages 18 or over. “ We invite you to join a great group of fun loving folks dedicated to serving the skiing and riding public,” he said. Call Mt. Peter at 986-4940 for further information about any of these events.