Business Notebook: Anniversaries, expansion and networking

Warwick - Ten years in any business is quite a milestone and, although he must be doing something right, even the owner of this Warwick shop is pleasantly surprised. “I would have bet against this 10 year anniversary,” laughed owner Don Siegel. Ten years ago, when he retired from his government job, Siegel thought it might be fun to turn a hobby into a business. And that’s when he opened his Native American Gallery, Kokopelli, at 50 Main St. The date was April 8, 1996, which Siegel considered a good omen because it was also exactly 100 years to the date that his father was born. The retired New York City administrator was happy to continue exploring his interest in Southwestern Native American jewelry and other artifacts while remaining productive, meeting nice people, selling a few items and, hopefully, just breaking even. But the plan backfired. “It turned into a very successful business,” reported Siegel. “And I want to thank all my loyal customers, old and new, for their strong support.” This Saturday, April 8, Kokopelli will celebrate its 10 years in business with the start of a one week special sale offering a 20 per cent discount on all merchandise. And patrons who spend more than $50 will also receive a free gift. According to Siegel, customers soon learn that his shop has the most complete line of southwestern jewelry within a 75-mile radius of Warwick. “Few artisans have the skill to produce these pieces,” he said pointing to several examples of Hopi overlay technique, a delicate process using two layers of silver. In addition to a large assortment of Navajo and Hopi jewelry, Kokopelli also carries various handcrafted artifacts including pottery and home furnishing accessories such as southwestern sculpture and sand paintings. The shop also offers a selection of various gift items and collectibles hand crafted by Native Americans from other parts of the country including New York State. Siegel has made it a practice to help each customer make the right selection, often recommending items that are less expensive than the one first selected. “I want everyone to be completely satisfied with his or her purchase,” he said, “and in 10 years, I’ve had few returns.” Siegel’s personality has a lot to do with the store’s success. Shopping at Kokopelli is like visiting an old friend. The owner seems just as happy joking with his customers, showing photographs of his grandchildren and discussing events of the day as he is when helping someone select a unique silver bracelet. It’s been a formula for success. “Doing business in Warwick has been wonderful,” said Siegel. “I love the people who come into my store and in all these years, I’ve never had a bad check.” By the way, the name Kokopelli comes from the legend of a mythical god of the harvest described at various times as a story teller, teacher, healer and good natured trickster believed to bring fertility and good fortune. There’s more to the story. Just stop by and ask Don Siegel. Café a la Mode expands Knock down a wall and increase your business by 30 percent. That’s the message from Scott Elfant, co-owner of Café a la Mode, a popular eatery at One Oakland Ave., Warwick. Elfant and his partner Tom Torres have owned Café a la Mode since October 2003. The restaurant is known for its creative wrap sandwiches and large selection of coffee and specialty drinks. Earlier this year, Elfant and Torres decided to completely remodel their facility by tearing down a wall to provide more open space and some additional seating. They also added fresh paint, new lighting, moldings and menu boards. “The increase in business since we remodeled has been dramatic,” said Elfant. Of course, the remodeling is not the only attraction. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. And in warmer weather, there is also outdoor seating where customers can relax and enjoy one of the specialty drinks such as a Mochachino Shake. That, by the way, is ice cream with foamed milk, espresso and chocolate syrup. Café a la Mode is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Friday nights, local musicians are invited to an “open mike” jam session, a popular tradition for both performers and customers. Networking On Tuesday, April 11, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will sponsor power networking for businesses during a buffet breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Pioneer Restaurant, 49 Oakland Ave. in Warwick. This event is designed to provide guests a unique forum to promote their businesses individually, and in a group, and to exchange business cards. “Attending these monthly networking events offered by the Chamber has helped develop my professional relationships and business referrals as well,” says Networking Committee coordinator Cynthia Papaleo Seeley. Today is the deadline for advanced registrations. For more information contact the Chamber office at 986-2720.