Business notebook: Celebrating a successful year

Warwick - The first anniversary for any business is always an important milestone. It usually means you’re doing something right. Technically, the Copper Bottom Restaurant at 162 North Main St. in the Village of Florida has enjoyed a good reputation for many years. But last year, on Nov. 15, Mark Scott, the former drummer and “front man” for the well-known rock band, “Trixter,” and his wife Susan, took over as the new owners of the popular restaurant. Since Scott’s most recent position was as director of sales for a large company that operated numerous restaurant and entertainment complexes, he was confident this new venture would be successful. Scott held on to the original staff and by combing the professional skills in the kitchen with his friendly personality and marketing experience, the restaurant soon garnered much favorable publicity as well as rave reviews and awards. In addition to offering quality food and drinks at reasonable prices, the restaurant has also proved to be a good neighbor. This year the Copper Bottom supported most community events including the St. Anthony Community Hospital “Great Warwick Wine and Dine” fund raiser and its Auxiliary’s (SACHA) Annual June Party. The Copper Bottom was also one of the restaurants that participated in the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce popular fall event, A Taste of Warwick. On Sept. 23, Scott teamed up with 15-time Grammy Award winner Jimmy Sturr and American music legend Willie Nelson to raise money for Farm Aid at the organization’s annual concert in Camden, N.J. And the Copper Bottom Restaurant chefs created a “Jimmy Sturr’s Fresh from the Family Farm,” special with proceeds going to Farm Aid. Scott added that The Copper Bottom always uses produce from a local farm. “It’s just the kind of thing that puts a good taste in your mouth,” he said. The Copper Bottom is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 11:30 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 2-8 p.m. For reservations, private parties and catering call 651-5700. Se habla espanol Prudential Rand Realty recently announced that it has launched Prudential Rand Latino, a new division dedicated exclusively to serving the Latino home-buying community in the Hudson Valley. According to a statement issued by the company, the new division will be anchored by 50 Spanish-speaking sales associates who will be stationed throughout the company’s 21 offices. The firm also has a Web site that carries listings in the Spanish language. “We are excited to introduce Prudential Rand Latino and assist our Latino customers in the acquisition of the American Dream of home ownership,” said managing partner Greg Rand. Dressed for fun It’s becoming a tradition for La Petite Cuisine at 20 Railroad Ave. Each year around Halloween, the managers and employees of the popular Warwick café don costumes to entertain their patrons. Last year they appeared as “Flower Children” from the 1960s. And this year, on Sunday, Oct. 29, owner Pat Flynn along with all her chefs and waitresses were transformed into characters out of “Aunt Flo’s Diner.” Of course, with or without costumes, La Petite Cuisine is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. When the weather is warm, patrons can sit outside and enjoy a French style breakfast including freshly baked croissants or a light lunch with a choice of soups, salads, sandwiches, crepes and homemade desserts. On cooler days, the indoor seating is comfortable, warm and cozy and the customers can watch their food being prepared in the open kitchen. La Petite Cuisine is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 988-0988. Reminder If you’re planning to shop in the Village of Warwick this Saturday, Nov. 11, or if you own a business and can break away for a few minutes, there will be a brief ceremony that morning in honor of Veterans Day. The event is at Veteran’s Memorial Park just off Forester Avenue and in recent years, especially considering those we are honoring, the light attendance has been disappointing. The exact time and date is easy to remember. It’s at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That was the moment in 1918 when the Armistice was signed ending the hostilities of World War I.