Business notebook: G's under new management

WARWICK - There are new owners and managers, Glenn and Jo Ann Kim, at G’s, one of Warwick’s oldest and most popular restaurants. G’s Restaurant had already been a favorite Warwick eatery for 30 years when it moved up the block and reopened in January 1998, at its current location on the corner of Main and Bank streets. Then co-owner George Antoniades, who recently passed away, and his partner Greg Kyritsis, had literally gutted the building that had been home to W.F. Dayton Co. That same year, the owners also opened the popular Bank Street Tavern, a cocktail lounge and bar, on the lower level of the same building, and an outdoor deck overlooking Wawayanda Creek. This year, on March 11, Glenn and Jo Ann Kim opened the doors to G’s as the restaurant’s new owners. Running a restaurant is not a new experience for the Kims. Glenn Kim is an experienced chef and the couple has owned and operated a busy salad bar in Manhattan for the past 12 years. However, other than some renovations and face lifting, there are no plans to drastically change what patrons have come to expect at G’s. “We’re keeping the same menu,” said Jo Ann Kim, “but we may add a few new things. And we’re planning to introduce a ‘happy hour’ in the tavern.” G’s also offers catering and there is a private party room available for special events or meetings. “I’ve been working here as a waitress for three years,” said Jesse Balczuk, “and the new owners are great.” G’s Restaurant is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bank Street Tavern is open from 5 p.m. to midnight. A banner year for Springfest The posters are out and the banners announcing the annual celebration of Springfest are now hanging outside the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce “Caboose” office on South St., Railroad Green and the fence on Main Street between Akin’s Drug Store and Newhard’s. This year, the popular event has been scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The “heavy” rain date is the following day, Sunday, April 29. The 2008 celebration will again be billed as a “Home and Garden Springfest” and an opportunity to meet many professionals, who can answer questions to help beautify your home. Participants will include the Farmer’s Market, local orchards, garden centers, lawn care professionals, landscape designers, fencing companies, builders, home improvement companies, Koi Pond professionals and pool suppliers among others. There will also be non-profit organizations promoting upcoming events. The popular “Food Court,” a showcase for local restaurants and food vendors, will return to its usual location on Bank Street. And restaurants that are located nearby such as those on Main Street or Railroad Avenue will be invited to set up their own individual food courts on the sidewalks just outside each facility. Entertainment is also expected to include live music, dance performances and fun for children throughout the Village. Special events will include Tango and Ballroom Dance demonstrations courtesy of La Montiel Dance, 17 Main St. and a fashion show with live models courtesy of local boutiques. For additional information or to learn how to participate in Springfest 2008 call Mary Beth Schlichting at 988-5080. Turning Leaf Day Spa Grand Opening Dawn Germano, who lives in Warwick with her husband, Peter, recently purchased Professional Touch Day Spa, 11 West St., from former owner Raksha Weber, now retired. For the past 10 years, Germano, who renamed the studio, The Turning Leaf Day Spa, had worked as the message therapist for Professional Touch. “It was always my dream to own a full service spa,” said Germano, who is not only a licensed message therapist but also a personal trainer and aerobics instructor. Visitors to The Turning Leaf Day Spa can pick up a brochure listing all of the services performed by licensed professionals including European facials, microdermabrasion, herbal body wraps and Swedish massage. For additional information or to schedule an appointment call 987-8951. Chamber news Next Wednesday, April 16, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a “Power Networking Buffet Dinner” at Chateau Hathorn, County Route 1A in Warwick, from 6-9 p.m. The dinner event, hosted by the Program Committee, will be open to all businesses in the area. Each participant will be invited to speak about his or her business and what products and services each have to offer. This event is part of a monthly series of structured networking activities inclusive of breakfasts, lunches and after hour mixers. All current Warwick Chamber members are invited to attend at a cost of $50. Non-members are also welcome at a cost of $65. Advance reservations are requested prior to April 14. For more information about the networking events, to make a reservation or to assist the Program Committee with future events, call or e-mail Michael Johndrow at the chamber office - 986-2720, e-mail: info@warwickcc.org or e-mail Paul Rafanello; Paul@prcpa.biz. The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce is also still taking last minute registrations for the upcoming Warwick Business Expo on Saturday, May 3. The cost for chamber members is $175 and $295 for non-chamber members. The later fee includes a one-year Warwick Valley Chamber membership. Contact Johndrow at 845-986-2720 or Expo Chair Diane Massey at 845-325-2247. You can also register on line at www.warwickcc.org.