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CITY RECOGNIZES CENTENNIAL SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE FIVE BOROUGHS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES
City, Chambers of Commerce and Elected Officials Honor Small Businesses
Operating for over 100 years
NEW YORK — On Thursday, February 27, NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Gregg Bishop and other leaders joined together in an inaugural event to recognize ten centennial small businesses across the five boroughs and their contributions to local communities.
All five Chambers of Commerce and the Jamaica Center Business Improvement District nominated historic businesses within their boroughs for the recognition, whose original opening dates span from 1878 to 1920. Each business received Mayoral certificates of recognition honoring the legacy and longevity of these institutions and will receive free advertising on the digital LinkNYC kiosks across the City as well as a social media campaign celebrating our longstanding businesses throughout the month of May. NYC & Company, the City’s official tourism and marketing arm, is providing a one-year complimentary membership to each centennial business.
The businesses being recognized are as follows:
- Sahadi’s, 122 years, Brooklyn: Family-owned Middle Eastern grocery store
- Deno’s Wonder Wheel in Coney Island, 100 years, Brooklyn: NYC Landmark and world-famous Ferris wheel located on Coney Island beach
- Holtermann’s Bakery, 142 years, Staten Island: Family-owned bakery serving retro baked goods
- Supreme Chocolatier, 109 years, Staten Island: Manufactures and distributes fine chocolates
- Sussman-Automatic Corporation, 103 years, Queens: Manufactures electric steam and hot water boilers for industrial, commercial, and specialized applications
- Bellitte Bicycles, 102 years, Queens: Family-run cycling institution, offering bike sales and service
- Eneslow Shoes & Orthotics, 111 years, Manhattan: Shoe store founded by the Low family
- Russ & Daughters, 106 years, Manhattan: Family-operated appetizing cuisine restaurant and store
- Teitel Brothers, 105 years, Bronx: Wholesale and retail grocery company distributing high-quality Italian gourmet specialty items
- Mario’s Restaurant, 101 years, Bronx: Large family-owned Neapolitan-Italian restaurant
“Small businesses are the backbone of New York City’s economy and to be able to celebrate those that have contributed to our city for over 100 years is a blessing,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “It is our priority to get businesses the support and resources they need to thrive and grow so that we can celebrate their centennial anniversaries like the businesses we celebrated today.”
"Family-run small businesses like Russ & Daughters represent the history and soul of the Lower East Side, and I am thankful for its enduring contributions to our City,” said Council Member Margaret S. Chin. “I look forward to working with the Department of Small Business Services to fight for support and guidance to our community's small businesses so that more can achieve success.”
“We salute the NYC Department of Business Services for celebrating our city’s centennial small businesses. While some businesses have come and gone, these businesses have stood the test of time, said Linda Baran, President & CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Family owned businesses like Holtermann’s Bakery and Supreme Chocolatier are staples in Staten Island and truly add to the fabric of our diverse neighborhoods. We wish all of today’s honorees continued success.”
“Our Chamber is celebrating its centennial year, so we’re excited to be in such great company,” said Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “These legacy businesses add to New York’s charm and contribute to making their neighborhoods places where people want to live, work and visit.”
“We love celebrating the rich history of our small businesses in Brooklyn,” said Randy Peers, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “Sahadi’s and Deno’s Wonder Wheel have both had a deep-rooted positive impact on our communities and Russ & Daughters recently expanded to Brooklyn. These multi-generational companies exemplify how critical local business is to create and grow vibrant neighborhoods by investing for the long-term.”
“The Bronx Chamber is thrilled to be celebrating two legacy businesses from our borough,” said Lisa Sorin, President and CEO of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “These businesses showcase the history and foundation of our small businesses. We thank Commissioner Gregg Bishop for recognizing such an important part of our economic history.”
“Bellitte Bikes is the true definition of a small business and has been a go to for bicycle enthusiasts throughout NYC’s great history, said Jennifer Furioli, Executive Director of the Jamaica Center Business Improvement District. “The charm and customer service that existed in 1918 when Bellitte’s first opened still exists today when you visit the shop. We are proud to nominate Bellitte Bikes for recognition for over 100 years of business in Downtown Jamaica and the contributions the shop has made to our community and the City of New York.”
“We are pleased to join Small Business Services in celebrating the longevity of these legacy businesses and their contributions to our city,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “We are happy to share their amazing stories with travelers and New Yorkers.”
About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.