See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Colin Mixson
Brooklyn Daily
They weathered a beating, but they’re back better than ever, claim Sandy-clobbered businesses in Sheepshead Bay — proving that Brooklynites are tougher than even a super storm.
Hard-hit El Greco Diner, Yiasou, and Randazzo’s Clam Bar celebrated their long haul back from the devastating hurricane that robbed them of electricity for weeks, and sent tons of spoiled meats and vegetables to the Dumpster.
El Greco owner George Venetoklis, who says he lost $60,000 worth of food and thousands more in appliances, declined the $25,000 loan from the Small Business Association and paid for all damages out of pocket because the sum was simply too paltry to address his considerable losses.
“With the amount we lost, that was just a drop in the bucket,” he said.
But not everybody knows that he’s back in business, said the restaurateur.
“The area took such a beating, we’re still receiving five phone calls a day asking if we’re open,” he said. “Business is not back up to where it was beforehand — we still haven’t seen a lot of our regulars.”
Some establishments along the once-bustling shore-front strip remain shuttered, including Seaport Buffet and Baby’s Dream, which are below street level and suffered catastrophic flooding, with seawater soaring to the ceiling on their main floors.
But even competing restaurants — who say a big draw to the neighborhood is the selection of restaurants — are hoping for their quick return.
“I for one really want them to come back,” said Rosemary Randazzo, owner of Randazzo’s Clam Bar. “Around here, it’s the more the merrier.”
Here’s a breakdown of which businesses are open or closed along Emmons Avenue between Sheepshead Bay Road and Nostrand Avenue:
OPEN:
El Greco Diner, Emmons Ave. between Sheepshead Bay Road and E. 19th Street
Cherry Hill Gourmet Market, Emmons Ave. between E. 19th Street and Ocean Avenue
Yiasou, Emmons Ave. between Ocean Avenue and E. 21st Street
Randazzo’s Clam Bar, Emmons Ave. between Ocean Avenue and E. 21st Street
XO Creperie, Emmons Ave. between E. 21st and Dooley streets
Passage, Emmons Ave. between E. 21st and Dooley streets (Note: Elevator not working).
Emmons Bagels, Emmons Ave. between Dooley and E. 23rd streets
Pera Cafe Lounge, Emmons Ave. between Dooley and E. 23rd streets
Siam Orchid Thai Cuisine, Emmons Ave. between Dooley and E. 23rd streets
China Max Chinese Cuisine and Sushi Bar, Emmons Ave. between Dooley and E. 23rd streets
Dessert Palace Bar and Grill, Emmons Ave. between Dooley and E. 23rd streets
Applebee’s, Emmons Ave. between Bedford Avenue and E. 26th Street
Stella Maris Fishing Station, Emmons Ave. between E. 27th and E. 28th streets
Liman Restaurant, Emmons Ave. between E. 27th and E. 28th streets
Roll ‘N’ Roaster, Emmons Ave. between E. 29th Street and Nostrand Avenue
Il Forneto, Emmons Ave. between E. 29th Street and Nostrand Avenue.
STILL CLOSED:
Momoyama Hibachi, Emmons Ave. between E. 19th Street and Ocean Avenue
Fusion, Emmons Ave. between Ocean Avenue and E. 21st Street
Tzar, Emmons Ave. between Ocean Avenue and E. 21st Street
Masal Cafe, Emmons Ave. between E. 19th Street and Ocean Avenue
Seaport Buffet, Emmons Ave. between E. 21st and Dooley streets
Baby’s Dream, Emmons Ave. between E. 21st and Dooley streets
Beer Bar Restaurant, Emmons Ave. between E. 21st and Dooley streets
Top Brgr, Emmons Ave. between Dooley and E. 23rd streets
Paradise Garden, Emmons Ave. between E. 28th and E. 29th streets
Reach reporter Colin Mixson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.