LI Biz News: Vineyard 48's Liquor License Revoked; Gilly Hicks to Close

Patch brings you news headlines from across the region. Here are some noteworthy headlines in Long Island's business community from the past seven days. 

Vineyard 48 has Liquor License Revoked

After months of public outcry over a Cutchogue winery that's sparked ire among residents complaining about noise, traffic, parking and "sex acts" in the vines, Vineyard 48 has had their liquor license revoked.

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley confirmed Tuesday night that he had traveled to a State Liquor Authority hearing in Harlem and testified again, along with some neighbors.

"It was a long trek going through the hearing process with the New York State Liquor Authority with Vineyard 48 beginning with our department's first referral near the end of 2011,” he said. “I commend the affected neighbors of Vineyard 48 for their patience in weaving through the legal system with us and admire their perseverance in acting as a concerned, responsive network of neighbors addressing this business that threatened their quality of life in Southold Town. I realize that there is an appeal process to this finding, but we are confident we will prevail."

Hearing Set for ‘Wang Property’ 

The Town of Oyster Bay will hold a hearing on Feb. 4 on the application of Plainview Properties and Beechwood for the zoning change. That plan would allow the developers to build a large new housing development on the southwest corner of Old Country Road and Round Swamp Road in Plainview. The area has been known as the "Wang Property," owned by Islanders' owner Charles Wang. It was once the home to the Nassau County Sanitarium.

Gilly Hicks to Shutter Mall Location Next Month

Intimate apparel retailer Gilly Hicks will be shuttering all stores by early next year, including its location in the Smith Haven Mall.

Owned by Abercrombie & Fitch, the chain was intended to compete with stores like Victoria’s Secret and Aerie. According to a statement, the first store was opened in 2008. There are about 20 locations in the United States.

The company has plans to keep Gilly Hicks online and in their Hollister stores. The Lake Grove location will close on Jan. 11. They are no longer selling gift cards, but according to a store employee, customers who have gift cards and redeem them online and in Hollister.

The Cupcake Lady Receives a Sweet Gift

Nancy Moniodes, owner of The Cupcake Lady, received one the sweetest gifts this holiday season. The Connect Church of Bellmore will pay her business' rent for the month of January. 

Community members surprised Moniodes and her husband, Jim, with the news at a special ceremony at Bellmore Movies on Monday night. 

Empire National Bank Opens Mineola Branch

Empire National Bank recently held a grand opening event at its new Mineola branch at 170 Old Country Road. It is the first Nassau County location for the Islandia-based bank.

Empire National Bank has branches in Port Jefferson Station and Shirley.

Plainview Artisan Talks Crafts

Evan Goldstein of Plainview says he began making pottery 22 years ago, when he took a continuing education course at Hofstra University. Shortly after, Goldstein, who now works as a computer administrator and database designer for a Port Washington company, began selling his wares at craft shows. 

Goldstein now creates pottery out of his home studio. Even though he learned so much working along his instructors and fellow students at Hofstra, Goldstein likes the control he has on his process by working solo. “At home, if something goes wrong, I have only myself to blame,” Goldstein pointed out. Recently, Goldstein launched a website  and a Facebook page  for his company Evan Goldstein Pottery, allowing him to sell his wares outside of the craft-fair season. 

Mara's Too Brings Southern Cooking to the South Shore

Mara's Too, a popular Long Island Southern-style restaurant, has come to 3261 Merrick Road Wantagh and the South Shore. It's the second Long Island location for owner Mara Levi, who also owns Mara's Homemade in Syosset.

The Dallas native has been in the restaurant business for a decade, starting out with an eatery in Manhattan's East Village, before deciding to relocate to Long Island.

Solo Vino Opens Doors at New Location

Babylon Village wine shop Solo Vino has reopened its doors in its brand-new and more spacious location only a few doors down from its previous storefront.

The new location at 55 Deer Park Avenue more than doubles the previous shop's space with a much more inviting interior and shelves stocked with your favorite wines.

At Buffalo Wild Wings, a Pepsi Switch 

Buffalo Wild Wings, which has a popular location on Broad Hollow Road in Farmingdale, has agreed to drop Coke in favor of Pepsi brands.

As part of the deal, Buffalo Wild Wings and Pepsi will cross-market each other's products. Pepsi-owned brands  include Doritos, Tostitos and Ruffles potato chips, as well as Tropicana juices. 

Sally Smith, chief executive of Buffalo Wild Wings, said the company was drawn to Pepsi because of the company's sponsorship and relationship with major sports brands, including the National Football League.

Lucia Pizza Opens in Commack

Lucia Pizza is now open in Commack, filling the space where Campa Pizzeria once operated at Northgate Shopping Center. 

The Moran brothers took over Lucia Pizza in Flushing, Queens in 1962, putting their Sicilian roots into their cooking. In 2012, CBS News named Lucia Pizza one of the five best pizzerias in Queens, calling it “pizza nirvana.” Now, locals can get that slice of pizza heaven in Commack.