Construction Could Start Soon on New Malverne Restaurant

The latest rumor circulating around Malverne in recent weeks was that the developers of a new restaurant slated to open up in the village had lost interest in the property.

It's not true.

Elcid Melconian, of Melconian Properties LLC, the owners of 356 Hempstead Ave., spoke with Patch Thursday and said Happy Hour Enterprises Inc., the building's new tenant, still plans to open a 114-seat tapas-style restaurant there.

the Malverne village board approved a  to grant a special parking exception and change the use of the old Tri-Color Imaging building so it could be converted into a restaurant.

Then, in March, Melconian, restaurant proprietor John Skijus, and their architect, Henry A. Monteverde, presented blueprints of the restaurant and samples of the materials that will be used in the construction to the village's Architectural Review Board. The board unanimously approved the plans for the exterior of the building, with the exception of the lighting and signage, which will be reviewed at a later date.

Just weeks ago, the village's Buildings Department signed off on the final plans and returned it to the restaurant proprietors.

"As far as the village is concerned, everything is in order," Richard Barbieri, superintendent of the Buildings Department, told Patch Wednesday. He explained that the next step is for the developers to get the necessary permits from Nassau County. "The ball is in their court, now," he added.

Since receiving the approval from the village, the developers have filed the paperwork with the Nassau County Fire Marshal's office, and are awaiting a response.

"It could be any day now," Melconian said.

Then, the village will need to make sure any contractors working on the project are licensed and insured, before work can begin at the site.

"As of now, we can't even put a nail in the wall," Melconian said, but assures residents that once they get the green light, construction will commence right away.

He said the order has already been placed for all the materials, even the tables and chairs, that will be used.

"I know it's quiet there now," he said, "but as soon as we get going ... it will be like a rollercoaster."

Despite the rumors, Melconian said the plans to open the restaurant have never changed. The name, however, is still up in the air.

Originally they intended to call it 77º but Melconian said this is no longer the case.

"The name is changing … but I'm not sure what the new name will be," he said. "It could be similar."

Are you excited about the new restaurant? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.