76°
Sitting in front of the counter of an empty store, Willy Bimido, 34, gets up and runs to greet a hungry customer picking up some Italian food. Bimido used to own four Villarina's Pasta and Deli restaurants, which are part of a chain that has 24 locations.
In the past three years, Bimido has been forced to shut down two of his stores in the region, but is determined to stay in Lewisboro and keep its sister store in New Rochelle open. While Bimido may not have customers packing his 1 Cross River Shopping Center location, he said, he has noticed a promising trend.
"The last four weeks, the business has been better," he said.
Bimido estimates business has increased by roughly 20 percent, but admits it is not because of any major changes he has made. His restaurant is facing the same challenges many restaurants are facing -- there are fewer customers because taxes and rents are too high, he said.
"[It's] not like it used to be," Bimido said. "The economy affects everybody."
Bimido said 2010 was the worst year for his Lewisboro restaurant since it opened in 1998. Yet, unlike the stores he closed in White Plains, N.Y., and nearby Bethel, Conn., the Cross River restaurant stuck it out and is likely to stay.
Although the penne all vodka may not bring customers back to pre-2008 numbers, Bimido said the dish has a place in his heart. His store may have a lot to overcome, but prosciutto sauce offers some relief, he said.
Do you know about another hardworking local business that would make a great story. Tell us below or on Facebook.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bedford and receive free news updates.
