The results speak volumes. “During the pandemic, while a lot of businesses were closing down, we opened nine,” Lavorata notes. “We were completely in the opposite direction of what was going on at the time.” In Lindenhurst, efficiency and encouragement aren’t just values, they’re policy. THE CULINARY BOOM: A DIVERSE DINING SCENE What was once a downtown known for its dive bars has transformed into a bustling destination for boutique restaurants and cultural experiences.“There was a local lore back in the day that Lindenhurst had the most bars per capita in the Guinness Book of World Records,” says Schrader. That image has been replaced by a dynamic dining landscape, which began with a bold concept. “It started with a place called Restoration Kitchen,” explains Lavorata.“It’s actually a business that runs like a not-for-profit in the fact that they give away a lot of their profit to local charities.” Restoration Kitchen’s creative model sparked a wave of entrepreneurial interest. “They sort of sparked other restaurants to come to Lindenhurst,” adds Schrader. Now, the village is home to establishments like Ruby Soho’s, a tapas and tequila bar that replaced a notorious dive bar. The culinary diversity is as impressive as the community’s commitment to quality.“You can find seven or eight or nine cuisines within walking distance of Hoffman Avenue alone,” says Lavorata. Complementing the dining scene are craft breweries like Sand City and Great South Bay, and a thriving theater presence along “Theater Row,” including Studio Theater, South Shore Theatre Experience and the BACCA Center. “There’s really a lot to do in the downtown,” notes Schrader. This evolution is rooted in values. “My first act as 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 LINDENHURST, NY
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