An ongoing conversation in Smithtown has been that of revitalization and rebuilding. Through recent successes of sewer projects, as well as construction of apartments on Main Street, local government has been all in on revitalizing the town.
However, this is not exclusive to Smithtown proper, as the revitalization efforts are spreading to other hamlets within Smithtown.
Friday, August 25, saw the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new building in the shopping center on the corner of Veterans Highway and Harned Road just before the Sunken Meadow State Parkway. The building comes as a much-needed facelift compared to older, less-trafficked properties in the area.
However, the building isn’t just a welcomed addition to the area, but it’s also a product of efforts and organization of a well-known and revered Smithtown family.
Frank Mannino, as well as his brothers Joe and John, founded Mannino’s Italian Restaurant in Commack in 1996. This later spawned an Oakdale location on Montauk Highway.
In the empty, overgrown lot next to the shopping center with Woodhull Tavern, 7-11, and The Shade Shop, Mannino, along with Nicholas Matto, have transformed the property with a sleek, contemporary-looking building that is set to house tenants to benefit the hamlet of Commack.
This is not unusual for the Mannino’s as their Oakdale location was a product of renovation that became their largest restaurant until their Commack move in 2014.
The new space is already bustling with commerce, as Starbucks now operates on the first floor with a drive-through and inside seating on the first floor closest to the neighboring parking lot.
An additional benefit will come in the form of an NYU Langone clinic in the other part of the building, and there will still be room to spare for other tenants.
Friday’s ribbon-cutting was almost stunted by the rain, but Frank Mannino, members of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, as well as Smithtown elected officials and candidates convened on the property regardless.
“I couldn’t be happier to celebrate with Frank Mannino and his family, together with the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce,” said Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). “Frank Mannino and Nick Matto have done a beautiful job building the soon-to-be-home of NYU Langone, which will provide much hope and healing to local families. I’d like to thank Barbara Franco and the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce for organizing the celebration as well as send my gratitude to all of the staff at Starbucks for their warmest hospitality, in keeping us all caffeinated and dry inside while we waited out the rain. They just moved in and already have a great amount of support and local patronage from the Commack community. I have no doubt that NYU Langone will serve our community with grace, compassion and state-of-the-art healthcare.”
“Frank Mannino and Nicholas Matto did an impeccable job revitalizing the once blighted plot at 167 Vets Highway,” said Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown). “Starbucks has already opened up in the building and they are already seeing a steady influx of happy customers. Unique Nail Spa is a successful salon chain on Long Island who will be moving in shortly. Finally, the premier academic medical centers, NYU Langone will fill the remaining space, providing patient care, education, and research to our community.”
Lohmann also spoke to the Mannino family’s history of hard work and community values: “The Mannino family has a fantastic track record in our community. The Mannino family has a fantastic track record of beautifying our community, turning desolate areas into popular local businesses. From their successful restaurants in Commack, Oakdale, and Smithtown, as well as 10 West Main Street to their next big project at Lawrance and Main in Smithtown, they have a reputation for success. This is a family business with local roots and I’m very pleased to be here in celebration with them today.”
Candidate for Smithtown Clerk Tom McCarthy (R-Smithtown) also attended the event. McCarthy is on the ballot this November.
“This is a great day for the Hamlet of Commack and the people of Smithtown,” said McCarthy. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the Smithtown Town Board under the leadership of Supervisor Ed Wehrheim for keeping a promise of revitalization through each of the town’s hamlets. Frank Mannino and Nicholas Matto have a well-documented history of reclaiming once-deserted and blighted properties to create stunning and successful local businesses. This is no different. I enjoyed touring the property, talking with the new tenants at the already-bustling Starbucks and I look forward to seeing NYU Langone move in shortly, where they will provide medical care to the people of our community with dignity and grace.”
The new building is located at 167 Veterans Memorial Highway (Route 454).
Mannino’s Italian Kitchen and Lounge is located at 2158 Jericho Turnpike in Commack. Their Oakdale location is at 1575 NY-27A.
