The Lake Ronkonkoma community and downtown area have received a new partner in business: a brand-new 7-11 location.
The ribbon-cutting not only fulfills a need for the classic coffee and convenience chain in the Lake Ronkonkoma downtown area, but also completes a corner that was largely regarded as an eyesore for close to a decade. Its predecessor was the Shell gas station on the corner of Hawkins Avenue and Portion Road, just across from the historic Agnew and Taylor building. The gas station had ceased operations several years ago, but the building remained vacant thereafter. Upon its demolition, the lot remained blighted and empty until the construction of the new 7-11.
The new twenty-four-hour business was welcomed by a sea of new customers, elected officials, members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct, and 7-11 representatives.
“Hopefully we’re going to see this store packed like this 24-7,” remarked Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue). “From all of us at New York State and all of us in this community, we want to say welcome. This is a beautiful, beautiful store, and we expect many great things for years to come.”
The store is a stark departure from the classic, one-story, flat-top look of some locations still in existence. But new locations are coming in with a new look, such as the 7-11 on Horseblock Road in Farmingville. Pitched roofs, big windows, and compelling architecture inside makes for a much more cozy experience inside, but the exterior complements the look and feel of the neighborhood, especially across from New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, at home in the original Agnew and Taylor building.
“This store is in the geographic center of my district, and our downtown. And now finishing out this beautiful corner shows such great dedication and love for the people of Lake Ronkonkoma,” said Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook).
“I am so impressed, what a beautiful building right in the center of our town here,” said Greater Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce past President Kevin Hyms. “We hope they have many successful years here and are part of our thriving community. So, congratulations and best of luck to a successful business.”
The ribbon-cutting didn’t just include speeches and welcomes, but also a check made out to the Fourth Precinct as part of Project A-GAME.
“Project A-GAME is a community outreach program created to provide meaningful youth development opportunities through education and play, so children establish strong foundations that support their future success,” said Area Leader Rochelle Oppedisano (pictured above). “Franchisees and corporate store leaders contribute to youth development in their communities by applying for these grants to support the schools, youth sports organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations.”
Since the program’s inception, 7-11 and their franchisees have awarded more than 4,700 grants, totalling a community investment of more than $3 million, with initiatives including math, science projects, tutoring, school supplies, and sporting equipment, as well as ensuring that children have the resources and inspiration they need to remain in school.
“It is with great pleasure as our gift to the community, a check for $711 from our franchisees, Nusrat and Moin Kahn, and 7-11 to the Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Explorer Program to assist with their great work with our great youth,” said Oppedisano.
Fourth Precinct Officer Nick Slevin (pictured above) accepted the check.
“I’ve been an advisor for the past year; it’s a group for ages 18 to 20,” said Slevin. “We try to put them through role play scenarios of what it’s like to be a police officer. We do community service events with them. These checks can go a long way in helping us with the program.”
Slevin added that since many children nowadays were not alive for the September 11, 2001, attacks, the SCPD is interested in using the money to fund a trip to the Ground Zero museum in Manhattan.
“I’m thankful to everyone who’s here to make our event successful, and I hope you all pray for us so we can make our business successful,” said Nusrat Khan (pictured above), the franchisee of the new store. “I appreciate everyone and give a special thanks to you.”
A live DJ played a great party mix throughout the event, while a massive inflatable Slurpee cup stood outside along the ribbons. T-shirts were also made to commemorate the event, with a rendering of the wood carving of the Lady of Lake Ronkonkoma (pictured above) making it a truly Ronkonkoma-esque grand opening.
The Messenger wishes best of luck to Nusrat and Moin Khan, our new neighbors in the Ronkonkoma area!
The new 7-11 is located at the corner of Hawkins Avenue and Portion Road in Lake Ronkonkoma.