Spotlight on Brother's Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Mini's Prime Meats & Park Place Bagels
By Madelyn Oden, BXV for BXV Stronger Together
Brother's Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Sarah and Kenny Whang
Oct. 15, 2020: Sara and Kenny Whang had just married when they opened Brother's Fresh Fruit and Vegetables 29 years ago. As Sara's brothers are in the same business, the Whangs decided to name the store "Brother's."
Work occupies seven days of the week, and the plan is to continue for "10 more years". Sunday provides a slight respite. After checking on the store, Sara and Kenny attend the Tarrytown church where they were married, followed by dinner with friends. In good weather, Kenny tries to golf once or twice a week. When asked what she does in her free time, Sara cheerfully replies that most of the time, she's working. When she's not working, Sara is cooking and looking after her family. Daughter Hannah Whang works in computer graphics, and son Jesse just graduated from the SUNY Maritime College with a specialty in maritime engineering. If she can free up time, Sara wants to attend English classes as she would like to be more fluent.
The Whangs know what their customers like and make sure to keep favorite products in stock. As an essential service, business at Brother's was steady during the shutdown months. With safety precautions in place, the Whangs were happy to provide work for their six employees and be a convenient resource for hospital workers across the street. To brighten up your home, three flower wholesalers deliver twice a week. Sara has even ordered favorite flowers for customers on request.
The Whangs "love" Bronxville. "It's quiet and safe." Everyone who comes into the store, "the mayor, village employees, policemen, hospital workers," are so "friendly." A few older customers who have moved out of Bronxville still come back to Brother's to shop. They "like to chat," and so does Sara.
Brother's is located at 38 Palmer Avenue in Bronxville.
Mini's Prime Meats and Specialties
Paul Chietro
Following in his father's footsteps, Paul Chietro opened Mini's Prime Meats and Specialties in 2002.
Paul would much rather tell you about his hero, his father Frank, a submarine specialist who served in WWII, than talk about himself. Returning home in 1945, Frank Chietro worked in the meat business, eventually opening Mini's Meateria. As a youngster, Paul spent time at the shop. As soon as he was allowed, he helped out. Frank worked with his son on the design of his Bronxville shop. Sadly, he passed away just before Mini's opened.
Paul and wife Lisa live in Dutchess County with their three sons. The Chietros are a karate family. Eldest son Paul began to study karate at age 5. When he turns 18 in a few months, he will have attained the prestigious rank of Master. Younger sons Evan and Matthew, and Lisa are all black belts. Paul contents himself with driving the family to and fro when he can.
Here's a tip: Dull knives cause more cuts than sharp ones. Why? The force needed to cut with a dull knife results in more injuries than cutting cleanly with a sharp knife. Bring your knives to Mini's to be sharpened, a service Paul happily provides.
As an essential service, Mini's stayed open Monday through Saturday during the shutdown. Demand was high. Safety precautions for the loyal staff, plus the need for frequent visits to the markets was taxing. "Tensions were high"….thankfully "it's calmed down." For a rundown of Mini's offerings, go to www.minisprimemeats.com. Suffice to say, there's more than meat.
In the way he runs his business, Paul states, "I'm not perfect…but I'm close." His goal is to provide value for the price. If a product is not "up to par," Paul addresses it immediately.
Mini's is located at 15 Park Place in Bronxville.
Park Place Bagels
Claudio Iaccarino
When does a bagel store become a community treasure? Under the guidance of Claudio Iaccarino at some point in the past 29 years, Park Place Bagels transitioned to that status. It starts with a seriously good bagel. After working for others, Claudio acted on his desire "to own my own business." Under the aegis of "friend of a friend" who owned a bagel shop in Long Island, Claudio learned the secret to making bagels.
Claudio's day starts with his 3:30 am arrival at "headquarters," the Park Place store.
It's there that everything is made and sent to two additional locations. People ask about "my hobbies or sports," he says, "I have no hobbies. I love to work. Without work, I wouldn't know what to do with myself." Vacations are short and local. Maybe the key is that Claudio has learned to "have fun and work," a philosophy he passes along to his 25 employees.
Marie, Claudio's wife, runs accounting and payroll. Married for three years when Park Place Bagels opened, the Iaccarinos now have three children. Their eldest daughter Marisa recently took the NYS Bar Exam.
Middle child Rosa is enrolled in an 800-hour medical technology program at Westchester Medical Center. Son Anthony is in high school.
An essential service, Park Place Bagels stayed open during the shutdown. Today business is just "slightly off." Customers contributed "gift cards" for provisions for firefighters, EMS, and hospital workers, some of whom were working 24 hours shifts. The gift cards ran out, but Claudio carries on the initiative, often opening earlier than his standard 5:30 am for these workers.
Leftover food is contributed daily to the Lutheran Church and other programs providing for the food insecure population. Perhaps another key to success is generosity.
Park Place Bagels has two locations in Bronxville: 9 Park Place and 52 Palmer Avenue.
Other Spotlight Features
If you'd like to read about other businesses in town, click on these links for other Spotlight Features.
Spotlight on Found Herbal, Mossy Fern, and Provisions for Pets
Spotlight on Booskerdoo, Bronxville Jewelers 90 and Station Plaza Wine
Spotlight on Bronxville Fitness Club, Fabio's Hair Studio & Wild Vine & Liquors
Spotlight on Adrian East, Bronxville Furriers and Beer Noggin
Spotlight on Chantilly Patisserie and Bakeshop, Enrico Gargano Hair & Hickey's Del
Spotlight on Ladle of Love, Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop & Gillard's
Spotlight on Slave to the Grind, Maison Rouge & Continental 109 Salon
Photo at top: A.Warner; Other photos provided by M. Oden
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
Shops Directory
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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Toney Toni & The Gang
Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our clients experience an increase in well-being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops
Schedule your appointment online
Purchase a gift certificate online
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
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Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.
POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.
POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
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Rain Natural Skin Care
Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year.
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Trapp Opticians
Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.
M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM
42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Framebridge
All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls. At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece.
Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer. Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.
We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs. Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Silk Road
We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing. We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others. Gift wrapping is available.
Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 60-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.
Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.
Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.
Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
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Bacione Pasta Shop
Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor. Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.
You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal. Add-ons include: chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.
Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home. Dessert offerings are: tiramisu, flan and panna cotta. Drink choices are Italian sodas.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.
Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections. (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
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