Though it may not be an economic boom, there is definitely an upward climb in the business climate in a rather unlikely place: the village of Camillus. From new businesses, to expansions of already established shops, to new investment opportunities, change is afoot in the business district of the village.
Cafe Montero and The String Corner, each of which have only been open for less than two years, are enjoying more elbow room with a move just a few doors west to 69 Genesee St.
Jennifer Montero, who runs the cafe, said the new location is cozy but added about a third of the floor space. Michael Montero’s string shop is now located behind the cafe.
The couple, expecting their first child in late September, moved their storefronts physically and also made the jump from renters to owners, a good sign for the future of the village.
In The String Corner’s former spot at 57 Genesee St., Camillus Diamond and Gold opened for business earlier this month. The jewelry store features a variety of retail items as well as an in-house goldsmith for custom orders. Owner Mike Betts, of Solvay, said he decided to set up shop in Camillus after looking at locations in different areas around Syracuse.
Camillus Diamond and Gold is open every day but Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A close neighbor, the once-worrisome 55 Main Street is being renovated by Richard Kirk. The former bar is set to become a two-story restaurant.
Across the street, the For Sale sign still stands outside of the Camillus Cutlery building. Pyramid Brokerage is asking a cool $600,000 for the retail property, where some village residents and officials hope an investor will create a modern mixed-use destination full of specialty shops and upscale residences.
If that price tag is out of your reach, consider the historic Green Gate Inn, recently placed on the market for $495,000 after months of on-again off-again business inspired rumors of financial difficulty and family illness abroad.
Other business news in the village include:
– Tina Sakran’s Princess Room at Shear Impressions is taking appointments for pampering. Call 672-3722 for more information.
– Treat your best friend – the four-legged one – to a beauty treatment, too, at Top Dog Grooming, where you can also pick up all-natural dog food and a flashy hand-made collar for a little extra dazzle.
– Flowers Down Under is live online. Visit camillusflorist.com for 24-7 access to Annette Williams’ village floral shop.
– As summer gets into full swing, so does the musical lineup at LWB’s Camillus Grill. Regular local live acts include Menagecoustic, Dirty Girls, The Goods and Larry Stamatele and the Swampdogs. Karaoke will start back up in August.
– Little Ladies and Lace has switched to summer hours, now open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. When the shop is closed, look for owners Jolly and John on their bikes, training for next year’s Bike Across Kansas event. Visit them online at Littleladiesandlace.com.
