Gina Jaworoski and her husband Lennie own a small restaurant and catering operation in Bay Shore, N.Y. Business, she reports, has been tolerable at their Milk & Sugar Café and Victorian Room catering facility. But, as is the case with many other Long Island independents, it could be a lot better, particularly given the current economic headwinds.
Rather than soldier on alone into an uncertain financial future, though, the Jaworoskis decided to throw in with a newly formed organization designed to provide mom-and-pop operators with some benefits usually associated with larger chain operations.
Called the Long Island Dining Alliance, the organization functions as a kind of support group, helping small businesses navigate through the turbulent waters of the recession.
Founded by former restaurateur Donna Trapani and marketing specialist Chris Ferrara, LIDA functions as a networking group and a resource for a range of services. Trapani, who has managed or owned several Long Island operations, says the group has struck deals with more than 70 local businesses offering a variety of services.
By negotiating as a group, LIDA is able to get better rates and pass the savings on to members, Trapani said. Trapani, who grew up in the foodservice business, owned her own operation called The Breakfast Club. The restaurant failed to click, though, and she was forced to close.
“There is such a need on Long Island for an organization like this that can help small, struggling restaurateurs,” she said.
So far LIDA has made arrangements with vendors that provide payroll services, credit-card processing, landscaping, accounting, waste removal, linen cleaning, masonry and painting, and security systems, among other things.
The organization also has partnered with a major distributor that has offices on Long Island. Trapani said LIDA members receive a 10-percent discount on their first three orders with the distributor.
Overall, discounts for LIDA vendors range from 10 percent to 50 percent.
LIDA is planning to provide other resources as well. Trapani and Ferrara said they are exploring ways to help publicize member restaurants, from hosting charity events to placing menus in local dining guides. They also plan to set up a website that will feature a job bank.
In addition, Trapani and Ferrara communicate with members, sharing information about trends and events. They said they intend to hold quarterly meetings and publish a monthly newsletter.
LIDA is planning to hold its official launch April 19, although it already has about 40 charter members. The annual fee for membership is $495.
LIDA’s founders maintain that independent small-business owners need all the help they can get in this economy.
“You can hear the frustration in their voices when you talk with them,” Ferrara said. “These are very challenging times.”
Jaworoski agrees, and adds that so far her experience with LIDA has been a positive one.
“We’re just trying to keep afloat, and it helps to know we’re not alone,” she said.— [email protected]
