The town has announced another microenterprize grant winner during its second selection round.
Earlier this month, the town’s Economic Developer put forward O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant and Pub for a $30,000 grant, after their application was evaluated by the Microenterprize Grant Application review committee.
“They need to purchase all new kitchen equipment, so the $30,000 will be used to buy the kitchen equipment they need to get up and running,” said Economic Development Coordinator and Senior Plasnner Elizabeth Staubach.
The new restaurant is a concept by William “Liam” Slattery and friend Keith O’Brien, who grew up together in Ireland. The project was passed by the town’s Planning Board in April.
The restaurant is planned for the former Lovin’ Cafe at 318 Delaware Avenue at Main Square Shoppes. Slattery said he is currently the bar manager of Perfect Pint Irish Bar and Restaurant in Manhattan, while O’Brien owns a construction company.
Slattery’s wife, Jackie, is from Bethlehem. The couple now have two children, and part of the reason Delmar was chosen for the new venture was so their kids could be raised in her hometown. Liam and Jackie Slattery would oversee day-to-day operations of the business, while O’Brien oversees construction and maintenance.
Slattery said the location shows promise as the town has a growing population, and new businesses are attracted to the area. Building plans call for two vacant spaces to be combined into one. However, the sides will remain “slightly separate,” so one side can remain quiet with private tables. The entire restaurant would be about 2,150 square feet, along with the existing deck for outdoor seating.
The proposed exterior would be a dark gray. The sign would be scarlet with gold lettering in an attempt to emulate a “vintage” Irish pub. This would be a bit different from the building’s current light blue.
Staubach said O’Slattery’s plans to open toward the end of August, or early September.
Three other businesses were previously awarded grants in May.
Twisted Vine Wine & Tap is the newest venture from the owners and general manager of Perfect Blend. The wine bar, soon to open at Delmar’s Four Corners, was awarded $25,000 for machinery and equipment. It will create between four to six part-time jobs.
The new Sky Beauty Bar will be a full service salon and blow dry bar at 339 Delaware Ave. This will be an expansion of Kelly Anne’s Salon up the road, with all existing stylists transferring to the new location. The business was awarded $15,250 for new furniture, fixtures, machines and equipment. They will start with five employees and expand to 10.
The final winner was Keep Moving with Stephanie, which is a mobile personal trainer service that specializes in working with elderly clients. The service is helpful for those who cannot easily get to the gym. A $5,400 grant was awarded to help purchase new equipment.
The Town of Bethlehem won a $200,000 microenterprize grant from the state earlier in 2014 as economic development officials continue to seek out new avenues to promote growth. Staubach said the town now has about $28,000 left to award to new businesses, and about $27,000 left to award existing businesses.
Several more applications are expected to be approved by the town next month.
