New Businesses Open in Katonah May Signal an Economic Upturn

The recession may be still with us in many ways, but there are some signs that it is loosening its hooks in the local economy. Three new businesses have opened or are opening in the Katonah business district.

Just opening at 131 Katonah Avenue is Monroe's Vintiques. The store features vintage clothing, old kitchenware, and "a splattering of antique furniture," according to Janis, the owner, who doesn't use her last name. The clothing in the store dates from the 1930's to the 1970's, with dresses, skirts, aprons, and blouses. A metal-edged enamel kitchen table from the mid-century has pride of place towards the back of the store, along with a display of eggbeaters and other kitchen tools. A lady's vanity has a collection of lovely old handkerchiefs, from back before people carried little packets of tissues. There is a dish of complimentary Bazooka gum on the store counter.

Janis has been in business for 10 years at locations in New Jersey, but coming to Katonah is a return home for her. "I grew up in Westchester," she said. She started out collecting Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. That led her to collecting and selling vintage clothing. Then she branched out into vintage kitchenware. She had no trouble finding a place in Katonah to open the store, adding, "This was meant to be."

Monroe's has been open for a week. "There is new old stuff coming in every week," Janis said.

Whiteleaf Entertainment Group has put its new office at 77 Bedford Road, just off Katonah Avenue. This is a new address for the firm, which had been located in Nyack, according to Barry Weisblatt, owner. The company books entertainment and produces special events for companies, individuals, and organizations; everything from a bar mitzvah to college concerts to top-name entertainers for a corporation's sales convention.

"Our niche is being able to bring big name entertainers and fit them into the private entertainment world," said Weisblatt. "We've produced Elton John, Jerry Seinfeld, Sheryl Crow, Cher, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler." He also the booking agent for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. The company has three employees.

Weissblatt relocated his company to Katonah because he and his family moved to North Salem. "I fell in love with Katonah," he said. He looked around for 6 months before finding the right location. Whiteleaf Entertainment group has been in Katonah since December.

Tom's, on the corner of Katonah Avenue and Valley Road, will be selling men's clothing, including T-shirts, polo shirts, and other casual attire. The store, named for its owner, local lawyer Tom Antonecchia, will carry the Penguin and Southern Tide lines of men's clothing. (See our related story here.)