ICYMI: Owner Of Storied Northport Sweet Shop: We'll Survive Virus

NORTHPORT, NY — Any business that's been around for 91 years has experienced it all. The Great Depression? Check. The Great Recession? Check. The coronavirus pandemic? That's the current challenge facing Pete Panarites, owner of Northport Sweet Shop.

Panarites, 80, runs the family business that his father, George, founded in 1929. He took over the shop, which includes an ice cream parlor, luncheonette and candy shop, in 1971 after his father fell ill. Panarites, a former high school math teacher, works the shop with his sister, Georgia; niece, Marlene; and nephew, John.

The coronavirus has been a struggle for many merchants, as New York state mandates aiming to curb the virus's spread have limited the types of service they could offer. Drawing on lessons learned from his dad, Panarites believes the family business will remain a staple in the village.

"We'll survive," he told Patch. "My father got through the Depression, so I should be able to get through this, I hope."

In times of economic hardship, a good cash reserve is crucial for businesses — a lesson his father imparted, Panarites said.

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