MOUNT KISCO — Looking out the window of the Smokers Harbor II cigar shop, it’s easy to spot two empty storefronts across the road on East Main Street.
But in one of the vacant spaces is a sign saying Crisabella’s Italian Restaurant will open in that location just southeast of Main Street’s intersection with South Moger Avenue.
The cigar shop co-owner, Brian Kaplan noted the other empty space, which once housed the Dance Connection, is to become a new Jos. A. Banks men’s clothing store.
But even amid the signs of new investment downtown, Kaplan said he’s seen the sluggish economy’s impact on his own shop, which opened in June.
“You’re in northern Westchester. There are still people with cash,” said Kaplan, who purchased the cigar business from the previous owner. “But I would think if you have an extra $50 in cash and you needed to pay your phone bill, you’re not going to spend it on cigars.”
Kaplan said he doesn’t expect great business now as the economy sputters along, but hoped to benefit as it turns a corner. He said the store is in a village that’s a northern Westchester commercial hub, adding that people heading to Mount Kisco’s Target on Route 117 might stop downtown to shop.
Thomas Lenhart, a customer relaxing with a cigar at Smokers Harbor recently, said Mount Kisco is a draw for him. Lenhart said Hawthorne, where he lives, doesn’t have much of a downtown.