A pair of Bronx brothers have expanded their business to Port Morris, bringing new jobs with them.
The newly opened restaurant supply store FoodFest Depot has created 36 new full-time positions in the South Bronx, and the owners say they plan to hire more as the business grows.
FoodFest Depot, owned by brothers Gus and Mike Tyras, is an outpost of Victory Food Service based in Hunts Point.
Bronx Business
At the grand opening on Wednesday, April 23, Bronx Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lenny Caro praised the Tyras brothers for the jobs they provide the borough.
“The jobs that they’re creating in the Bronx is such a positive,” he said. “It’s a great thing for the community.”
Caro said the Tyras’s new business is evidence of the borough’s ongoing economic growth.
“Our Bronx right now is booming like it’s never boomed before,” said Caro.
Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, also thanked the brothers for their growing business.
“Thank you for being in the Bronx,” she said. “Thank you for investing in the Bronx.”
Josephine Infante, president of the Greater Hunts Point Chamber of Commerce said the Tyras have helped the business community and have led by example, installing solar panels on the Hunts Point facility.
“It’s a progressive family,” she said. “And it’s an inclusive family.”
Serious shopping
The grand opening, well attended by Bronx business leaders, featured music and food samples before the owners cut the ribbon on the new establishment. Despite the festivities, there were many shoppers on a mission.
While the store at 500 East 132nd Street is branded as a restaurant supply store, it does not require a paid membership like some other wholesale stores and is open to all types of shoppers. The 98,000 square foot building also has a free parking lot.
One shopper, Joanne Brye, said she plans to use the new store because it’s convenient to her Manhattan home, just over the bridge.
“I don’t have a business,” she said. “But I like to buy things in bulk.”
Refat Ahmed, who left the store with dollies full of goods, said he was buying the food for his company which supplies restaurants. He said the new store would help his business.
“It means to me everything,” he said about the grand opening. “It means to me the price is going to be good.”
