Biz Nearby: New Plans for Shuttered Theater; Mall Plans Grand Reopening

The Glen Cove movie theater, closed since March, may reopen as soon as January.

Commercial real estate investor Robert DiNoto, of the Huntington-based DiNoto Group, took over ownership of the theater last week. DiNoto said that his group is in negotiations with multiple theater operators.

Whether a local operator or national operator takes over the theater will determine how soon it opens, DiNoto said.

Regardless of the operator, the theater will undergo a renovation ranging between one to four million dollars.  City incentives involve a PILOT program for taxes, according to DiNoto, and possible additional incentives once an operator is decided upon.

Panera Bread is Hiring; Plans to Have First-Long Island Drive-Thru

Panera Bread will open its first drive-thru café on Long Island before the end of the year and is now hiring. 

The bakery-café is still under construction at 1082 Old Country Road in Plainview just west of Manetto Hill Road and the Plainview Diner. Company officials announced Monday that they will be hiring up to 60 people, a combination of full and part time positions.

The Plainview location, being built at the site of the former Burger King, will still offer its usual indoor cafe, and officials said it will have free Wi-Fi and the usual quality food choices and breads.

The café will bring 60 new jobs to the area, company officials said Monday.

Those interested in employment opportunities can visit www.panerabread.jobs.

The Brooklyn-based retailer, which sells everything from T-shirts to wallets, will open between the Chase Bank and New York and Co. at the center.

Cord Meyer, which leases the shopping center's stores, could not be reached for comment. It was unclear when Ruby and Jenna is expected to open.

Accessory store Periwinkle is also on the way at the center and will open at the former FYE site.

Walt Whitman Shops plans a grand reopening to mark completion of 18 months of renovation and expansion.

The reopening will start at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21 with a ribbon-cutting and unveiling of a new bronze statue of the poet Walt Whitman. Over the next three days, the mall will offer live entertainment, hourly prize giveaways, a chance to sample food and drinks and shopping at many of the 30 new businesses that have opened in recent months. The celebration wraps up Nov. 24.