Massapequa Perk, the go-to place for discerning coffee aficionados since opening their doors in August of 2008, very nearly closed those doors for good earlier this year when tragedy struck close to home.
Perk co-owner Lucky Fortunato sadly passed away on May 1 of this year, leaving the future of the well-regarded coffee shop in doubt; his wife and business partner Lisa DiBenedetto attempted to carry on, but understandably, the painful situation soon grew to be a bit much to bear.
Mulling over the difficult decision to sell, DiBenedetto spoke with friend and fellow local business owner Pete Mangouranes to get his take on the matter.
“They had kids, and she didn’t want to be that mom who brought her kids here and had them sitting on the couch while she worked. Plus, there were the memories and everything else that was going on…she just couldn’t deal with it,” he said. “She mentioned that she wanted to sell, and I asked her if she had a number in her head that she was willing to sell it for. When she said what that number was, I told her I could do that.”
Mangouranes, a Massapequa Park resident who already co-owns popular local eateries The Good Life and Jam Breakfast – both located on Park Boulevard within walking distance of Perk’s 117 Front Street location – said that he considered Fortunato a personal friend, and that his sudden passing was a terrible shock.
“He was such a lively, passionate guy,” he said. “It’s amazing when someone cares that much about what they do, and you don’t meet people with that kind of character very often. He made Massapequa Perk, and the news hit me hard.”
Mangouranes’ establishments already had a pre-existing relationship with Massapequa Perk, as they were getting all their coffee exclusively from them; purchasing the business – the official takeover date was Sept. 1 – was a natural step forward, he noted, but it also served to ensure that Fortunato’s legacy would be in safe hands.
“It’s a viable business and it’s a great little shop in town. I used to come here all the time as an escape to get a few minutes of peace and quiet from work,” he said. “My staff loves to come to Perk all the time as well.” added Mangouranes. “Literally, the staff here just runs the place and I just make sure that things keep going as they have. Usually, I just go into a place and knock it down, but this doesn’t need it. This works.”
The only changes being made, Mangouranes noted, were conveniences to help make employees’ lives easier; the counter will be re-designed to allow for space to store items that are normally stored in the kitchen, such as ice and milk. In addition, all baked goods will eventually be prepared on-site as opposed to being outsourced, which Mangouranes said echoes the trademark approach he takes at his other establishments.
Lisa DiBenedetto has not completely removed her mark from Massapequa Perk, however; Mangouranes said that she still comes in twice a day for her usual cup of coffee, and is actively involved in making sure that the transition into his care is a smooth one.
“Lisa is working with us, checking over the orders, making sure they’re done properly…she wants this place to exist; she knows how many people care about and love this place and support it,” said Mangouranes.
With an impressive three businesses to now oversee, you’d think that Mangouranes would be laden with stress; however, the acquisition of Massapequa Perk has generated anything but. Instead, it’s given him a unique dynamic in the sense that it not only represents an exciting new challenge, but also a way of honoring the memory of a friend.
“I like it, I really do. I like the mornings here; it’s very different,” he said. “At the restaurants they hang out for a while, sit in groups, but here it’s quick, individual and personal. We see the same people every day. We’re a part of their routine, and that’s special to me.”
