An international grocery store, a long anticipated taco & tequila bar, and an acupuncture franchise all make their Island debuts

by Jessica Jones Gorman

BOTROS DOES IT AGAIN
After much anticipation, Peter Botros’s latest restaurant venture is open for business. Sofia’s Taqueria, in Rosebank and in the former home of Zest, focuses on fresh Mexican fare like Pico di Gallo, tableside guacamole, salsa, and deep fried tortillas all made in house.

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The restaurant is Botros’s fifth: The mortgage banker turned chef also owns The Stonehouse at Clove Lakes, The Chef’s Loft at The Stone House, Cornerhouse BBQ, and Violette’s Cellar. The focus of the taco and tequila bar is Latin food with a twist; think Mexican burratta, churros with a syrupy dipping sauce, octopus tacos, and handcrafted margaritas. 977 Bay Street, sofiastaquerianyc.com

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WELLNESS & ZEN CHILL OUT THE SOUTH SHORE
Modern Acupuncture, a national franchise that aims to make the natural health and cosmetic benefits of the alternative medical technique available to people in an accessible and affordable way, is set to open a location in Tottenville this spring. The new site will offer monthly memberships, packages, and walk in appointments, and focus on a 2,000 year old practice that utilizes tiny needles to access distinct points on the body to restore balance, alleviate pain, stress, and anxiety, enhance sleep, and improve overall well-being.

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GP SPREAD

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health “Results from a number of studies suggest that acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often chronic, such as that in the lower back and neck and osteoarthritis/knee pain. It also may help reduce the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches.”

“Acupuncture treats the whole person, no matter what ails you,” the company notes on its website. “It decreases inflammation and increases blood flow, which helps alleviate chronic pain of all kinds: headaches, joint, muscle, and more.” 7001 Amboy Road, Suite C-102, modernacupuncture.com

LIDL OPENS ITS FIRST NYC STORE AT THE STATEN ISLAND MALL
Lidl, a global discount supermarket chain based in Neckarsulm, Germany (its roots going back to 1930, when Josef Schwarz became a partner in Südfrüchte Großhandel Lidl & Co) and known for discount prices, opened a Staten Island location in December. The store, which features a number of hard to find international brands, also partners with local and regional farms and suppliers to bring shoppers a unique variety of products. Stores also offer diversified nonfoods selections that changes twice a week its items including small kitchen appliances, toys, power tools, home décor, and gardening supplies. “We are excited to be opening our first location in Staten Island,” said Store Manager Tom Parsons to Progressive Grocer. “The store is also our first in New York State and in New York City, which is even more exciting.” 283 Platinum Avenue, lidl.com

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