Two national food chains are set to call Wantagh home.
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza and the national frozen yogurt franchise Red Mango have signed long-term leases to occupy the on Sunrise Highway purchased by Bellmore developer Larry Weinberger two years ago. Weinberger, who acquired the 0.72-acre parcel on 3340 Sunrise Hwy. from Gloria R. Keily Trust for $3.4 million, said construction of the new Wantagh eateries is expected to begin next week with both chains slated for openings in the summer.
Weinberger said there is room for two other merchants to occupy the shopping center, which is located by the corner of Seaford Avenue.
“Discussions with many merchants are ongoing but two we are keen on are a personal training gym and major national Mexican food chain,” Weinberger said.
Fort Lauderdale , Fla.-based Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is owned by Franklin Square native Anthony Bruno, who moved to Florida 30 years ago to start up “Anthony’s Runway 84". The restaurant chain currently has two other Nassau County locations in Carle Place and Woodbury.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza spokeswoman Jamie Russell said a late summer opening is planned at its new Wantagh location.
Dallas-based Red Mango specializes in natural low calorie frozen yogurt and smoothies. The dessert franchise operates 14 locations in Nassau County with the closest to Wantagh being on 4946 Merrick Rd., Massapequa.
Red Mango spokeswoman Monica Feid said a June opening is expected in Wantagh.
president Christopher Brown is excited about the pending development of 3340 Sunrise Hwy.
"It is always great to have businesses coming into the community," Brown said. "It's a great sign that hopefully the economy is coming back with some of these spaces being filled."
