HAUPPAUGE, NY — Roast Sandwich House is expanding deeper into Suffolk County, with the popular fast-casual eatery preparing to open its seventh Long Island location in Hauppauge later this winter.

The new restaurant will be located at 373 Smithtown Bypass, owner Joseph Cordaro confirmed in an interview with Patch. The space was previously occupied by Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop.

Cordaro said the decision to open in Hauppauge was driven largely by customer demand and the brand’s recent success in Suffolk County.

“We did grow in Babylon, and Melville does really well,” Cordaro said. “We were looking at Commack, Smithtown, and Hauppauge, and this came about in a nice shopping center. It just seems like the Suffolk locations have done well. A lot of our customers are from Suffolk — they keep coming from that way.”

As the brand continues to expand, Cordaro said maintaining consistency across locations remains one of the biggest challenges.

“It’s always challenging to keep the consistency,” he said. “But we keep the same menu, we have a good team going out there, and we get it done.”

The Hauppauge location will also introduce new menu items, including additional salads and sandwiches, which will roll out across existing Roast locations.

“We have a few new menu items coming at this location and at the other ones as well,” Cordaro said. “The key is keeping it all the same around all stores.”

Cordaro, who has been in the food business for more than 20 years, said one of the biggest lessons he’s learned as an owner goes beyond cooking.

“You know how to cook and you know a lot about food, but the business aspect for sure — keeping costs down, trying to make money, hiring — all that stuff is a challenge you learn along the way,” he said.

For residents who may be discovering Roast Sandwich House for the first time, Cordaro said the focus has always been on quality and transparency.

“We cook everything in-house,” he said. “We use high-end ingredients. Everything’s natural — not processed. Our breads are non-processed, our meats — we cook everything in-house. We make all the condiments. It’s pretty much like a scratch kitchen using the best quality ingredients.”

The Hauppauge Roast Sandwich House is expected to open sometime in February, with the possibility of pushing into early March.

Cordaro said the team plans to share a firm opening date soon and will keep Patch updated, including details on a grand opening.

Retired physical therapist Peter Chidichimo draws on his family's journey from southern Italy to America.

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown resident Peter Chidichimo, a retired physical therapist and late-blooming author, has published two books centered on life lessons, family and the immigrant journey.

His newest release, E la Storia Continua, traces his family’s roots back to southern Italy while spotlighting the perseverance of Italian immigrants who came to the United States with little and built new lives through faith, work and community. While rooted in Italian-American history, Chidichimo said the book’s themes are universal.

Chidichimo never set out to become an author. After spending decades as a physical therapist and later working in medical malpractice claims, writing came later in life — first through professional articles, then through local journalism, and eventually through books.

Now 70, Chidichimo spent 28 years working as a physical therapist before changing careers and spending another 13 years as a medical malpractice and professional liability claims analyst. An American-born son of Italian immigrants, he said his introduction to writing began professionally, later expanding into local journalism, where he wrote approximately 70 to 80 articles for the Smithtown Messenger.

“I’m an ordinary guy,” Chidichimo said. “But if you want something badly enough, and you’re willing to work at it, you can make something happen.”

After retiring, Chidichimo began reflecting on the lessons he learned through work, family and faith. That reflection became his first book, Fifty Things at Once, One Lesson at a Time, published in July 2024. The memoir focuses on perseverance, gratitude and the idea that meaningful progress often comes through persistence rather than talent.

His second book, E la Storia Continua, released Nov. 14, 2025, widens the lens to focus on Italian immigration. Central to the book is Chidichimo’s own family, including his father and grandfather, who immigrated from southern Italy around the time of World War II.

His grandfather arrived in the United States in 1939, later sending for his family once he became established.

“My grandfather came first in 1939,” Chidichimo said. “Once he was established, he sent for my father and one of my aunts. My father came here with nothing except some loose change. My father worked six days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day, and he was very rarely sick. He didn’t really take time off.”

As part of researching the book, Chidichimo traveled to southern Italy, visiting the village where his father and aunts grew up, as well as Naples, the port his family departed from. He described standing in his father’s hometown for the first time as a powerful moment.

“It was very eerie going there,” he said.

The book blends memoir and historical context, using personal experiences to explore the hardships faced by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including poverty, discrimination and dangerous labor. Chidichimo also highlights well-known Italian Americans such as Fiorello La Guardia and Joe DiMaggio, along with scientists, architects and public servants who rose from humble beginnings.

“My father was my success story,” he said. “When you come with nothing, and you’re still able to start a business, learn a trade, serve your country, and provide for your family — that’s an American success story.”

Throughout both books, Chidichimo returns to themes of faith, family, friendship and work ethic — values he said were instilled in him by his father and reinforced through his own life experience.

One of his strongest motivations for writing, he said, was the fear that family stories can disappear if they are not preserved. While working on E la Storia Continua, he realized how many details had already been lost over time.

“I didn’t listen to my father enough,” he said. “I still have questions I can’t ask anymore.”

Chidichimo said he has heard from readers who were inspired to organize old photos, letters and family documents after reading his work, while others said the books encouraged conversations across generations.

“These stories are going to be lost if somebody doesn’t write them down,” he said. “They don’t have to write a book. Make a scrapbook, make a storybook — just put it together for the next generation.”

Both of Chidichimo’s books are available through Outskirts Press and major retailers, including Amazon. Copies have also been accepted into the Smithtown Library’s Local Authors collection.

A grandfather of two, Chidichimo said, preserving family history became more important as he reflected on what stories might be lost over time, particularly for younger generations.

While book sales were never the motivation, Chidichimo said he hopes readers walk away inspired.

“This isn’t about money,” he said. “It’s about the message. I think my father would be proud and happy that I was able to share what he taught me — family, faith, gratitude, prayer.”

A fire department meeting turned emotional when a firefighter came face-to-face with the family whose father he saved five decades ago.

SMITHTOWN, NY — What began as a routine department meeting became an unforgettable moment of gratitude, reflection, and tears when a family reunited with the firefighter who saved their father’s life more than 50 years ago.

On Monday, Jan. 12, members of the Smithtown Fire Department and Central Islip Fire Department paused their regular monthly meeting for a moment that transcended any agenda item — a long-overdue “thank you” more than 54 years in the making.

Former Central Islip Fire Department Chief Thomas D’Arcangelo, who served with Central Islip for 42 years and previously as a member of Smithtown Fire Department Engine Company 2, arrived expecting a standard meeting. Instead, he was unknowingly walking into a reunion that would bring back one of the earliest calls of his life.

Siblings Ken Gordon, John Gordon, and Linda (Gordon) Golden shared memories from their childhood on Allison Court in Smithtown. More than five decades ago, when they were young children, their father — not yet 40 years old — suddenly stopped breathing inside their home. Their mother screamed for help and sent the children outside to flag down an ambulance.

Just one minute after the emergency call was placed, a car came racing around the corner with a blue light flashing.

Behind the wheel was an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter — still wearing his pajamas.

That firefighter was Thomas D’Arcangelo.

Using early CPR, D’Arcangelo successfully resuscitated their father, who went on to make a full recovery. He would live another 43 years, passing away at the age of 81 after witnessing milestones that might never have been possible otherwise.

“He saw all of us have kids," John Gordon said. "He saw all of us graduate school. He went to every one of our weddings. He changed the course of life for me and my family. I get choked up every time I think about how different life would have been if he wasn’t that 18-year-old kid coming down the road to help my father. There wasn’t a holiday that went by that we didn’t talk about Tommy.”

Surrounded by applause — and more than a few tears — the Gordon family finally had the opportunity to thank the man whose quick response altered their family’s future, sharing a long-overdue embrace with D’Arcangelo.

“Stories like this remind us why we volunteer,” Smithtown Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Andrew Kelly said. “I had the honor of listening to the Gordon family share how, 54 years ago, a member of the Smithtown Fire Department saved their father’s life. We paused our regular meeting because their story was bigger than any agenda item — it was a powerful reminder of why we serve this community.”

Kelly said that moments like these reflect the core mission of volunteer fire and EMS services.

“One neighbor’s response, one selfless act, changed the course of an entire family,” he said. “Moments like this define the Volunteer Fire and EMS service — neighbors helping neighbors when it matters most. I am extremely proud to serve as one of the leaders of this outstanding organization.”

Fire officials said the reunion also serves as a reminder of how critical early CPR can be during an emergency, noting that immediate action in the first moments can make a life-saving difference.

Residents can learn more about joining the Smithtown Fire Department at SmithtownFD.org/join.

SMITHTOWN, NY, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors announced the launch of its window and door installation and replacement services, serving residential and commercial properties throughout Smithtown, New York. The company provides professionally installed window and door solutions designed to support energy efficiency, structural durability, and long-term property value.

The launch expands access to locally available installation services for property owners seeking window and door upgrades suited to Long Island’s climate conditions and the architectural styles commonly found throughout the Smithtown area.

Range of Window and Door Options Available Product Selection and Design Compatibility

Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors offers a selection of window and door options intended to address a variety of functional needs and design preferences. Available window styles include double-hung windows, casement windows, bay and bow window configurations, picture windows, and sliding windows commonly used in residential properties. Door offerings include entry doors and sliding patio doors designed for residential and light commercial applications.

According to the company, product selections are evaluated based on material quality, performance characteristics, and compatibility with architectural styles commonly found throughout the Smithtown area.

“Well-designed windows and doors play a key role in comfort, security, and efficiency,” said Edlaine Calzada, Marketing Director at Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors. “Each project is reviewed individually to ensure the installation supports long-term performance and complements the property’s overall design.”

The company states that its products are selected to meet established benchmarks for insulation, weather resistance, and durability, with installation plans developed in alignment with manufacturer specifications and property-specific requirements.

Installation Services Designed for Local Properties Professional Installation and Weather Protection

In addition to supplying windows and doors, Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors provides professional installation services performed by trained technicians. The installation process includes accurate measurement, proper fitting, sealing, and alignment to support smooth operation and protection from weather exposure.

The company emphasizes installation practices such as sealing and weatherproofing, which are intended to reduce drafts, moisture intrusion, and performance issues over time. Services are available for window replacements, door replacements, and new installations.

“Our installation process focuses on consistency and attention to detail,” Calzada said. “Proper installation is essential to ensuring that products perform as intended in local conditions.”

Energy Efficiency Considerations

Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors reports that many of its available products are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Depending on the product selected, features may include insulated frames, low-emissivity (low-E) glass coatings, and multi-pane glass configurations.

These features are intended to help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy loss commonly associated with aging or improperly sealed windows and doors. The company notes that energy efficiency is an important consideration for homeowners evaluating long-term operating costs and comfort.

Get Your Free Window and Door Installation Estimate in Smithtown, NY

Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors offers free, no-obligation consultations for homeowners and business owners interested in upgrading their windows and doors. During consultations, the team evaluates existing conditions, reviews available options, and provides estimates based on project scope and budget considerations.

Property owners may contact the company at (631) 646-2386 or via email at info@smithtownwindowsdoors.com

About Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors

Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors is a provider of window and door installation and replacement services based in Smithtown, New York. The company serves residential and commercial clients with a focus on professional installation, product performance, and responsive customer service. Services include window replacement, door installation, and project consultations tailored to local property needs.

Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors (631) 646-2386 43 Landing Ave Smithtown, NY 11787

Edlaine Calzad Smithtown Window Replacement and Doors info@smithtownwindowsdoors.com

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A Long Island mayor is facing accusations of being an anti-Christmas Grinch after he dinged a Catholic church for hosting a holiday fundraiser.

The Village of the Branch, in the Town of Smithtown, issued a citation to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, threatening it with a fine of at least $350 for the “prohibited use” of its front parking lot to sell trees and other Yuletide gear.

But lawyers for the 73-year-old congregation claimed village Mayor Mark Delaney holds a “personal vendetta” against the Suffolk County church — and unfairly singled it out.

“The Village must immediately abandon its discriminatory treatment of the Church and its religious fundraising activities,” the nonprofit legal defense group First Liberty Institute wrote in a letter to Delaney on behalf of the church.

Ryan Gardner, an attorney with the public interest law firm, claimed Delaney was using “the petty tools of government to lash out against a church that he has a personal vendetta against.”

“Why else would he be sending his code enforcement officers over there to cite the church for something that they’ve been doing for 25 years?” he told The Post.

Delaney denied a vendetta.

“We never stopped the church from selling their Christmas trees,” he insisted in a phone interview.

The village argues that the church is free to hawk whatever it pleases — but not in its front parking lot, which is zoned as part of the “historical district,” where sales are prohibited.

Church officials will have to appear at a January 26 hearing to face the charges, according to the summons.

The mayor said the Dec. 16 summons was only meant to “encourage conversation.”

He insisted the village was “not pursuing any monetary fines — simply compliance in fairness to neighbors in the historic district.” But he admitted, “I cannot influence court action.”

Gardner argued the “fundraising activities” regulation invoked by the village is unconstitutional and unfairly zeroes in on the church, over other nonprofit organizations.

He noted the regulation doesn’t even define what a fundraiser is, posing other legal concerns under a federal land-use statute that applies to religious institutions.

“The Village’s actions impermissibly intrude upon the First Amendment’s guarantee of autonomy to the Church,” Gardner wrote in his Dec. 18 letter to the mayor.

“The Village must immediately abandon its discriminatory treatment of the Church and its religious fundraising activities” or face possible legal repercussions, First Liberty’s letter said.

Delaney noted the church held its annual fundraiser — selling Christmas trees, wreaths and “grave blankets” used to decorate cemetery plots in winter — for more than 20 years in the area near its entrance that falls in the “residential district.”

“We’re not clear why they chose to move the selling location” to the parking lot for this year’s event, which ended last weekend, he said.

The village leader said officials were “interested in learning in court” why the parish made that change, especially when a previous St. Patrick’s legal case against the village ended with the church having to move its annual carnival out of the parking lot.

Gardner argued that regardless, the village mandate goes against federal law, which calls for equal treatment for charities, both secular and religious.

Unfairly targeting religious groups can have financial consequences, the attorney pointed out. In July, the Village of Atlantic Beach in Nassau County forked over $950,000 to settle a dispute with Chabad Lubavitch of the Beaches over that group’s plan to open a center there.

Delaney told The Post, “I am not familiar with the First Liberty organization and will not be responding to their letter.”