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RYE BROOK, N.Y. - Politicians and state officials visited the recently opened Elevation Burger restaurant at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center. Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester) was there along with representatives from the state's Small Business Development Center.
The Tuesday morning meeting highlighted how local business owner Daniel Magnus was able to open his business by taking advantage of small business loan programs.
"Elevation Burger is evidence that these programs really work," Lowey said. "The government must always be actively working to create jobs, and although we've seen progress, we still have a lot of work to do."
Magnus, who resides in Rye with his wife and three small children, received a $1.3 million loan and saw $35,000 in fees waived from the U.S. Small Businesses Administration (SBA). Magnus, who opened his first Elevation Burger franchise in Rye Brook in October, has since opened one in Yonkers and has plans to open one more in 2012.
"People have be so appreciative of what we've been able to create," Magnus said of the community. "We're extremely overwhelmed by the response. I'd like to thank all our customers and welcome all others who have yet to come."
Magnus was also complimentary of the SBDC, which worked closely with Magnus to get elevation burger off the ground.
"We provided counciling, helped him with a business plan, financials, and worked with lenders," Louis Scamardella of the SBDC said. The SBDC provides counseling for businesses with less than 500 employees within the state.
Once Magnus opens his third location this year, he will have created over 65 new jobs in the county.
"The towns have really embraced us," Magnus said. "In my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined how successful we've been."
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