Business News: Painter Reflects on Challenges, Bonuses of Being the Boss

Find out what's going on at businesses around the East End:

EAST HAMPTON

Small Biz Owner Reflects on Challenges, Bonuses of Being the Boss

Springs native Mario "Sonny" Sireci started painting when he was in high school, and after four years in the U.S. Navy, he started his own painting business in 1996. Seventeen years later, he continues to run a successful business, based in Springs, that bears his name. It went from being a one-man show to a team of six. Sireci said he works hard to navigate the challenges of running a small business, but he wouldn't trade anything for being his own 
boss.

RIVERHEAD

Just in time for the holidays Christmas Tree Shops andThat! has opened its doors on Route 58 in Riverhead.

The store will offer bargains year-round, according to store reps, including seasonal items, home furnishings, housewares, food, gifts, and paper goods.

Special holiday store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

NORTH FORK

With a bulging buffet of food challenges tempting those with voracious appetites nationwide, Greenport now has its own entry, a weekly taco-eating contest.

According to Marc LaMaina, owner of Lucharitos, where the contest is held every Tuesday on $2 taco day, contestants "have to eat as many as they can. The record right now is held by the champ Kyle Fiasconaro of Greenport, with 15 tacos eaten in one sitting."