Stony Brook Commons shopping center plans to add Chopt, Wonder takeout eateries

The new owner of a vacant Stony Brook shopping center is planning to add two takeout eateries and a Pilates business as part of a redevelopment of the space, which previously housed a Blockbuster Video store.

Larchmont-based Marsh Development plans to open a total of five stores and restaurants at Stony Brook Commons at 205 Hallock Rd., founder and president Stephen Marsh told the Brookhaven Town Board last week during a public hearing to discuss the project.

Among the initial tenants will be a Chopt Creative Salad restaurant, a Wonder food takeout store and a Pilates business, Marsh told the board. Two other tenants will be named later, he added.

Chopt, which has several Long Island locations, including Westbury, Roslyn and New Hyde Park, offers catering and takeout for meals such as salads, wraps and food bowls. Chopt corporate headquarters in Manhattan could not be reached for comment.

Wonder, which has outlets in Deer Park, Melville and Port Jefferson, offers both takeout and delivery options; stores typically have minimal seating for diners. Wonder, also based in Manhattan, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Marsh said in an interview after the meeting there was no opening date for the revamped shopping center.

"We gotta build it first," he said. "We're very excited about cleaning up the shopping center."

Stony Brook Commons has been vacant for several years, officials said. Its previous tenants included Blockbuster Video and Party City.

An earlier plan to open a Tutor Time day care center at the location fell through, Brookhaven officials said.

The town board, acting as the planning board, voted 7-0 Thursday to approve a new site plan for the location, including changes to the facade and other site improvements.

Uniondale attorney Anthony Guardino, representing Marsh Development, said the project would include cosmetic upgrades such as new plantings and landscaping.

"You bring good tenants to the area, and you get rid of a vacant building," he said.

Brookhaven Councilman Jonathan Kornreich, who represents Stony Brook on the town board, said area civic groups had thrown their support behind the project.

"Everybody likes it," Kornreich said during the public hearing. "We think it's great."

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.