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NEW YORK - You've either got to be crazy or a visionary to start a new business during a recession. Steven and Sharon Zukerman are a little bit of both. The Irvington couple just opened LIFE: The Place To Be, a unique 29,000-square-foot party-and-play space in a former trucking warehouse in Ardsley triggerAd(1,PaginationPage,8);  All vestiges of its industrial past have been replaced with state-of the-art laser tag, mini bowling alleys, a climbing wall and a gleaming cafe, along with vast, customizable spaces for private parties. Oh, did we mention there's a 3,000-square-foot arcade? LIFE, as they envision it, will be a place for the community - especially families in the river towns - to get together over games of Ms. Pac-Man, mac 'n cheese, and milestone events such as Sweet Sixteen parties and bar and bat mitzvahs. The couple admits the idea of opening a new business in this economy "is a little nuts, but there is still a need for an alternative event space in our county," says Steven Zukerman. And he ought to know: He founded and runs Travesties Entertainment, a Manhattan-based company that does more than 250 special events and parties each year. "I see LIFE as the ultimate gathering place," he adds. "The key is to keep it simple, and family- and community-oriented." By day, it's a membership club for families - the Zukermans hope to entice about 1,000 dues-paying members - where parents get a spacious and secure play place for their kids, along with a convenient meet-up spot for themselves. On the flip side, the couple will book private parties and corporate events. They've partnered with Abigail Kirsch to provide the on-site catering. The idea for LIFE was born after the Zukermans and their two small children moved to Irvington from Manhattan. Looking to start a Westchester-based business, they first considered turning un-used office space into lofts, but finding a dearth of engaging and safe play places for their kids, they had a revelation: Why not create an upscale catering venue that would include equally upscale indoor play options - and some nice amenities for parents? Read More...
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in Running a Center by madcow7, 16-11-08 13:51
