The site of the Roslyn Road Cafe, long one of the village's favorite establishments, has undergone several ownership changes in the past five years. Now, Mims, a restaurant located in Syosset, is branching out to open a new establishment on 235 Roslyn Road.

Mims has been in Syosset for 14 years. According to owner Rich Cutler, numerous Roslyn residents and businessmen have long patronized his Syosset restaurant. "They would always ask: When are you going to open a place in Roslyn?" Mr. Cutler recalled. The Roslyn Mims now hopes to open by mid-July and hopefully, no later than Aug. 1.

Mr. Cutler also said Roslyn appeals to him because as a community, it is similar to Syosset. In addition, the location was also favorable to the owners. The free-standing building, Mr. Cutler notes, has plenty of parking, plus it is close to the expressway. In anticipation of the summer opening, workers have been doing work on both the exterior and interior of the building. No major reconstruction is being done, as the structure of the building will essentially remain the same. "We have seen [the site] move from one owner to another," Mr. Cutler said, while hoping to bring some stability to the site. The new owner is optimistic about his move, noting that he has received a warm welcome so far from local residents. Over the years, Mr. Cutler and his partners have made friends with numerous Roslynites, so the area is not totally alien to him.

Mr. Cutler and one of his partners, Ken Walsh, both said that Mims is anxious to become part of the community, once they settle into the new site. That would include, among other things, sponsoring youth athletic teams, such as Little League squads. The old Roslyn Cafe, Mr. Walsh said, "always had a good crowd. We want to keep it that way."

The restaurant, both men added, hopes to fill a niche between high-end establishments and diners. Mims will be offering fish and salads on a "light menu." It will also be primarily a family place, without a "loud and obnoxious" night crowd. The restaurant will also host private parties and on certain nights, will have live entertainment.

The owners are already a hit with one Roslyn resident. Sheryl Goldstein had a birthday party planned at the restaurant for her 1-year-old daughter, Jessica. The party was booked in March for a May 12 date. However, two weeks before the party, Ms. Goldstein learned that the restaurant, then called the Roslyn Road Cafe had closed operations without telling her. Ms. Goldstein contacted the Mims people, who promptly promised to hold the party in the now-vacant building. The current landlords also allowed the party to go forward. Ms. Goldstein praised Mr. Cutler and Mr. Walsh for not only doing the right thing, but for giving a "fabulous" party for her daughter and her friends. Mr. Walsh called the little incident a case in point when working with local residents. "Get to know the community and then do the right thing," he said.