Cuffy’s expands on Route 28
May 18, 2006 -- An aging stretch of Route 28 properties in West Dennis is showing signs of rejuvenation as Cuffy’s and other businesses begin expansions and renovations, even as the town discusses plans for revitalization of the nearby West Dennis village.
Cuffy’s, which is already expanding its existing West Dennis resort apparel business into a building next door, has just bought the vacant Speakeasy, formerly Christine’s Restaurant and Showclub, also on Route 28 in West Dennis.
Other investors plan projects including the vacant Paperback Cottage, occupying one of four corners at Route 28 and Route 134, to become a Dunkin Donuts shop. The town also is talking with property owners about reviving the West Dennis village center near School Street and Route 28.
For Cuffy, whose real name is Dominick Albano, the Christine’s acquisition is a return to his roots. Cuffy started selling T-shirts from the same parking lot in 1980 before expanding into stores across the Cape and in Newport, Rhode Island.
“The opportunity obviously presented itself with the impending foreclosure [of the Speakeasy]. I opted to step in, was able to purchase it, assume some of the obligations and prevent it from going to auction.”
It is a case of history repeating itself, as Cuffy got his start at that very location. “I started selling from Mom’s car, buying shorts for a buck and selling them for two bucks. I threw the shirts on top of the car and got a tan.”
In addition to these two sites in West Dennis, Cuffy now owns Cape properties at the former Juice Bar in Orleans, in Yarmouth, and at the Bourne outlet center next to Liz Claiborne.
For the former Christine’s site, Cuffy says it is too early to say what will happen. He may sell a complementary line of clothing, once approvals are granted – including possible review by the Cape Cod Commission, because it would be a retail reuse use of more than 10,000 square feet of former restaurant space.
Christine’s came to prominence under the Jamiel family from the 1980s until a sale in January 2005. The operators of the Speakeasy closed their doors in October 2005. Chuck Carey of Carey Commercial handled the $1.412 million sale of the 42-year-old, one-story building at 581 Main St. (Route 28) prior to an impending foreclosure auction.
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