Join WCBS-FM's Foxx & Annie in the Morning every Thursday morning at 8:05AM ET as we celebrate local businesses from Around The Tri-State, spreading the love and sharing their inspiring story.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
POTS Bronx
This week we met with Christina, Executive Director, & Diego, Director of Communications, from POTS Bronx. POTS is Part Of The Solution, and they have been fighting poverty and hunger in the Bronx since 1982! We learned so much during the Foxx & Annie Food Fund when people were struggling over the summer, but people in our community are still unfortunately struggling. Christina and Diego have said the need has just been growing. POTS offers services like hot showers, mail room, food, helping with jobs, etc. With Thanksgiving around the corner, they will be serving at Our Lady of Refuge (196th Street between Briggs & Bainbridge Avenues) from 11am-2pm. Feel free to stop by if you’re in need. If you want to learn more about them, check @potsbronx and online at POTSbronx.org.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Nicolette Sarzosa Photography
Nicolette started off going to school for painting when her professor opened her eyes to photography. She started her business in 2013, her last year of college, and did small jobs of portraits and clothing companies for still photography. After working for a few years, she was ready to travel for her business and she started working as a cruise ship photographer! She’s been to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe! You can find Nicolette on her Instagram @nicolettesarzosa_photo! Thank you Nicolette for joining us.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Smearcase
Joe is the founder and owner of Smearcase! A protein packed cottage cheese ice cream! This local, small business is changing the protein dessert game! This idea inspired Joe when he was craving some ice cream while trying to remain health conscious, eating a bowl of cottage cheese when the idea popped into his mind. He immediately started working on it with his sister Gianna and soon brought in business partner, Drew. Since starting this business, it’s been thriving! Smearcase is powered by cottage cheese and boosted with collagen. In one pint, you’ll get 40g of protein with HALF the fat. They are located in 40 stores across the New York metro area, or you can go to their website and check their store map!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
Manor Sangria
Around the Tri-State this week, we meet Bo DiBuono the owner of Manor Sangria! It all started at 20 years old when Bo was working at a country club serving up drinks at the Tiki Bar. When people started requesting the sangria, he started to serve it but not very well at first. He even started making his own wine, creating recipes for sangria over the years. After working on his craft for a while, he noticed his sangria was bringing people together! His patrons would turn around and tell everyone around them just how delicious the sangria was! It was all about word of mouth, which Bo absolutely loves. To this day, Manor Sangria is thriving and is available in 20 different markets in New York, as far as the Hamptons. And, breaking news right here on CBS-FM you can find Bo and Manor Sangria at Union Square and Columbus Square Holiday Markets!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Nouris Restaurant
Today we head to Paterson and meet George, the owner of Nouris Restaurant. George’s family came here from Syria in 1976, opening a family supermarket first, and then expanding the business to restaurants, jewelry stores, and wedding centers. George finally took over the restaurant in 2018! Since then, he’s been bringing the traditional taste of Mediterranean food. Take a look at some of the food he offers! George used to work as an advisor at Merrill Lynch and thought, it was about time to take over the family business. Starting off at the specialty Supermarket, then bought the restaurant for himself. George and his wife Pauline have grown a great relationship with the community. These two were such great guests! Go check them out in Paterson, NJ!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
Blood Manor
This week on Around the Tri-state we’re featuring Blood Manor NYC along with owner Jim Lorenzo! We’re in the Halloween spirit! If you haven’t heard of Blood Manor, where have you been?! It’s one of the premiere haunted houses in NYC! They are a proud first-class haunted house attraction with approximately 10,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and a labyrinth of passageways. Jim was a former DJ at Boardy Barn, then became an event coordinator, and in came the dream of Blood Manor! At first, it wasn’t a success but after word of mouth, it blew up!! If you go back to their website and read the origins of how Blood Manor came about, it will scare the bejesus out of you! Keep up with @bloodmanornyc for any major announcements. Big thanks to Jim for coming in-studio! Get your tickets online.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
REYNA | New York owner Nicki Laborie
Around the Tri-State: this week we meet REYNA New York owner Nicki! Fun fact: Reyna means “Queen” in Spanish! Reyna opened its first location in Toronto and opened the New York location in 2022. It’s an eccentric Mediterranean tapas restaurant and cocktail bar in Union Square! It’s a female-owned business that created Reyna to be a beautiful space for women to enjoy with some sangria, food which is a mix of Spanish, Greek, Italian, and Arabic dishes, and, good company! Nicki’s vision for Reyna was curated to follow the vibe! From the decor to the music to the lighting - it’s an overall experience there! If you go, tell Nicki you heard about it on Foxx and Annie!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Goldilocks Sleep Solutions
This week Foxx & Annie are joined by Patti Read, owner of Goldilocks Sleep Solutions! Patti is a pediatric sleep consultant and an adolescent and adult sleep coach! She helps you and your family (working one-on-one or together) to get back to sleep or improve their sleep for everyone’s overall health and wellness. She leads with her heart when working with you and your family, and is so open to adjusting anything that might not be working for you. The average person will spend 26 years of their lives sleeping, but spend another 7 years of their lives TRYING to sleep! If you’re in need of sleep, try Goldilocks Sleep Solutions to help you sleep better!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Caffe Palermo
THE Cannoli King, John DeLutro, owner of Caffe Palermo joins us for 'Around the Tri-state with Foxx & Annie'! Baby John has been the owner of Caffe Palermo since 1973! He literally bought the restaurant with $50! He’s done it all, cleaning, cooking, prepping, being the barista, manager, employee! You can see and feel John’s passion! 50+ years later, John is doing his best to keep Little Italy and Mulberry Street alive! The original Caffe Palermo specializes in Italian desserts, coffee and John’s signature Mulberry Street wine! With San Gennaro opening today at 12 noon, make sure you head out to Caffe Palermo — and be sure to catch us at the fest on Saturday!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Loren Rae
Loren Rae is a public speaking coach for kids! Loren’s public speaking workshop is an eight-hour curriculum, located in Basking Ridge. She works in-person, and online and has a self-paced online course as well. She uses videos, worksheets, and exercises, focusing on verbal communication, non-verbal communication, pace, volume, tone, and pitch. Kids will also learn how to organize their thoughts, generate conversation starters, and present speeches/TED Talks/etc. You can also catch Loren Raye filling in some mornings on our sister station, NEW 102.7.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
Chris' Red Hots
Anthony is the owner of Chris’ Red Hots! Anthony’s father bought the truck in the late 80’s/ early 90’s from the original owner (Chris) and it’s been in Anthony’s family ever since! Anthony started working on the truck at the age of 16, cleaning up, prepping the food for the day, and worked his way to becoming the boss. He officially took over the business 6 years ago. Anthony does everything for the Truck and store, an insane amount of prep and cleaning is done each day! He’s got 2 locations, one at Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ, and a storefront in Verona, right across from Verona Park (on Bloomfield Ave).
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
Let's Picnic Long Island
Debora is the owner of ‘Let’s Picnic Long Island,’ a luxury picnic service. When she first decided to open this business, her friends and family looked at her like she was crazy! But when she put her vision out into the world, she blew their minds! She’s been working with her nephew Jack for the last 2 years. They make a great team! Check her out @letspicniclongisland!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Waffles and Dreams
This week's Around the Tri-State is with Waffles and Dreams in Fairfield NJ! Lisa worked in the carnival industry for many years when she wanted to start something on her own! Waffles and Dreams became a reality when she made it into a Food Truck, and then into a brick-and-mortar store in June 2024! She loves to serve quality and consistent desserts with the same fun experience as if it were a private event! Her menu will include the sweet but also savory options including a stuffed chicken waffle! If you go to check her out, have a waffle stick and tell Lisa you heard her on Foxx and Annie!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
Duck Donuts
Around the Tri-State: Bonnie Foncello is a franchisee owner of Duck Donuts in Mamaroneck and White Plains! Bonnie was in the corporate world for 30 years when she and her husband decided they wanted to try something new, while connecting with their community. Especially when she happened to open one of her stores just 6 weeks before Covid! She and her team helped anyone they could: other local businesses, hospitals, etc. She also matched orders for those who placed them for hospitals and first responders! Talk about sticking together.
THURSDAY, JULY 18
Undercover Snacks
Diana is the Founder and CEO of Undercover Snacks. Undercover Snacks' facility is located in East Hanover, NJ, and officially launched in 2017. Diana was a stay-at-home mom when created her own path back into the workforce. She became inspired and developed this business when 2 out of her 3 daughters were diagnosed with Celiac disease. So, Diana went into problem-solving mode and became a self-taught chocolatier and scientist. Her company sells chocolate quinoa crisps which are gluten-free, allergen-friendly, and a superfood protein! Diana continues to work daily with her family at Undercover Snacks, which is proudly a WBENC-Certified woman-owned company!
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Deborah Hanlon
This week on Around the Tri-State we are with Deborah Hanlon, an Intuitive Medium. We had the BEST time with her, her story, and what she does is absolutely incredible. Deborah started her journey as a Medium and has been for over 20 years. She does more than connect you with loved ones, she’s also like a life coach, helps others with grief and how grief makes you powerful. She has the most passion for helping people on their life journey! Deborah also believes in humanity and though times are hard now, she reminds us we’re doing the work despite that - we continue to move forward. Let Deborah help guide you, show you self-reflection, and empower you.
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
Clinton Hall NY
This week on our Around the Tri-State feature, Clinton Hall NY and the CEO of the Lure Group, Telly! Telly grew up in Greece, and the restaurants he went to with friends there had really inspired him to bring these huge dishes to NYC! Clinton Hall opened in 2010 and is all about having fun, getting away from the troubles of life & enjoy the company you’re with. Games are the heart of most of their locations. Clinton Hall is the home of the viral Challenge Burger (pictured above, take a look it’s almost the size of Annie’s head lol). Clinton Hall FiDi also serves their famous Super Craft Brews, which is a sourced collection of the very best beers! Check out Clinton Hall at their locations: 36th Street, 51st Street, FiDi, and in the Bronx (near Arthur Ave)
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
Fornino Pizza
Michael has been a chef for over 45 years, even bought his first restaurant at 20 years old! The name Fornino was taken from his mother’s maiden name. Fornino is turning 20 this year! He’s changed the artisanal pizza game! When we tell you the pizza was out of this world, please believe us! It was so good!! He not only has specialized in pizza but also is a talented glass artist. He creates his own hand-blown lights and sculptures on display at Fornino’s restaurants.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Foxx & Annie's Food Fund
Foxx & Annie’s Food Fund kicked off this morning. Our goal is to provide 50,000 meals to New Yorkers with @cityharvestnyc! Text “MEALS” to 20357 or visit the link HERE.
THURSDAY, MAY 30
By Vice
By Vice was created by Wouri Vice and business partner Ernest in 2020. The pandemic was a difficult time for them, but what they found was a passion for scents; and in this case, candles! It started as a hobby and quickly grew into the business it is today. Each candle has its own unique scent, something that helps cleanse your mind or bring you back to a fond memory. By Vice candles have been featured in magazines, and in retail stores! Currently, you can shop for them at Madison Ten: 4 West 29th Street in New York.
THURSDAY, MAY 23
YMK Aesthetics
Yu Mi is a Korean-American Aesthetician with over 2 decades of experience in the beauty industry! (Her skin was so gorgeous, btw.) She’s worked as a make up artist previously working on commercials/editorials with a lot of brands, NYFW and Project Runway. At some point in our lives, we’ve all dealt with skincare issues and that includes Yu Mi. Her passion comes from that experience and wanting to help others boost their confidence by transforming their skin with her services and treatments. YMK Aesthetics is located in Morristown NJ!
THURSDAY, MAY 16
Whisk It All
Around the Tri-State: This week we feature Whisk It All cafe and bakery with owner Melanie and her husband Andres! Melanie grew to love baking after an incident at her son’s bake sale where no one bought her (store-bought) cookies! She turned it all around after her husband Andres bought her a kitchen aid!! From making chocolate-covered pretzels to making custom cakes for Sweet 16’s & weddings! They finally opened up a storefront after years of working from home. She just had a feeling once she got to Glen Ridge and found the location they’re at now. They opened up the bakery & cafe and we can promise they’ve upgraded from the Keurig machine.
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Access: Supports for Living
Around the Tri-State: Access: Supports for Living with Ron Colavito and Chris Masters. Access: Supports for Living is an incredible foundation that helps people live their healthiest & fullest lives possible. They work with those with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and drug addiction, and work closely with communities throughout the Hudson Valley and more! They’re an organization that is constantly evolving and innovating for those they help. They will never turn people away in need! If you or anyone you know is struggling with anything (as they have a diverse range of services), Access: Supports for Living is the perfect connection for you to reach out to. Thank you so much to Ron and Chris for stopping by!
THURSDAY, MAY 2
OnlyRare NYC
Jarred is the owner of the first Black-owned hand-rolled ice cream shop in NYC! That’s not all, it’s also a high-end streetwear clothing store. Jarred has gone through some tough times, which ultimately motivated him to create his business. He learned how to literally build his shop all on his own (along with the help of YouTube lol). OnlyRare NYC caters to everyone! Whether you’re renting out his space, or looking for them to cater your event, Jarred will take care of you! Check out @onlyrarenyc open 7 days a week, in Laurelton NY.
THURSDAY, APRIL 25
Jeannine's Gifts
Jeannine owns this home and baby gift store where she specializes in personalized gifts! If you need anything on the fly, stop by Jeannine’s for a quick turnaround. @jeanninesgifts is so involved with the community around her. She holds special sales to help some of the residents in need and also is super involved with the schools.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18
Luv Michael
This week, we spoke to Dr. Lisa Liberatore, founder of Luv Michael. Luv Michael is all about helping autistic adults live a better life, while employing them at their state-of-the-art bakery! This nonprofit organization produces high-quality organic, gluten-free, nut-free (and 100% delicious) granola! We even met their amazing granologist, Jonathan! Dr. Liberatore’s son Michael was the inspiration behind this organization, and since its start has worked with so many autistic adults! Their story to advocate for autism acceptance is truly inspiring. Thank you to Dr. Lisa Liberatore and all the amazing people who help make Luv Michael what it is!
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
Sweetly Dipped by Aggie
Aggie started this 9 years ago when her first son was born, at that time she was offering chocolate-dipped pretzels & cake pops. Her husband George encouraged her to start baking cakes. She did it by learning on YouTube and the rest is history! They dreamed of owning their own bakery, and it became real when they opened it about 3 months ago in Middle Village! Aggie & George were even featured on the Peacock baking show, “Baking It!” Check out their IG page @sweetly_dipped_by_aggie and bakery in Middle Village.
THURSDAY, MARCH 28
Lloyd's Carrot Cake
Lilka and her brother Brandon have taken over Lloyd’s Carrot Cake after their parents passing. It all started with her father Lloyd who played basketball but baked on the side. He would hit the streets of NYC to see where his carrot cake could end up, and people on the street would stop him in his tracks to buy it! Lloyd's Carrot Cake has 2 locations, one in the Bronx and another on Lexington Ave... all homemade and done on the premises! Along with their fantastic cream cheese frosting.
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
Club Moss
Olivia & Alyssa are founders of Club Moss. Club Moss makes, teaches, and sells terrariums! These girls have spent their lives researching, exploring, creating, and playing with nature. They’ve brought the outdoors inside with them! Club Moss is all about social justice and sustainability. Learn more about terrariums and what they do on their social media @clubmoss.us. Terrarium party, anyone? Thank you so much, ladies! The business you’ve created is so unique and fun!
THURSDAY, MARCH 15
From Clutter To Clarity
Fran, owner of From Clutter To Clarity, is a former flight attendant and the perfect person to know if you’re looking to declutter your home (and maybe even your life!) The things you declutter can have a new life if you work with Fran. Fran even found records at a clients home and brought them in for us. It was like it’s meant to be! Thank you Fran! Reach out to @fromcluttertoclarity for your declutter and organizational needs!
THURSDAY, MARCH 7
Bake To Square One
Lauren is the owner of @baketosquareone! Lauren’s very first job was in a local bakery where she’d wake up at the crack of dawn to get there! Her love for baking just grew from there. Bake to Square One has a line of cookie flavors and cookie cakes, all created from scratch. Trust us, ALL of her cookies were just melt-in-your-mouth delicious!! Bake To Square One is located in Whippany NJ. She also ships! Check her out
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024
Offiiciant NYC
Alex from @officiantnyc joins us this week. Officiant NYC was created in 2007 as a personalized service for couples getting married in and out of the New York City area. Officiant NYC is a group of reliable professionals that demonstrate passion and commitment for your special day. After all, the ceremony is just the beginning of a night of unforgettable moments. Start on the right foot with at Officiant NYC! Thank you Alex for coming in and playing the 30 Second Song Challenge!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024
Metropolitan Medical Corporation
Doug at @metropolitan_medical has over 20 years of EMT experience. With that experience, he brought it to the company! MMC is committed to teaching life saving techniques to individuals and businesses. They’ve got cost effective programs & equipment, as well as exceeding the industry standard of approved specialized programs and OSHA / FDA requirements. For more info, check out their social media. Thank you Doug for coming in and showing us a few tips & teaching us so much!
We can't thank these local businesses enough, and hope you consider making a visit yourself. Thanks for listening -- Join Foxx & Annie in the Morning weekdays 6AM-10AM on WCBS-FM 101.1. View our 2023 edition of Around The Tri-State HERE.
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