New York SBDC Research Network

Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Rockland SBDC  appears in our  2015 Annual Report .  Barbara Nochturft and Andrea D’Andrea Cornerstone Restaurant Rockland SBDC The Cornerstone Restaurant in Congers opened in September 1994 when owners Barbara Nochturft and Andrea D’Andrea, who had previously worked together, decided to start a venture on their own. Since 1994, the pair has served clientele savory and healthy breakfast and lunch options, and looked forward to growing the business. When Super Storm Sandy hit, an extended power outage forced the Cornerstone to close, caused extensive inventory losses, and derailed their growth plans.  Further complicating the restaurant’s recovery was the inability of suppliers to deliver fresh inventory as soon as the storm passed because many roads were still inaccessible. With true entrepreneurial spirit, Barbara and Andre