Brinkmann True Value Hardware's Grand Re-Opening

Hundreds of people from Bayport, Blue Point and the surrounding area flocked to Brinkmann True Value Hardware in Blue Point for the store's grand re-opening event.

Joining owners Tony and Pat Brinkmann were sons Ben and Hank, daughter Mary and her husband, Jim Neimeth. The family hosted the all-day event, complete with store sales, food, beer and music.

Customers began filing into the hardware store, which was recently expanded from 5,000 square feet to 11,000, at 8 a.m. to take advantage of the sales being offered. Luckily, Brinkmann True Value was ready for the rush and had nearly 20 local employees on hand to help customers find what they needed and loaded heavy purchases into the customers' vehicles.

Owner Tony Brinkmann was surprised by the turnout. "It's been (crazy) all day long. It's incredible. Beyond our expectations," he said. 

Local business leaders and politicians were there to commemorate the event: Gordon Huszagh, President and David DeVito, V.P., of the Suffolk County National Bank; Barry Lipsky, President of Lipsky Enterprises in Bayport; Gary Bruno, Architect, Bohemia; Larry Zimmerman, the True Value Hardware Company; Steven Young, the Benjamin Moore Paint Company and Brian Foley, New York State Senator.

According to Larry Zimmerman, retail consultant for True Value, the Brinkmann True Value store is very modern in that it incorporates a "destination format," which enables the customer "to have a more pleasing shopping experience."

"We are happy with the way that the store turned out and we're very happy with the event today. It's been absolutely non-stop since 8 a.m. this morning."

Darling Caterers, which provided the food for the event, said they served 400 hot dogs and nearly 400 hamburgers by the end of the day. Blue Point Brewery had kegs of their award-winning flagship brew, Toasted Lager, flowing all day long. Musical entertainment was provided by The Bull Moose Party, a Patchogue-based band.