Ithaca's downtown and outskirts have brought in new business. What and where they are

If you’ve strolled through Ithaca lately you may have noticed a few unfamiliar faces, or familiar ones in a place that you’re not used to seeing them.

That’s business, and the city recently had several new operations move in, offering new restaurant, retail, education and healthcare options to its visitors and residents.

Carpentry, Candles and Korean fare downtown

Poured Candle Bar opened in Ithaca’s Press Bay Court during the second week of July and has since filled the air with the scents of rosemary, leather and sandalwood, among over 50 scents custom-made by the business for patrons to mix and match to their liking.

Just across Press Bay Alley, West African restaurant and catering service, Asempe Kitchen is gearing up for its brick-and-mortar opening after years of pop-ups, classes and catering in Ithaca.

Korean restaurant The Lotus opened this month at the former location of Viva Taqueria, offering familiar Asian fusion fare like Korean BBQ, noodle dishes, and Korean-style fried chicken.

While this isn’t exactly a business opening, starting next Friday, July 26th, Bickering Twins is running a monthly Tequila & Mezcal tasting experience, scheduled for the last Friday of each month.

“We pride ourselves on the caliber of our Tequila/Mezcal bar, especially as it is the only one of its kind in the area,” according to the restaurant's media team. “We see this tasting night as a way to share some of what we love with our patrons as well as a chance to connect the people in our community through a shared unique experience,”

Hammerstone School of Carpentry for Women opened its downtown Ithaca location this week after over a decade of operation at its Trumansburg location, which will remain in operation.

Hammerstone plans to offer classes and workshops downtown by the end of summer. Over 1,100 students have taken carpentry and woodworking courses in Hammerstone’s 11 years, according to a statement from the group.

Maria Klemperer-Johnson founded Hammerstone after working on a tiny house project with other women interested in carpentry about a decade ago, which inspired her to teach them about the trade which is still largely comprised of working men.

REI Co-op opened its Ithaca location at the beginning of July to a rally by REI workers the following day.

The new store offers outdoor gear and services to its community, which already includes thousands of REI co-op members. However, according to Ithaca.com, ongoing labor disputes highlight a growing tension between REI’s public image and the experiences of its workers.

Cayuga Health Ithaca Mall, Hector wine room

Cayuga Health’s Ithaca Mall location has recently opened up lab services at its new 60,000 square foot Ithaca Mall location. Patients of Cayuga Health can access lab work in the same building as the newly consolidated primary care, cardiology, and rheumatology offices.

“The new laboratory services at Cayuga Health at the Ithaca Mall exemplify our commitment to patient convenience and integrated care,” said Jeffrey Penoyer, Chief Operating Officer, Cayuga Medical Associates. “By offering lab work in the same location as our primary care, cardiology, and rheumatology services, we streamline the healthcare experience for our patients and enhance their access to timely medical attention.”

Ria’s winery in Hector opened its doors early this month bringing a new tasting room to the Finger Lakes.

Founded by couple Ria D’Aversa and Mike Penn, the newly renovated tasting room is on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and will allow guests to explore Ria’s portfolio of wines in its indoor tasting room or outdoor patio and garden.

Their purchase of the property was majorly financed by the USDA through its FSA program.

Ria’s Wines focuses on environmentally conscious winemaking that reflects the Finger Lakes' rich agricultural history and terroir. With D’Aversa, founder and viticulturist and Mike as veteran winemaker–guests will be invited to explore their diverse portfolio of wines showcasing the region’s unique characteristics and cool-climate varieties.

If you or someone you know recently opened a business, please reach out to Jmack@gannett.com with Ithaca and Tompkins County business listings or opening information.