Three New Businesses Open in Downtown Ithaca

Red Ribbon and giant scissors with red handle and gold blades.

Cayuga Nail Spa, Odyssey Bookstore and Kimchi join community during COVID-19 pandemic

ITHACA NY JULY 23, 2020 — The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) enthusiastically announces three new businesses have joined the Downtown Ithaca community since March.

Cayuga Nail Spa came to the downtown community in the early Spring, a week prior to New York State requiring businesses to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cayuga Nail Spa, 115 N. Aurora St., reopened late last month and its specially trained staff offer guests an array of specialty nail and spa services including natural, acrylic and gel nail manicures, acrylic and gel nail removal, nail color changes and repairs; and pedicures all in a spacious setting.

Then, Odyssey Bookstore, an independently owned and operated bookstore, entered the community in late June bringing hundreds of new titles and classics from adult novels to children’s tales to the community at its shop,115 W. Green St, across from Press Bay. Odyssey Bookstore is owned by Laura Larson, a long time Ithacan and Cornell University alumna who has an extraordinary passion for reading and sharing this passion with others.

Lastly, is Kimchi Korean Restaurant which just opened this month and is now serving popular Korean BBQ and vegetable dishes at 124 E.State St. (the Commons). Jack Heo is the restaurateur for this new eatery and he also owns Koko, a Korean and Asian cuisine restaurant in Collegetown.

“We are reminded by these ribbon cuttings that Downtown remains a strong, dynamic, and growing marketplace, even as we work through this COVID-19 pandemic,” says DIA Executive Director Gary Ferguson.

“Odyssey Bookstore is our answer to those who say Amazon completely destroyed the independent book market. People want service, they want community and that is what Laura Larson’s new business is all about. Kimchi will be an exciting and welcome addition to downtown’s restaurant scene. Their blend of Korean cuisine will be one people will want to experience, and Cayuga Nail Spa fills an important part of the downtown marketplace. We have long sought a nail salon and are delighted that they are joining the downtown retail community. These are three phoenixes rising in a time of trial … evidence that our future will be strong and dynamic,” adds Ferguson.

The DIA, City of Ithaca and Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce will welcome these businesses to the area during a series of special outdoor ceremonies (weather permitting) starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at each of the businesses.
For more information about downtown businesses and other offerings, visit downtownithaca.com or email info@downtownithaca.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Darlene M. Wilber, Communications Manager
Downtown Ithaca Alliance
Darlene@downtownithaca.com