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Pallets & Pickets, a custom wood decor store led by the husband and wife team of Dennis and Cyndi Dwyer, joined a recent string of new businesses in the downtown Center Moriches community.
The shop, which celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 2 at 376 Main St., sells items ranging from tables to cabinets, shelving units, wine racks, a fireplace and even dog beds made by Dennis Dwyer.
“Dennis started in a garage,” said Cyndi Dwyer. “He started woodworking as a hobby and it just grew from there.”
Dennis Dwyer volunteered for the show “Extreme Home Makeover” in 2006 in Queens and he was approached by the production crew to work with the designers because they liked his work, Cyndi said.
She said their previous building on the grounds of the Forge River Nursery & Garden in Mastic was set back from the main building, “and half the time, people would say, ‘I didn’t know you were here.’ You need the communication and to see people. It’s too easy to shop online.”
“I also love talking to people,” she said.
Now, “People will walk down Main Street and you can have a conversation. It’s a must in any small business,” Dwyer said.
Other newcomers to Main Street include AJ’s Sunflower Boutique, The Daily Grind and Gavin’s Treasures.
At Pallets & Pickets, clients can come in with an idea or a photo and the Dennis Dwyer will hand-make it for them. “It’s not machine made products,” Cyndi said. “Anyone can come in with an idea with what they have, bring it in and we can make it for them. They can be part of the process.”
The couple, who live in Manor Park, have been married for 17 years.
“We are firm believers in shopping local,” Cyndi said. “I think that it’s important not only to establish a business locally, but to also help support other local businesses.”
“We’ve been part of Center Moriches most of our lives,” said Dennis Dwyer. “I’m happy here,” adding, “Even when I’m not here, I’m here [in the store].” “I am constantly thinking of new ideas and projects for the store.”
