GSBDC Funding Provides Strong Hearts Café New, Modern Storefront

When the owners of Strong Hearts Café’, LLC Joel Capolongo and Nicholas Ryan (graduates of the SBA’s Emerging Leaders program through the SBA’s Syracuse District Office) were looking to relocate their very successful all-vegan restaurant’s main location in downtown with the hope of doubling their floor space and be able to accommodate many more guests, GSBDC’s CCHEF revolving loan fund helped with financing the considerable renovations that were needed.  

Strong Hearts’ new interior reflects the modern vibrance in the emerging revitalization of the downtown Syracuse area while giving a nod to the activist roots of the restaurant. The 3,200 sq. ft. space offers seating for 65 people in the main dining room and outdoor seating for 24, weather permitting. SHC operates two locations in Syracuse, NY, as well as a stand at the New York State Fair annually. The company is open from 11am to 8pm seven days a week and has curb-side pick-up and offers “to go” orders. 

The new location allows Strong Hearts to continue to serve its award-winning fare while offering a highly improved customer experience. Strong Hearts was built upon the vegan ethics of animal, earth, and human liberation.