EASTON, Pa. (May 11, 2017) - Unity Bank has provided a $500,000 Small Business Administration (SBA) loan to Easton residents Joanna and Maciej Siatkowski to fund the purchase and opening of Magic's Gas & Grill at 1670 North Delaware Drive (Pennsylvania Route 611) in Forks Township.
The Siatkowskis live about a mile from their new business and had been long time customers until the store/restaurant, previously known as the Auto Grille, closed in 2015. The gas station closed in 2011.
"Many people in the community were disappointed when the business closed and we were very familiar with the store as long time customers," said Joanna Siatkowski, 39. "We had dreamed of owning our own business for a long time and were both tired of commuting so when the opportunity came along we knew it was just a good fit. We are new to this type of business and are thankful for the support and guidance we have received from Unity Bank as well as tremendous support from our patrons."
The restaurant, grocery and liquor store portion of the business has been open for three months and the Siatkowskis hope to open the gas station portion of the business under the Gulf brand in the next few weeks. The bait and tackle shop will also open soon to support fishing enthusiasts that enjoy the adjacent Delaware River. They have given the business a fresh look with renovations that include new signage, ceiling, tile, countertops, gas pumps and canopy lighting. The new menu includes a wide variety of items including full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, beer, ice cream, lottery, automotive, baking needs, frozen foods, health, household, and sundry items.
"We are pleased that financing could be arranged for Joanna and Maciej to help the couple realize their goal of being business owners," said Unity Bank President & CEO James A. Hughes. "It is particularly rewarding when you can help a customer bring a business back to life in a community where it has been missed. We wish the Siatkowskis great success with their venture."
Unity participates in the 7(a) Loan Program, SBA's primary program to help start-up and existing small businesses obtain financing when they might not be eligible for business loans through normal lending channels. The bank also participates in the SBA 504 Loan program, an economic development program that offers small businesses long-term, fixed-rate financing used to acquire fixed assets for expansion or modernization. Unity Bank is consistently among the top 10 of New Jersey SBA lenders in loan volume. The program also serves parts of Pennsylvania and is expanding into New York.
Magic's sits directly across from the Delaware River on a stretch of road that is largely empty from downtown Easton to the College Hill section. The property features off-street parking and seating for 30 customers in the main 2,500 square foot building as well as outside seating.
"The community has been very supportive since we opened and we have been welcomed by everyone," said Joanna Siatkowski. "The feedback is very positive, which is the highest compliment we can get. I enjoy cooking, particularly Polish specialties such as pierogi, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes and homemade soups. We hope more people come out and enjoy what we have to offer and the stunning views of the Delaware River."
For more information on Magic's, which is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., please visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/MagicsGasNGrill, their website at www.magicsgasandgrill.com or call (610) 438-6161.
About Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY), the parent company of Unity Bank, its primary and wholly owned subsidiary, is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton, N.J. Unity Bank provides financial services to businesses and consumers at 17 branches throughout New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Unity Bank provides community-oriented commercial banking services, including deposit accounts, loans, online and mobile services. For more information, please visit www.unitybank.com or call 800-618-BANK (800-618-2265).
PHOTO CAPTION:
Unity Bank has provided a SBA loan to Easton residents Joanna and Maciej Siatkowski to fund the purchase and opening of Magic's Gas & Grill in Forks Township. Pictured (from left) are Unity Bank Closing Manger Karen Klotz, the Siatkowskis and Unity Bank Vice President/SBA Business Development Manager Debbie Godt.