Two new businesses to open in downtown Ithaca

On Thursday, October 16, 2014, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and Mayor Svante Myrick will hold ribbon cutting ceremonies for two new businesses.At 4:00 PM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Caravan Serai Tea at 124 The Commons. This international tea shop will offer high-quality, organic tea from China, England, Russia, and all around the world and provide tea accessories, exotic décor, and fresh baked goods in a relaxing atmosphere. Says proprietor Chris Bonn, “We chose downtown Ithaca as the location for our first store because of the unique and vibrant culture here. The Commons is bustling with all types of people from all over the world, and we believe our business would add something special to an already special place.” For more information, visit: www.caravanseraitea.com.At 4:15 PM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Van Houten Law Office on the second floor of Clinton Hall, 104-114 North Cayuga Street, Suite 6. Matt Van Houten has nineteen years of experience in the areas of bankruptcy, landlord/tenant law, family court and divorce, real estate, and civil and criminal litigation. Says Van Houten, “It was an easy decision to open my new office in downtown Ithaca. The central location, together with all of the new development taking place, make it the obvious choice for a new business location. I’m excited to see what downtown Ithaca looks like in the near future and I’m excited to be a part of it.” For more information, visit: www.v-h-law.com.All of Downtown Ithaca’s ribbon cuttings are free and open to the public and members of the press.