By Naeisha Rose
Byrnes Hardware and Tool Rentals is closing shop in mid-September in Jamaica after 56 years in business, according to owner Greg Comodore.
“I’ve decided that 46 years is long enough and everything has an end,” said Comodore about his own tenure at the Jamaica institution. “I’m tired.”
The hardware store is located at 178-01 Jamaica Ave., and was originally opened in 1962 by Arthur Byrnes, who has since died.
Comodore has worked there since it expanded in 1972 and in 1984 he acquired the store after the death of its founder.
“After 46 years of running the business, I want to spend more time with the family, enjoy life and travel around the world,” said Comodore who still has not finished some projects around his home that he would like to get done despite owning a tool store.
The store owner also wants to devote time to photography as well.
When Comodore first came to work at Byrnes, he saw it as a temporary job to supplement his college education.
“I used to do odd jobs on the weekends and nights for the previous owner,” said Comodore. “I was literally here cleaning the basement.”
After graduating from the City College of New York in 1976 with no jobs lined up after earnings his Industrial Arts Education degree, Comodore accepted a buy-in from Byrnes for the hardware store.
“The rest as you say is history,” said Comodore, 64, a graduate of Newtown High School in Corona and current Long Island resident.
As a thank you to his loyal customers, Comodore will be liquidating the store and selling items for 50 percent off throughout August until Sept. 15.
“If we still have more equipment, we are going to auction off the balance,” he said.
Byrnes is a full range tool store and has hardware, plumbing, household and electrical items.
“We carry everything.”
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
