The folks running Tarrytown's seem a little chattier and happier since Hosni Mubarak resigned as president of Egypt on Feb. 11.
The supermarket employs four Egyptian employees, including the general manager, the manager and the tall chef in the equally tall white cap.
Near the new hot food counter, Chef Mohammad Elsawah described his elation.
"We have found ourselves after we were lost for over 30 years," Elsawah said. "I feel prouder than ever. Because of our loyalty to our country, under the worst circumstances we remained proud. It was a lie."
Manager Sameh Hassan found himself at more of a loss for words.
"I don't know how to describe it but it's a great feeling," he said. "For a long time I think we lost hope. The revolution is all young people, which indicates the future will be good."
General Manager Kamal Hassan, who is not related to Sameh Hassan, also felt new faith in the future and hope for the youth.
"It is good that it happened, especially for the new generation," he said. "This way they can stay in their country, and use their intellect there."
Of the four Egyptian employees at C-Town, Kamal Hassan is the only one who lives in town. According to his estimate, there are about 10 to 15 Egyptian families living in area of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
Many of those families gathered to celebrate the historic events of the last week. They all have family back in Egypt and remained constantly connected by phone calls as the revolution unfolded.
"We communicate on a daily basis with home," Kamal Hassan said. "I wish we had a TV here [at C-Town]," he added, "but we have our phones."
And these co-workers have each other. In the past, the fact that four Egyptians work at this grocery store was just a coincidence. Now, it’s a conversation-starter and a point of pride.
“Like you see, all of us are peaceful,” Kamal Hassan said, brimming.
