 Rye, NY - On Tuesday May 29, 2007 Poppy's Cafe was closed for the day, a rare occasion, as the cafe only closes 2 days out of the year.
About a week ago Gerri Piovesan, owner of Poppy's Cafe, a 23-year mainstay of Rye, NY, was approached by a gentleman asking if she would be open to having a commercial filmed in the cafe. She didn't think much about it and went back to work. Several days later, the gentleman returned and confirmed that they would indeed like to shoot a NY State Lotto & Mega Millions Commercial at Poppy's Cafe on May 29th.
Rye was one of several locations scouted for the commercial, Dobbs Ferry and Mamaroneck were also being considered, but Rye was chosen because of its small town community feel and layout that was envisioned for the commercial.
Several locations were used for the commercial including, Poppy's Cafe, the Smoke Shop and several parts of Purchase Street. Poppy's Cafe and the Smoke Shop were chosen because of their old fashioned demeanor unlike any other establishments in Rye.
Gerri opened the cafe at 6:30AM and although the cafe was closed, her faithful customers shuffled in and out right up until shooting began. Gerri served them breakfast and coffee just like any other morning.
The crew then asked her to make a few pots of coffee, cook up five plates of burgers and grilled cheese meals as props for the commercial.
"What a great experience, everyone working on the commercial went out of their way to be courteous and respectful," said Gerri Piovesan, owner of Poppy's Cafe. "It was a lot of fun to watch the entire process and I am honored that they chose Poppy's as a location for the commercial."
The commercial is set up like a mini-musical where one song will be playing throughout. The lotto ticket is purchased in the Smoke Shop and the characters make their way to Poppy's Cafe. Along the way, characters in the scene pass each other and sing different parts of the song. It is expected to air in the fall.
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