Port Washington Chamber names business person of the year

Nassau Port Washington Chamber names business person of the year By Larissa Fuentes … Comments Posted on November 9, 2026 Mathieu Lanfant, co-owner of The Cooking Lab, was named the 2026 Port Washington’s Business Person of the Year Award. Port Washington Chamber of Commerce The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce honored local business owner and community volunteer Mathieu Lanfant as its 2026 Business Person of the Year during its annual fall networking event on Oct. 28 at Nino’s Beach. The event also included the installation of the chamber’s 2026-27 officers and directors. Former chamber president Warren Schein returned to administer the oath of office to the incoming board, while chamber president Greco Cohen presented Lanfant, co-owner of The Cooking Lab on Main St., with the annual award. Lanfant was recognized for his contributions to Port Washington’s business community and his extensive volunteer work with local schools, organizations and community initiatives. Born and raised in Paris, Lanfant is a classically trained French chef who graduated from the École Supérieure de Cuisine Française. He spent 15 years working in the culinary and hospitality industry, with experience in Europe, Argentina and New York, before stepping away from restaurant life to run his father’s business and raise his three children. After moving to Port Washington, Lanfant became increasingly involved in the community, beginning with elementary school community outreach. He went on to serve as Home School Association president at both Sousa Elementary School and Weber Middle School, as well as serving on the Parents’ Council board. He currently serves as president of The Ed. Foundation, a community representative on the Port Washington Teacher Center Policy Board and a member of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Lanfant also has been involved with the Pride in Port Committee for more than a decade, overseeing the school floats for the annual parade. His volunteer efforts have extended to organizations such as Plant A Row for the Hungry and Port Rowing, where he contributed 10 years of service. His work with Port Rowing was recognized with the dedication of the organization’s new chuckwagon in his honor. In 2019, Lanfant combined his interests in education and culinary arts when he co-founded The Cooking Lab, where he continues to teach. The chamber recognized Lanfant for his dedication to supporting local businesses, organizations and community events, including HarborFest and other local fundraisers and initiatives. His involvement, the chamber said, reflects his commitment to strengthening Port Washington and supporting the organizations that make the community special. About the Author All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines . Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections.