A neighbor in Lower Manhattan lives in a true artist's loft, the likes of which are now quite uncommon. She recently invited me up, and showed me a wall of photos of neighborhood businesses that no longer existed.
"It's my memento mori," she said.
I don't want to create this blog as my own memento mori -- yet I am saddened by the loss of the mom & pop businesses that gave this city so much spice.
In today's NY Times, writer Joe Brescia documents yet another small business that will likely leave the city, a joke shop in the Times Square area.
The article notes that Hazlet, New Jersey was the eventual landing place for a Times Square pizza joint whose owner was offered a 400% rent increase.
That said, an adorable (and smart) small hot dog shop opened in my neighborhood. The New York City Hot Dog Company is as clean as a whistle, and serves soy dogs, Kobe beef dogs. My cousin and I took his son there after a blazingly hot day of sightseeing -- I steered my young cousin to the good old Hebrew National option, which he ate with gusto. His dad also enjoyed a post soy dog espresso. (Kobe Beef dogs, espresso -- sigh, it is Tribeca!)
Opening one block from another hot dog shop is an interesting option. There is a small business urban legend that when Starbucks opens near another coffee shop, business grows for both.
Hopefully both The New York City Hot Dog Company and Mike's Papaya will prosper.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
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