Connecticut Muffin coming to Nostrand Ave. in Crown Heights

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Connecticut Muffin coming to Nostrand Ave. in Crown Heights

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dailyheights
Honorary Fellow
Joined: Jan '05
Posts: 4,608

The owners of Connecticut Muffin said they plan to open the seventh branch of their Brooklyn-based business on the corner of Nostrand and Bergen Street. Yasser Abdelhadi ... owns the coffee chain with his brothers Mohamed and Ahmed ...

The Nostrand Avenue shop will be open seven days a week from about 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offer baked goods, soups sandwiches, coffee, and most important for many, free wifi.

http://prospectheights.patch.com/articles/connecticut-muffin-coming-to-nostrand-avenue

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# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

Change is happening!

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 3 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 2,807

This has been in the making since 2007. At that time the CM guys didn't think the demographics were suitable to make it sustainable. Clearly, the changes in the neighborhood have changed that opinion.

I don't know whether or not to be happy or sad about this one...

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

it was one of the last florists in the area. ...but I imagine that the muffin place will do far more business than it.

So much foot traffic on Nostrand.

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 3 mos ago
brooklynian
senior admin
Joined: Feb '12
Posts: 241

Hey hey, the florist is not going away: The shop will move into 615 Nostrand, currently the home of Barbara’s Flowers. Barbara’s will move around the corner in the same building, to 1096-1098 Bergen St.

Also, Atim Oton got quoted:

But not everyone is cheering the change. “It’s a wait and see,” said Atim Oton, chair of Community Board 8’s Economic Development Committee. “Hopefully we don’t lose another small business.”

Connecticut could lead to increased rents and take business away from existing CH merchants.

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

While it is likely to take some money from existing merchants, it will also cause some to buy breakfast on Nostrand that presently are not.

Mmmm, bagels and muffins.

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 3 mos ago
brooklynian
senior admin
Joined: Feb '12
Posts: 241

Honestly? It will take money from Dunkin Donuts. Amirite?

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

While I believe the residents of Nostrand would like eggs Benedict, I suspect they will settle for muffins that are merely NOT made by Drakes or Hostess.

Some might be psyched

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

They have opened a bunch of locations in Brooklyn over passed few years.

http://www.connecticutmuffin.com/location.php

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 3 mos ago
CLAYFILMS
getting it
Joined: Oct '07
Posts: 193

Mixed emotions about this. I would have rather a mom & pop coffee shop get that spot...but I find it very interesting that the only coffee shops that have been able to open up and survive on Nostrand have been chains.

Very relieved that Barbara's florist isn't closing. They've served this community with quality and excellence (when other entrepreneurs didn't find it "financially viable") for decades.

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

Present?

Future

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 3 mos ago
xlizellx
rocking it
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 1,443

I am pleased to see this. dunkin donuts is the lot place in that area for coffee and to-go breakfast. Also, while they are a "chain", they are one of those only-in-new-York types of mini chains that only people in the hyper local area have. Like AREA kids in BoCoCa and PS

# Posted 3 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 547

Dunkin Donuts and Connecticut Muffins are franchises. They're not owned by some huge conglomerate. They're owned by individuals. The parent company simply makes it easier to start and run a business by providing an existing supply chain, branding, etc.

The only argument I can see against a "chain" is that you don't like the products they offer. Apparently, they are liked by the patrons of Nostrand Ave, though.

I'd say this is a sign of the avenue's continued resistance to gentrification more than anything. "Mom and pop shops" are an artisanal luxury desired most by those who grew up in the suburbs where there's a Dunkin Donuts on every block.

# Posted 3 mos ago
tsarina
above average
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 422

oh my god! I almost spilled my coffee!!!!! This is great. Now I dont have to go to franklin avenue to get something interesting to snack on.
Nostrand ave. has so little to recommend it. Too many nail and hair salons, 99 cent junk stores and crappy bodegas where nothing healthy or good is ever available. our one historical meeting place - starlite bar was closed down so that we could get a crappy generic metro pcs store and guess what? another 99 cent store or 2 if you count the sock and 99 cent store around the corner.
Thank god we have sakura tokyo and pacific oasis and no bar, its a start. syds sandwiches, the doubles place next to key food and punch line are good. I'm glad dunkin donuts is further away, conneticut muffin is way better. A good mom and pop or young entrepeneur store is always great but the stuff that has opened (and closed) like Joey's and the small cafe between St. marks & bergen , were terrible!!!! SSSSLLLLLLOOOOOOWWWWWW service and crappy food. It shouldn't take 10 minutes to get a cup of coffee while they fill out a form, go to the fridge 3 times and figure out how to run the cash register, try to figure out how to make change etc. etc. and then what do I get - a costco muffin? no thanks. Connecticut may be a chain, but at least they can figure out seating, variety and quality products.

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

Like many of the new businesses that open, I suspect this place will be quickly packed by existing residents.

The Nostrand area has customers waiting to spend their hard earned $ on goods and services presently no available on the avenue, and businesses are starting to realize it.

Costco, Drakes and Hostess .....it sucks to be you.

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 3 mos ago
zuares
what am I, new?
Joined: Feb '12
Posts: 1

Hopefully they won't run out of doughnuts...am I right, xlizellx?

# Posted 2 mos ago
CLAYFILMS
getting it
Joined: Oct '07
Posts: 193

"Mom and pop shops" are an artisanal luxury desired most by those who grew up in the suburbs where there's a Dunkin Donuts on every block.

Are you from NYC? Local mom and pop shops are a staple of NYC local commerce long enjoyed by people who grew up in NYC.

Let's not act like there aren't bakeries on Nostrand. There are at least 10 West Indian bakeries on Nostrand Ave from Fulton to Eastern Parkway. Yall probably just don't go to them. For example, Trinidad Golden Palace on Nostrand & St. Johns sells delicious breads, cakes, pastries and rolls that are baked on site and get sold out just about every weekend. I'm pretty sure that what's sold in Connecticut Muffin arrives on a truck.

That said, I wish this Connecticut Muffin franchise the best.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

I think a lot of people would be sad if the bakeries start to disappear.

Their best chance of survival may be to reach out to the newcomers who may not be familiar with their products, and/or change their offerings to meet their tastes.

If they choose to remain the same, they risk not replacing "current" customers who are priced out, or whom cash out.

It is tough to compete with the low prices, instant product recognition, and economies of scale that franchises bring. Many people just won't go to mom and pops anymore, because they perceive them as offering an inferior mix of goods and service.

It takes a really good mom and pop to survive and thrive once the chain stores arrive.

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 2 mos ago
CLAYFILMS
getting it
Joined: Oct '07
Posts: 193

whynot_31 said:
I think a lot of people would be sad if the bakeries start to disappear.

Their best chance of survival may be to reach out to the newcomers who may be not be familiar with their products, and/or change their offerings to meet their tastes.

If they choose to remain the same, they risk not replacing "current" customers who are priced out, or whom cash out.

It is tough to compete with the low prices, instant product recognition, and economies of scale that franchises bring. Many people just won't go to mom and pops anymore, because they perceive them as offering an inferior mix of goods and service.

It takes a really good mom and pop to survive and thrive once the chain stores arrive.

I agree whynot, but I don't think these bakeries (at least not Trinidad Golden Palace) are going anywhere any time soon. The prices are amazing and the pastries are delicious. I guarantee you that Connecticut Muffin will charge more for their fare than the local W.I bakeries. The fact that C.M. will probably offer seating for at least 10+ people and a nice ambiance is something that the neighborhood needs, but taste wise I don't think that their pastries will be able to compare with homemade baked goods like this:

# Posted 2 mos ago
booklaw
admin
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 2,202

A franchised shop has to make hefty payments to the owner of the franchise. That means it usually has to charge more for its goods than does an independent operation.

# Posted 2 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 547

That may be true for a gas station, but hardly for a muffin shop.

By covering such areas as sourcing and marketing, the franchise makes it far easier to start and operate a business, especially for first-time owners.

It's generally the "Artisanal" mom-and-pop retail operations that cater to the luxury-goods crowd now, and have higher prices. Franchises on the other hand generally deliver more consistent (albeit not necessarily better, obviously) goods at a lower price.

Case in point -- Walmart is a franchise.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

While I trust Clayfilm's tastebuds, and purchase similar goods somewhat regularly, I must admit that I am hesitant to stop by such places in unfamiliar neighborhoods (ie outside of CH, PS, PH).

To many, "homemade bake goods like this (insert Clayfilms photos)" does not result in a thought of "yummy".

The first thoughts are: " This product may have been cooked in a kitchen that has only the Department of Health's supervision. I feel more comfortable eating somewhere where there is also a Regional Manager and uniforms."

Such thoughts and preferences are hard to overcome.

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 2 mos ago
booklaw
admin
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 2,202

Walmart? I'm genuinely surprised.

# Posted 2 mos ago
CLAYFILMS
getting it
Joined: Oct '07
Posts: 193

eastbloc said:
It's generally the "Artisanal" mom-and-pop retail operations that cater to the luxury-goods crowd now, and have higher prices.

That's not the case on Nostrand Ave. The only food franchises on Nostrand (between Fulton & Empire Blvd) are Dunkin Donuts and Golden Krust. Your point may be true on Washington or Vanderbilt or wherever the new artisanal mayo shop is opening, but not on Nostrand.

To many, "homemade bake goods like this (insert Clayfilms photos)" does not result in a thought of "yummy".
The first thoughts are: " This product may have been cooked in a kitchen that has only the Department of Health's supervision. I feel more comfortable eating somewhere where there is also a Regional Manager and uniforms." Such thoughts and preferences are hard to overcome

I guess that's that suburban worldview. To me, the very sight of uniforms bring to mind careless, apathetic employees who toil for a mammoth, faceless food corporation and could care less about the quality of the food that they serve.

Growing up in NYC, your everyday experience is buying goods from businesses whose employees own that business.

Last post on this...

When you pay $5 for one scone and coffee at Connecticut Muffin, you're paying for the ambiance and the ability to sit down while eating. But don't get it twisted, that same $5 will buy you a 1/2 dozen freshly baked pastries that were baked that morning (on site) from any of the mom & pop bakeries on Nostrand.

# Posted 2 mos ago
HisCrownHeights
Charlie Brown
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 117

I am speechless. To me, the very sight of uniforms brings to mind careless, apathetic employees who toil for a mammoth, faceless food corporation and could care less about the quality of the food that they serve.

Growing up in NYC, your everyday experience is buying goods from businesses whose employees own that business.

I told CLAYFILMS about this when I first got here. In the suburbs and everywhere but NYC, franchises have better food. lower rent, better equipment, distilled water. Here in Brooklyn its the total opposite. higher rent, older brick stone ovens and traditional equipment, the best water on the east coast. These mom and pops have been here making the same good food FOR AGES. and they making the same good food the way they know how. so thats why Im sorta anxious about the Conn (or Con) Muffin. high prices, not GRANDIOSELY better quality. I can go to Trinidad Golden Palace and get the dope quality CLAYFILMS speaks of. #CANUSMELLWHATTHEFLORIDIANISCOOKING?

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

In this instance, I am the choir that doesn't need preaching to.

The challenge to the mom and pops is that many of the area's newcomers may actually be from the suburbs, and or have the non-NYC mindset we are describing. As they move in, and replace departing residents, the businesses must tread very carefully. Once a CT Muffin is present, it may slowly capture the increasing tide of newcomers.

In this worst case scenario, the older businesses then end up fighting each other for an ever shrinking pool of long term residents.

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 2 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 547

Growing up in NYC, your everyday experience is buying goods from businesses whose employees own that business.

Many franchises are owner-operated, uniforms or not.

I'm all for the "local", unaffiliated shops. I'm for all shops, in fact -- let commerce flourish. I'm assuming people won't go to the Connecticut Muffin because they prefer to pay more, but because there's something there that the other businesses aren't offering.

The beauty of free markets is that these businesses should be able to innovate and evolve to become competitive with that demand, whether that means a better coffee selection or a cleaner establishment.

# Posted 2 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 2,807

Just a correction. Connecticut Muffins is not a corporate franchise (where a stranger can purchase the rights to use sell/operate a store under the corporate name a la Dunkin Donuts). All of the CM stores in NYC are owned and operated by two brothers. Whether they are planning on selling franchises in the future is a question I can't answer, but the same guys that own the one on 7th, own the CM on Myrtle and will be operating the one on Nostrand.

# Posted 2 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 547

Fair enough, I was speaking about franchises generally.

CM qualifies as a local business to me. It's a "chain" in the same way Bergen Bagels is a chain. It has no presence outside of Brooklyn, and isn't a corporate franchise.

# Posted 2 mos ago
HisCrownHeights
Charlie Brown
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 117

umm should i mention seeing a connecticut muffin near Fairfax VA to the owners? cuz Im sure then now more than ever its illegal.

# Posted 2 mos ago
booklaw
admin
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 2,202

You should mention it, but I wouldn't assume it's illegal. There are no live federal trademark registrations for "Connecticut Muffin", and if the guys who own the NYC stores do not do business under the "Connecticut Muffin" name outside of New York State, then their trademark rights do not extend outside of NYS, and other people could perfectly legally open "Connecticut Muffin" shops in other states.

# Posted 2 mos ago
Ctmuffin
what am I, new?
Joined: Mar '12
Posts: 1

Hello everyone! We the Abdelhadi family owners and proprietors of Connecticut Muffin are really happy to be a part of the Crown Heights neighborhood. Thank you for all the years of support many of you have given us. We are ecstatic to provide our products and services to the community. We would like to start by telling you a little bit about ourselves, and our company.

We are local entrepreneurs that started from a small shop in Park Slope over fifteen years ago. Slowly and steadily we have grown our business to 6 units throughout Brooklyn, where we were raised. We also bake our products in Brooklyn with pride from scratch everyday in our very own bakery in Ditmas Park. We buy and source locally when we can. We select and roast in small micro batches the best Arabica coffee beans that we can find. We are a family business and not a franchise. We are hands on and come to work daily to insure your experience is what you expect it to be. Great service, fantastic coffee and tea, and remarkable sweet treats. This cafe will be a depart from prior designs as we plan on building a LEED certified sustainable cafe, with design in mind. This will be the most exciting Connecticut Muffin to date, paying homage to the neighborhood's great charm and architecture. Connecticut Muffin - Crown Heights will be an evolution of what we have learned over the years and what we believe people long for, a place that they can call their own.

So thank you and we can't wait to be part of the neighborhood.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 12,754

Welcome!

I am told one can respect the beliefs of others, without ratifying them.

# Posted 2 mos ago