Mama Dukes is closed for good

Subject: more on MamaDuke's

Bad News: The reason they are leaving is because that predator/slum lord Pintchick raised their rent from 5k to 7k.

Good News: They are looking to reopen on Vanderbilt.

pintchick is doing a lot of speculating these days on the skirts of Ratnerville.

Plaza Cafe was a disaster. I'm surprised it took that long for them to shut down.

Subject: Mama Duke Restaurant

For the record, during the month of June 2005, Mrs. Janice Combs asked PINTCHIK if we would permit her to break her lease at the restaurant. The lease was not up until February of 2006 ! Quite frankly we were dissapointed that she wanted to close. Understanding how difficult it is to run a retail establishment, we agreed to allow Mrs. Combs to close. At NO time was there ever a discussion about a lease renewal. I could share my thoughts as to why I believe Mrs. Combs closed Mama Duke but doing so would be inappropriate. When a reporter recently visited our office from a local paper, she verified the facts. The reporter explained that since Mrs. Combs closed the restaurant for reasons not relating to the rent or her landlord, there probably would not be a story written. Too bad ! I would have enjoyed having the facts published. I felt that since this posting was an outright lie I would respond. It's sad that some people have nothing to do but make up garbage.

In closing Pintchik (the company) was establised three generations ago by my grandfather Nathan (1912.) While many stores have been forced to close in the hardware business, we have fought to stay open. I can remember the days of Pergament, Rickels, Deans, and many more. It's true that smaller family businesses may have higher prices on selected items compared to the big box stores like Home Depot or Lowes. On the other hand try to purchase a simple light bulb at one of the BIG BOX stores. As it was said in Zagat Shopping Guide - you better bring your sleeping bag ! Lastly, While many people verbally say they like to shop at local stores, Brooklyn shoppers are going to the BIG BOX stores in droves. Many of us have seen the stories of cities destroyed by BIG BOX stores. Brooklyn is no different. In the end I believe that small retailers will not be able to compete with GIANT stores that receive large tax incentives and other government assistance. Let's all hope that I am wrong. For now I will continue to believe in the independant shop owner. Please shop at local merchants when possible.

Sincerely,

Matthew Pintchik - Pintchik Inc

Pintchiks has always come through for me with good advice and good products. Plus, they're down the street. Matthew Pintchik has personally helped me out at the store and seems like a very decent guy and not at all slumlordly. Even though they're on the P.S. side of Flatbush, I think we should consider making them an honorary P.H. business.

P Diddy should have come through for mama

Pintchik has done very well by me. They have helped me solve problems with custom orders and even come to install on my schedule. One of their employees even came back to adjust something that came poorly made from the factory. They really are a great neighborhood resource and they value their customers.

Subject: Pintchik

just for the record, Pintchik was my landlord for 4 years in the mid 90s and they were never slumlord-like. always came and fixed things when asked, never bothered us, and raised the rent reasonably.