Lenells??? Lost their lease?

Subject: lenell's lease

she didn't lose her lease. the new building owner is just not renewing her lease. he's going to use the storefront himself when her lease expires.

it sucks.
and sadly rents aren't low anymore in red hook.
apartments are one thing but we need local businesses to thrive.
lenell has put her heart into her business and it shows. it's a joy to shop there. it's as unique as red hook. i hope she finds a way to stay in the neighborhood.

i don't know what can be done. she's got a bit of time. i guess you can always start a petition for the landlord, but if he wants to do his own thing that's his option.

Subject: Loss to the neighborhood

Lenell was a great addition to the neighborhood and she will be missed. She fought the ikea, stood up to development, and fought for the little people. I just wish she signed more than a four year lease, she could have used a little business advice i guess. oh well.

Anonymous wrote: While on the phone at the store she was extremely profrane in front of my children with whoever she was speaking with. I resent that. That must carry through to why the LL wants her out. As a Christian, that is why I believe she is being evicted.

Isn't drinking alcohol also frowned upon by good Christians?

Subject: xtian or no

pmallas,

I'm sure the landlord doesn't care that she curses. It's all about the $$. He bought the building for the storefront so he could use it himself.

I think he's Indian, and therefore probably not a Christian, sorry.

Subject: Time to Go

Tonya Lenell is a cancer of Red Hook. The exodus of of her and her wine store will be nothing but a postive for Red Hook. She bought a house near her wine store and sued contractors who are good and decent people. The new and old landlord (building owner) where her wine store is located can not stand her. She is rude and bigoted. The language that comes from her mouth is foul (as noted). Businesses she has tried to partner with or help in Red Hook have subsequently gone out of business (Pioneer Bar, El Hupil). She tried to take advantage of the tragic loss of Lilly's and partner with a Restauranter from Manhattan to move into her space (thankfully she failed). Let's not mourn her loss people, rejoice. Soon someone else will step in....and sell us our booze we need without the tradedy the happens to anything Tonya Lenell touches. Like all cancers, she must be treated and removed.

Subject: Any News????

New to red hook!

Is there any news if Lenell is staying or if another wine shop is going to open?

Thanks!

Standing up to Ikea is bullshit. The real population of Red Hook will stand to benefit from the hundreds of jobs it will create. The only people who don't like it are the hipsters who moved here thinking it was the next Williamsburg and are ashamed to admit they're living in the new Paramus.

Move or get over it.

Subject: Status of the Store

You've got LeNell here herself. This is the status of the shop straight from the horse's mouth (no matter how foul it is...ha ha).

The current landlord bought the building with the intention of using the storefront for his own use. We are not at odds with each other. I signed a five year lease initially as this was the closest viable space to the coming Fairway. Some might say not a smart business move, but I took the chance in order to get my liquor license and begin business.

I am hoping to stay in Red Hook. I live here and have my heart here in many ways as I have found a real sense of community. I have had many real estate agents from Manhattan contact me but Red Hook is where I really want to be. I am in negotiations on a space and hope to have an announcement soon about the future of the store. The new space we hope will allow us to expand our selections a bit so we can grow a tad.

Regarding all the rumor and nonsense:
No, I have not sued any contractors EVER.
Yes, I do have a foul mouth. I don't have a private office at the store so I am at fault for doing business on the phone with cheeky distributors who hate delivering to Red Hook. Customers can hear my ranting at times as I make a big stink with sales reps and wholesalers at times. I am sorry about that and sure hope the new space has a private office.
Yes, I did take a look at the former Lillie's space as I have been also searching for space to fulfill my bar business plan. The landlords approached me after she was evicted for non payment of rent. I backed out of negotiations on the space.
Yes, I can be very difficult. Part of that is personality flaw...part of that is being a woman in business in a very man's world industry. I worked 7 days a week the first three years of my business and lived in a house with no running water or heat. Makes a gal testy at times. I am what I am. This has nothing to do with my lease not being renewed.

I hope this clears up any questions. Stay posted. We are eager to announce a new location, believe me!