OMG What has Happended to this part of Flatbush Avenue?
I was away and this is what I came back to?
I was on a photographing assignment out of the country for several months and returned 2 weeks ago to my favorite Park Slope nabe I have lived in for close to 17 years, Flatbush and 6th Avenue. I took a few long walks and discovered the following:
So many stores shuttered or about to close and some new ones opened. Very upset that my little dry cleaner closed and Christies Jamaican closed as did Royal Video (well that was just a matter of time). The taco joint replacement for Christies is so so at best.Spoke with someone at Franny's and they told me business is pretty bad since moving up the block,especially lunch no foot traffic, but Marco's seems to be doing ok. Hooti store puts clothes, shoes and junk furniture out on the sidewalk like a third world flea market, the new nail salon charges $48 to $68 for a mani/pedi, struggling to pay $7K a month. The 2 Realtor brothers on the corner of Prospect Place and Flatbush are calling it quits and want to rent out space for $16-$21K (good luck). The Chase bank is closing. The Burrito Bar is for sale, I hear. Hooti Couture plants clothes, rugs and furniture out onto the sidewalk like a third world flea market, (what happened to those 2 lovely red planters out front) Glad to see that Prospect Perk is rebranding to become Hungry Ghost 4, good call Marat! The elderly white haired lady that runs the 2 Day Care Centers opened a fitness studio? What? and a new childrens clothing store whose shelves seems empty of merchandise. Cinderella is still closed up as is the old hair salon. Another hair salon closed too. I heard that Kaz An Nou is closing the end of this month, one of the greatest littlest gems in Park Slope. I hope they find their way soon. A French restaurant opened next to the crepe joint! I went inside and the owner, he said not to buy the bread because it was not fresh, from the day before batch. And he said business us bad everyday, he makes between $70 to $90 a day! How will he pay $9k rent with stale bread? Happy to see a Donut Plant to open and who doesnt love a Shake Shack burger, but where does that leave little 67Burger? . Once the burger gem on the avenue. The check cashing place is closing and last I heard Sugar Cane was expanding, no expansion to view. The Triangle Sports store is still shuttered. and didnt JLo's Viva Mobile just open last summer? its gone too. (not that I ever went inside) Found out Woodland is not open for lunch anymore because of poor business. Heard this is the end of Kings Pharmacy, developer bought property, developer bought Taro Sushi building too. And what is going on at the corner of Park Place where Gran Castillo once stood? Nice to see Ideya Bistro with outdoor cafe and bike corral, very welcoming. Glad to see a few old timers still standing, like Charlie from the eyewear store and Joe from the Hardware store. Healthy Nibbles is always a good call for some quick vegan yummies, I hear Mery opened a second location near Nostrond, wonder if this is the end of Healthy Nibbles. In summation, it seems to me that Flatbush AVenue is not flourishing like 5th Avenue or Vanderbilt, is it greedy landlords? At one time it looked like it might be the new foodie avenue, but it seems to be looking worse than last year. Looks like Morgans BBQ and Shake Shack may have the best traffic for any Nets games at Barclays. Anyone want to chime in, any comments, something I missed? Whatever happend to the TD Bank I once heard would open at Bergen? The closing of Petit Fluer saddens me too as this was a great shop for lovely gifts and Margaret was a very sweet lady, anyone know what happened to her? And Henry WEinstein building still empty! At least the community garden still stands and looks better than ever, gives me hope for that corner. Probably the only nice thing about this small stretch of Flatbush Avenue.
Comments
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Wow, that was a very thorough casualty count. Very interesting to know a few of the places not catering to the stadium crowd are struggling. Flatbush is an enigma. I really hope it finds a way not to turn into the blocks that surround MSG. I thought it was looking like we were safe from that fate. Your rundown makes me think otherwise.If Flatbush can fight the good fight for a few more years and not turn into stretches of banks and red meat for famished train'd in idiots, the 7,000 new brooklyn residents moving in up top might help keep the street's local businesses steady.
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Yes, @happyface seems to really have his eyes on the area.
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@happyface's comment reads like the central monologue in a modern play about crown heights. I would love to see it performed.
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Maybe all of the displaced businesses will come to Nostrand! We have space.
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Well some of those closed YEARS ago not just a few months. How long were you away really or just not looking.
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Are most of these properties Pintchik Brothers properties. I also noticed the printing/computer shop near Barclays is not longer there as well as the Methodist Hospital space. I know Pintchik received alot of money from Ratner for some of his properties. With Shake Shack, Parm and Donut Plant coming, is Walmart next? or Hooters??
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@happyface's comment reads like the central monologue in a modern play about crown heights. I would love to see it performed.
I vote we call the play "The Replacements"
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The Chase is closing?
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"Hooti Couture plants clothes, rugs and furniture out onto the sidewalk like a third world flea market" -What? i think Happyface is just rude. If you know Hooti and her business history in the area you would not casually define her this way, she is an original. What is your point?
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There was a thread some time ago mentioning Hootie and how the quality has turned for the worse. Off the top of my head I can't remember who posted about it, but nevertheless, Happyface isn't alone in noticing.
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Not being rude at all. Just saying it as it is and my my opinion. I know Allison the owner and I know she purchases much of her jewelry, belts and sunglasses in Chinatown. Most of her clothing are second hand from Forever 21 or H&M, not exactly "vintage" anymore. And the best part she will give you a discount if you pay in cash. She has been on Flatbush for about 7 or 8 years and her store isn't what it used to be. Not very inviting with dresses hanging from the door and string across the window. Reminds me of the old Orchard Street.
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That is a nicer way to put it happyface. It is best to be respectful of people who are making it work even as their business and clients changes. She used to be the only operation of that kind in the area and now she competes with bigger shops like Beacon's Closet. (old Orchard street was really fun in the day.) the clientele has changed for her and she is keeping pace with what is expected; grunge is still IN vogue.
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That is too bad that the Chase will be closing, there is another smaller branch further up on Flatbush near 8th Avenue. But a little inconvenient for me. I would like to go into that french restaurant but it really looks so uninviting and fresh bread is something we really need in the area, you can always get bread at Brooklyn Larder but they are too overpriced and sometimes the Korean grocer has Amy's bread but it never lasts very long. I have to put my 2 cents in and say that I too, dont like the way that Hooti store displays her clothing out of the street and puts mannequins in the middle of the sidewalk. My friend told me her little girl came close to a catastrophe on Flatbush on a windy day when it toppled over and came crashing down on her stroller. She had the hood down which prevented a mishap but the owner or sales girl seemed unconcerned about the incident at best. I continually see her mannequins displayed out even going so far as into the street. An accident will occur and then she will be sued. On the other hand, this store once sold some nice vintage jewelry but not anymore. I guess she caters to the young teens, with plastic rings, feather headbands and plastic stretch belts. I think the "vintage" title is too misleading. But I guess a girl has to do what a girl has to do. Redberi was a great store on the Avenue and had some nice clothing so did Harriets Alter Ego. I like Vinnies Styles for cool t-shirts and caps. Great store, the guys are so pleasant. Maybe Pintchiks needs to bring some new retail, a Gap Kids would do well here, so many children.
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gee #happyface, a good stroll and a good thorough commentary. I hate that the bigger Chase branch is closing, will another bank take its place? I am surprised the "massage parlor" is still in business too, wonder how they make money to pay the rent each month, very strange. Does anyone know how much Burrito Bar is selling for and why is he leaving, I bet his lease is up, I know that he has had problems with the building landlord for years, the reason he closed up that CarltonPark restaurant he once owned now Ideya.Hooti owner is a really fun and exciting gal but a little too over the top for most people. She once scared away a good friend of mine who was going in to purchase something for his girlfriend. He wanted a piece of jewelry and she was trying to sell him a mink shawl! so funny. I have not been in sometime, but do notice all the clothing hanging out especially during the summer, the a/c is one and she has the door open. (isn't that a violation?) I once heard this funny story. My girlfriend tried on a mink and leather coat for $450, she liked it and tried to bargain, but store lady went as low as $400,said it just came in, real mink and leather. A few weeks later, she went into store with a friend who tried on the same coat. The owner said the coat is $250, its fake rabbit and real leather. In late December the coat was marked down to $75 and the owner said its not real fur or leather and lining had lots of small moth holes in it. How does one get away with this type of service?I hope the lady from Petite Fluer didn't pass away, but her prices were too high and the store was never open. The pintchik bros. are the grossest landlords in Brooklyn. They own about 100 million dollars in buildings and will charge the highest rent they can get for space, leaving it empty for years. I heard they were building a luxury high rise building with storefront where the Cinderella cleaners is standing empty for about 8 years now. What gives?
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In all that you wrote, I read Kaz an Nou and almost fell off my chair. That is my favourite restaurant in Brooklyn. We take people visiting there. Are they really closing? I'm at a loss for words.
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Do you think the arrival of the Arena had anything to do with the changes happyface lists or is it just coincidence? When do we start regretting the Arena there?
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The arena wasn't up to us. There is no reason for us to regret it.
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Marco's will soon be history:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/20/dining/marcos-restaurant-in-brooklyn-is-closing.html?_r=0 -
The section of Flatbush may start looking like Canal Street 10 years ago.
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Give it some time, the chains will replace the closed stores.
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yep, Marco's is closing shop. And I hear now that Cake Ambience on Dean and Flatbush will be history soon. Fish and Sip is struggling to survive. For Rent signs are taking over the avenue. And that old Sleepys storefront is such an eyesore. Bring it on WalMart.
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Riding through this section of Flatbush Avenue is getting more and more depressing. Lived in this area for ab out 11 years and I was under the assumption that things were going to happen once the the Barclays Center opened bringing new businesses to this area. New stores are already closing? Kaz Au Nu closing? Marco's? New stores not doing well. Long shuttered stores still vacant. More nail salons than needed and the rudest people in the UPS store. Hooti Couture was a favorite of my wife's when the store first opened on this part of Flatbush, but now its mostly filled with cheap and tacky chotchkas and clothing. The owner will talk you blue in the face about her personal life whether you want to listen or not and everything in the store has the smell of a stale fish market. (she once told me she buys her clothing from the back of a truck in south florida) The old time Ruby Kitchen has one of the filthiest kitchens. Who would ever think that Burrito Bar would outlast everyone and still continue to serve on par food and remain crowded most nights. Good for Burrito Bar I guess.
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Didn't burrito bar close? Or am I thinking of someplace else.
And not "on" flatbush but City Sub is still closed I think, that's a huge bummer. They've been serving locals for a long time.
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Burrito Bar is still open but according to the first post in this thread, is for sale.
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yep Burrito Bar is still open. Same owner or owners too since they opened like 10 years ago. Such a shame that the good restaurants, i.e. Kaz Au Nu and Marco's will be gone when a place like BB will remain open. I guess people like cheap eats at a sub par level and watered down drinks, some made with powdered packets. Hungry Ghost seems to be surviving, and I think its only because its the only (except for vegan, Healthy Nibbles) that has free wifi and pretty damn good coffee. And newbie Ideya seems to be hanging in there, they seem to have a better summer vibe though. Food is good but they need to turn those lights up at night, too dark inside. I am happy to see El Gran Castillo doing well in the new spot, but the food has changed and not quite as good as before, must be a new chef. Anyone try the new Taco place that replaced Christies Patties? No very good at all. Morgans is doing well but after one very pricey meal with small portions, everyone will tell you that Dinasaur BBQ is better quality and a good bang for ya buck! Most of my out of town guests love Dinasaur. Went to Franny's for the great apps, pizza and a bottle wine, set us back $282 for 4 people. The rent must be stupendous!!I think Flatbush Avenue has gone to crap. The Scientology Center never has anyone inside and yet remains intact.
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wow! So many bad comments about some of the shops I have never been to and now I am thinking perhaps I shouldnt bother. I walk passed that vintage store a few times a week on my way to train and always thought it was a thrift shop. It is never very inviting with the clothes strewn across the store and displayed on some funky mannequins. I did a hear a story from a friend who bought a brooch for her coat and was told it was vintage and paid about $35. When she showed it to her mom who knows her vintage, she told her that "vintage" brooch was a wholesale cheap fashion piece worth about $2.00. She tried to return it the next day only to find out that she could only get store credit. Wonder how someone can stay in business for solong with so many bad reviews, but after reading Yelp! you have to wonder if the owner asks her friends to write up reviews for her. Cannot believe that Marco's if folding, one of the few great places I loved to meet up with friends and have a drink. The food was pretty good. By the way, I hope that 67burger survives with Shake Shack up the street, besides burgers they have some of the best salads and great chicken burgers too. I agree, that a good Chinese restaurant will do great here, but not a fast food type. And the lone long survivor on Flatbush is GEIDO Sushi. Still one of the best sushi places around and always consistent with the food, great service too. The kind of place where everyone knows your name.
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Our new members write alike
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The Scientology Center won't be forced out the way a normal business would. They like high traffic areas where potential recruits are nearby. Their return on investment isn't calculated the way a restaurant or clothing store would be..
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haha i was thinking that too @whynot_31 ... all these members have the same poetic sense of rhythm. But i can't figure out the reason behind their strange deception.
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