Lee Lee' Bakery in South Harlem has been reported to be closing at the end of the month. A reader informed us that Mr. Lee's business is down drastically and that the baker of one of New York City's best rugelach will shutter his doors after this coming Monday. So what should be done in this situation? The suggestion at hand is that folks who don't want to see one of the best baker that we have uptown go out of business should head on down FDB and 118th Street and start making some big orders! The shop is not open in the early morning so come by in the early afternoon and tell Mr. Lee to hang in there and show your support. Lee Lee's Bakery is at 283 West 118th Street, between Frederick Douglass Boulevard (8th Avenue) and St. Nicholas Avenue. Tel. 917-493-6633. The closest subway is the B,C or 2,3 at 116th Street. Photo by Ulysses
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
☞ SHOP: Lee Lee's Bakery to Close Next Week?
Lee Lee' Bakery in South Harlem has been reported to be closing at the end of the month. A reader informed us that Mr. Lee's business is down drastically and that the baker of one of New York City's best rugelach will shutter his doors after this coming Monday. So what should be done in this situation? The suggestion at hand is that folks who don't want to see one of the best baker that we have uptown go out of business should head on down FDB and 118th Street and start making some big orders! The shop is not open in the early morning so come by in the early afternoon and tell Mr. Lee to hang in there and show your support. Lee Lee's Bakery is at 283 West 118th Street, between Frederick Douglass Boulevard (8th Avenue) and St. Nicholas Avenue. Tel. 917-493-6633. The closest subway is the B,C or 2,3 at 116th Street. Photo by Ulysses
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What an absolute shame. I will be going there tonight to show a bit of support. I hope for the locals sake this isn't indicative of local business in general. I do wonder sometimes why there isn't more foot traffic along FDB (given all of the housing in close proximity). Good luck Mr Lee!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking a little. I try to come in on Sunday's for his wonderful carrot muffins and danish.
ReplyDeleteI better order the cake for my husband's birthday pronto!
I am sure I will get a lot of flack for saying this, but there is a slight issue with many of the better businesses in Central Harlem. I love food and have no difficulty supporting local businesses, but they needs to step up the game just a little. In curiosity I checked out Lee's bakery a couple of weeks ago during a prime business hour and it had the appearance of not knowing whether it was open or closed or really had any product to sell. The cases were mostly empty and there was no one in the place, at the counter or otherwise. If you are a bakery, you should have some product in the cases and a reasonably inviting atmosphere that makes people feel comfortable coming in. It seems that many Harlemites speak highly of Mr Lee's product, but the neighborhood is changing and the population is increasing with new residents who do not know of Mr Lees history. That's fine if there is enough business from the old timers to keep it a secret, but if you want new business, you have to draw in a new clientel. Now for where I get really bashed. It is sort of the same thing in many of the other businesses in Harlem that are trying to tap into the whole population of consumers that are moving to Harlem. Often times, service, or atmosphere, or quality is missing the mark. Do not get me wrong, I appreciate a very casual and non fancy business with neighborhood history and quality product more so than a new restaurant that is trying to get a more expensive clientel, but there are even few of those. So when you go to a restaurant like settapani or 5 and diamond, to pay a slight premium (5 and diamond= higher premium) you kind of expect that quality, service and, atmosphere are either wholly classic to the spirit of the hood or just better than average from a manhattan perspective. I am as much of a cheerleader for Harlem as anyone, but I am starting to recognize why many are not succeeding, which is unfortunate, because they will likely be replace by generic corporate businesses in the future that are not at least owned by people who live in the neighborhood or foster some spirit of it.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who works in the restaurant marketing business, anon 10:30 is right. There is no reason why south harlem could not support a local bakery right now. Really what Mr. Lee, or someone else has is an opportunity. If Mr. Lee relocated around the corner or in some way rebranded the current location, and did some local marketing it could likely be very successful. His history in the neighborhood and word of mouth quality amongst the older residents helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteAnon @10.30, great post. I don't think anybody would disagree with what you said. Businesses like Lee Lee's Bakery could learn a lot from watching Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. He has had his own fare share of problems, but one thing he encourages for local businesses is to make yourself known. Keep it simple with quality food and quality service. In a burgeoning neighborhood, the guys in and around FDB have a head start over everybody else. They really need, however, to get out there into the community and makes themselves known. Sadly, I only recently discovered this place and I have lived on 122nd for nearly 7 months now.
ReplyDeleteAfter living in South Harlem for 2 years and visiting Lee Lee's on several occassions, I must agree with the commenters from 10:30am and 10:46am.
ReplyDeleteHis display counter is rarely stocked and you don't have any idea of what is being served to begin with. As with any business, you either adapt to a changing neighborhood or close up shop.
The rugelach is fantastic though!
I think more residents of Harlem should use this blog to be slightly critical of the businesses to let them know what makes us want to support them more. Its all fine and good to always tow the line of saying "support local businesses" but it is also cruel to not go to them and not tell them why. Anon 10:30 covered lee's bakery and there is nothing more in the world I want than for Lee's to take their advice. My gripe is settapani's brunch menu. There is no reason why that entire sidewalk should not be filled with people every weekend for the most of the brunch period. I went and the menu was limited and too be honest what I finally ordered was small in comparison to what it cost. Only a few tables were set up outside at 1 o'clock on a 75 degree day (read non inviting/optimistic) Here is an example of a place that has so much potential, locally owned, very neighbor-hoody, but if it were in a more competitive restaurant row ( like 20 blocks south) would not survive simply based on the menu and atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI visisted this shop for the first time approximately 3 weeks ago. It's a shame that's it's closing but I have to agree. you don't know what you're being served, the prices, etc. It just seems that Mr. Lee tried to rest on his laurels and they broke. I wish him the best. I'll have to try the rugelach before it's too late.
ReplyDeleteHere, here. The frustration is sometimes overpowering. Harlem as whole is changing, maybe central Harlem a little quicker at the moment. It is so frustrating to see businesses that are local, Lee's, settapani, chez L, etc. all struggling. But unfortunately, new york is a free market system and without question these businesses are not getting the traffic because they are not getting the REPEAT traffic they need. Lack of repeat traffic is a basis of dissatisfaction with the product. The excuse that Harlem is a difficult place to have a business is slightly overshadowed but the desire of Harlemites to WANT to support the local businesses. But if you do not have SATISFIED customers, they wont come back. The demand for businesses in Harlem is greater than the supply. People practically wet themselves over the prospect of a wholefoods market or a marcus samuelson restaurant. This is our community, and we want to support YOU, HARLEM LOCAL BUSINESSES, are you listening?
ReplyDeleteA local business owner made an interesting and astute observation one time, their competition is not the other restaurants in Harlem but the other restaurants downtown.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the basis for saying that Settepani and Chez L are struggling? I find it hard to believe without any facts because when I've passed by these restaurants are always packed.
ReplyDeleteYou are all so right on! I ditto all the above comments, except from Anonymous 12:02. Just because a restaurant is full doesn't mean they are not struggling, especially in this economy. Sometimes owners are more motivated by the desire to serve but one must a bit of good business acumen to go along with that desire in order to make things a success.
ReplyDeleteI have say for the record that bad/indifferent service seems to be the rule around here rather that the exception.
ReplyDeleteHowever Applebee’s isn’t packed because the service is better over there than at Settipani or Mobay. It’s packed because it’s seen more of an “average Joe” place than either Settipani or Mobay. Mobay’s has lunch specials now which should help them out. Settipani’s is still kind of overpriced for lunch last I checked. If anything, the service at Applebee’s is even worse than at the other places mentioned. But it’s unpretentious and seen as cheap.
I personally have never had a problem with the service at Setti’s or Chez Lucenne (but I haven’t been to Chez L in a while).
12:13 - So if a restaurant is busy and you have no inside info....what are you basing your assumption on?
ReplyDeleteThe times I have been to these restaurants they have not particularly been "busy", especially by manhattan standards. It takes a lot of turnover to keep a restaurant above water. From my restaurant experience and observation the business at these places should be more for the demand and to keep them profitable. It would be interesting to hear from the owners of the restaurants mentioned if they are interested in a larger customer base.
ReplyDeleteI agree the service is generally good at Settapani, I have issues with the menu and the pricing. But I believe they have the potential to be a really great place with some input from the customer base. They are just not there yet.
Vig Vega is spot on. Setti and Chez Lucienne are rather exclusive (as are a lot of the other dining establishments in and around Central Harlem). I have always wondered why there is not a Dallas BBQ on 125th. When we lived on 73rd & York, we used to go to the one on 72nd & 2nd. It was always absolutely packed, not just with locals, but a lot of people who would come down from Harlem.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, for what it is worth, my past few dining experiences in Harlem have been wonderful - Chez Lucienne, 5 & Diamond and Frizzante. So there is hope!
Valid post. More affordable simple quality, clean, not trying to be upscale restaurants in Harlem would be very welcome. It would be great if they were original and not a chain. Harlem seeps with potential.
ReplyDeleteActually Chez L and others along Lenox Ave have benefitted tremendously from the bus loads of toursists that are dropped-off on a daily basis right in front of these businesses...Not to mention the non-tourist traffic.
ReplyDeleteLeeLee told me that he is getting out of retail to focus on wholesale of his rugelach. He'll be operating with another wholesaler in NJ.
ReplyDeletesph
Like lots of folks have said before, a good diner with good service would really do well around here!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to hear that so many are unhappy with the service. However am glad I am not the only one who observed that...I was already wondering what's wrong with me.
Growing Pains?
no one has mentioned il cafe latte - which has terrible service, "eh" food and is always, always, always packed. i dont get it.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Il Cafe Latte....packed and so-so service ..I go there often because there is no other casual cafe close by that I feel ok working at or meeting somebody.
ReplyDeleteI remember my waitress days...the friendlier you were the better the tip...is that not true anymore?
I wanted to point out that Tanto Dulce (140/b'way)...tiny and packed as it is has great service! Monica (the owner) is doing a good job with her crew! Especially the "male waiters" (is that the correct therm?!) are very polite and helpful! They are literally bending over backwards to serve you ;-)
I love that cafe down on 110th & FDB. Can't remember the name of it...lots of space and great coffee. I do like Il Cafe Latte, I just wish there was a little more room.
ReplyDeleteCafe' Amrita is on 110th/FDB. I painted them.
ReplyDeleteGood panini's & salads.
You can sit all day there w/your laptop & feel very comfortable.
Ah wow, great stuff AFineLyne :) That's the one. I love how that place looks. Almost like stepping into a Parisian cafe.
ReplyDeleteWhat seems missing from the neighborhood is the old standbys of every other neighborhood in the city -- a good hamburger place/pub, sit-down Chinese/Thai/Vietnamese restaurants with waiter service, a reasonably sized pizzeria/Italian restaurant and a clean diner. Most people can't (or won't want to) eat at Settepani or 5&Diamond type of restaurants every week but they still like to be able to go out for a meal.
ReplyDeletehow come native never comes up in these converstaions? the service is pretty good. the food is pretty good. it's a cute space. affordable. it's my favorite spot on that stretch of lenox.
ReplyDeleteSecond vote for Native! Look...fact is, despite all of the negative feedback about service or lack of across Harlem, a lot of these places do offer excellent food and great service. Native is another success.
ReplyDeleteright anon 3:17...and the bar is a good spot too...I have been there many a night.
ReplyDeleteI think with Frizzante and Piatto we have the Italian/Pizza covered okay .. haven't been to the new Settepani yet. But a burger joint would be great ... same with some sort of sit down Asian (Vietmanese, Japanese, Indian). Ditto a diner.
ReplyDeleteChris - I feel like the Southern BBQ market is covered here. It's not so different than the soul food served at Sylvia's or Amy Ruths. Plus dinosaur BBQ is not a long walk ...
To all you aspiring entrepreneurs reading this blog right now wondering where to set up shop, do you really need any more proof than this that if you build it not only will we come but so will the onslaught of new residents that are set to occupy all the new condo buildings this year.
ReplyDeleteWarm up your cold feet and jump in already, the water's fine.
Native and Il Cafe Latte are both reasonably priced places unlike Sylva's Chez L, and Lenox Lounge.
ReplyDeleteThat alone would grant them a considerable amount of slack.
I'm starving for Thai or Sushi, or anything cutesy. As much as I'm not with the hipsterity of what Williamsburg's grown to be, there's no question that hands down they've nailed the whole ambiance department down. Chelsea restaurant/cafe's lay claim to well thought out inviting artsy and laid back atmospheres as well. The new Hell's Kitchen eateries is precisely the direction I think FDB can fall into minus the over the top spots and insane congestion but wider sidewalks of FDB or Lenox can surely accomodate that more comfortably.
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:59-For the most part you had all of those restaurants over on 12th Ave. Dino BBQ is ur burger joint, Covo is your casual Italian restaurant, Talay was sort of a Thai/mexican place. But Talay closed down.
ReplyDeletedon't you guys know about HArlem BBQ on 127th and FDB?
ReplyDeleteIt is basically a total copy of Dallas BBQ. Have been there twice and for that kind of place it is ok. service was better than some.
It wouldn't surprise me that Lee is moving from retail to wholesale as I've gotten the impression that he's more comfortable as a baker than as a shopkeeper. I don't think he ever cared for retail. He used to keep much less regular hours. After the shop got a lot of good press 3-4 years ago he kept the place open on a more regular basis and I think it really ate at him. Plus, he's no spring chicken to be working those long days.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a damn shame if Lee Lee's closed. The ruggelach is so excellent. I wouldn't be surprised though, their business model is not very good. I don't know what the hours are, what the prices are, or what's available. You barely even know the place is there, and it doesn't really look like a bakery from the outside. Maybe he would do better selling wholesale.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to go their this weekend to get my last batch of ruggelach.
Also I've been to Harlem BBQ a couple of times. It's pretty solid although their large margaritas are not as good as the Dallas BBQ ones.
It is time for a juicy report from the other side. Aren't there any waiters/shop owners around who would love give us a piece of their mind?
ReplyDeleteJust the other day I heard another one of those difficult costumers ordering and arguing about her coffee for 5 min: "Half caf half decaf 2%milk, oh, and warm up the milk and put it in an extra cup...no, I said small cups, why don't you listen. Is that really decaf, does not taste like it. Oh ah, and a cup of ice on the side. Why does this take so long, your service is terrible, where is the manager...
;-)
Good luck Mr. Lee Lee!
HarlemGal has spoken to Mr. Lee himself. He needs help and wants nothing more than to continue baking. HarlemCondoLife.com learned of the news today and is making a public plea for someone to step forward who could help Mr Lee or know of someone that can assist. Now is the time for bloggers and readers who love Harlem to unite and try and help save our local bakery!
ReplyDeleteMr. Lee or his partner are going to try and get to a computer today to state their position. Stay tuned!
Wow. I hope someone helps Mr. Lee and his bakery. Reading both stories on HarlemCondoLife and Harlem Bespoke, it clear these bloggers and readers care.
ReplyDelete@Neiuw. I asked if any of this had to do with rent or was his lease up. He said "Absolutely not." he said it was due to the building across the street from him. He said the clinic that was closed brought him in daily steady business. It seems like a mini recession hit him. Does anyone know anyone at HuffingtonPost or Curbed or NY Mag? If this coverage gets outside of Harlem blogs, maybe an investor will step forward?
ReplyDeleteHe needs what kind of help? Counter help, baking help, financial help?
ReplyDeleteI think he needs makeover help. It's great that the nearby scaffolding is gone, but I think that the outside of the store needs a cosmetic makeover.
ReplyDeleteMaybe some food or cakes in the windows that you can see from FDB to let you know that its a bakery? Or maybe sign at the corner with an arrow pointing towards the store?
Honestly, when I look at the awning, it just screams out "barbershop" or candy store at first. Although that could be because there's a barbershop near me at 135th and FDB with a similar awning.
Lee Lee's is a neighborhood treasure! His rugelach are worth their weight in gold, for real. I used to think Fairway and Zabar's had good rugelach -- no more. Lee Lee's or nothing for me.
ReplyDelete