So the old Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe has been vacant since 2009 and many have been wondering what would eventually happen to the nondescript storefront on FDB/8th Avenue (between 116th and 117th Street). This past weekend, a work permit that was filed last month, appeared on the window and might provide a clue for things to come. The lower photo (click to enlarge) doesn't really say all that much on the work plans but one sentence that states "non-residential stoves for bakery on first floor" kind of gives things away. Does anyone have any insider tips? The closest train to this location is the B,C at 116th Street. Photos by Ulysses
So the old Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe has been vacant since 2009 and many have been wondering what would eventually happen to the nondescript storefront on FDB/8th Avenue (between 116th and 117th Street). This past weekend, a work permit that was filed last month, appeared on the window and might provide a clue for things to come. The lower photo (click to enlarge) doesn't really say all that much on the work plans but one sentence that states "non-residential stoves for bakery on first floor" kind of gives things away. Does anyone have any insider tips? The closest train to this location is the B,C at 116th Street. Photos by Ulysses
Heard a rumour, from a business around the corner in the same building, that it would be Levain Bakery. How delicious would that be? The permit has actually been on the window for a while now, but I never see any work being done. I hope it's not a fiasco.
ReplyDeleteThis might explain Lee Lee's initial decision to close his bakery before deciding to stay open after a spike in community support.
ReplyDeletePresumably having already taken a hit from Best Yet Market's Bakery and competing with Patisserie Les Ambassades, having a new bakery on the Avenue means that he had better sound off the bells and whistles loudly to survive now.
I personally will continue to support him while being conscious of spreading my patronage evenly to worthy newcomers alike.
This is great news. On the one hand, healthy competition will force existing businesses to step up and maintain their quality of service, however, I do empathize with Lee Lee's. For many years he could probably get by with his style of business, but the scene now is probably unrecognizable to him and I hope he gets the right advice in order to compete.
ReplyDeleteChris, don't you think this situation is tailor-made for a Columbia Business School academic case study, or perhpas a pro-bono service project for one of the big management consulting firms?
ReplyDeleteThey could easily overhaul (or create) his business plan, obtain small business loan financing, relocate or revamp the physical storefront, do some marketing, and hire staff so Lee Lee himself can stick to the baking.