A Bespoke reader sent in a photo of another retail space over at 215 West 125th Street that has closed recently and wonders if the rent in the area is getting too high for some of the popular fast food chains in the area. One of the handful of McDonald's on 125th Street apparently has shuttered for good at the modern building located east of FDB/8th Avenue and workers were seen deconstructing the space in recent weeks. This is also the building where Crumbs will reportedly debut so maybe the type of businesses in the area are just diversifying more. Read about Crumbs' arrival to Harlem in our past post:
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There's no reason to have two McDonald's locations within two blocks. Good riddance.
ReplyDeleteThere's obviously demand for McDonalds on 125th Street, but the space was too big. By the standards of a typical McDonalds in Manhattan it was a really large location. But other than the peak of meal times, it was never full. Consider that other times most of the business is takeout. It probably didn't pull in much more money than the tiny McDonalds "Express" location on 125th just east of Lenox, despite the fact that the rent on that one is probably a fraction of it. So it makes sense for them to abandon this one.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly my doctor's office (Manhattan Physician's Group, http://mpgcares.com/) is planning to relocate this summer to this building from their location on 152nd and Amsterdam.
ReplyDeletehttp://newyorkrealestate.citybizlist.com/18/2011/6/8/EmblemHealth-Co.-HIP-Signs-Lease-For-Retail-Office-Space-at-215-W.-125th-St.aspx
This McDonalds served more than fast food, it was a meet up for some locals, often more senior, who would discuss politics, share humor and each others company. Some folks made this a regular spot to read the newspaper and relax, some would even bring food obtained elsewhere and enjoy a clean table. Sometimes it would attract troubled individuals and along with it he usual drama. This might sound a little “ghetto” and not in the interest of McDonald’s bottom line, but it was serving a community purpose of more than burgers and fries, this McDonalds will be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the scoop, abelive! Funny how I work in the building and I didn't know. That explains all the thumping I hear. I think that's a good fit since the now relocated Sydenham clinic used to be on the second floor. Regarding McDonald's I do agree that it met some community need but not at the cost of everything else that was wrong with it. The lines moved atrociously slow. Plus I think that since the closing of the old OTB next door, that McDonald's location became the de facto hub of way too much drama and ghettoness. I do miss being able to go next door for a quick coffee but there are already enough McDonald's on 125th St which are probably more profitable in the smaller spaces. I am very excited about what would occupy the vacant space.
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