Frederick Cafe at the corner of 114th and FDB/8th Avenue now appears to have turned into Cafe Frederick Harlem Parlor. This was originally the spinoff of the popular Bier International down the block but does not seem to be as busy at times. Eschewing the cozy coffee shop aesthetics that have been popping up all over NYC, Cafe Frederick has taken more of a modern approach but now seems to be softening things up a little with more plants as part of the decor. An awning would probably also make sense here along with an outdoor patio that could definitely bring more foot traffic during warmer weather.
If it was regularly open for business the Fredrick Cafe might have had a decent chance of flourishing. As it was they were rarely open, no surprise they couldn't manage to build up a loyal clientele. Hopefully this latest version will be successful. That particular space seems to have a history of lackluster performance from its restaurant tenants but you can't blame the area, the HFB a couple doors down is constantly packed.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be blunt, but do these entrepreneurs not have eyes? How hard is it to see that in every neighborhood in the city a basic coffee house will flourish (we now thankfully have one on FBD now with Double Dutch.) Source some really good coffee, make the space feel cozy and inviting, have wi-fi and you're good to go. No need to reinvent the wheel here.
ReplyDeleteIf you make this a diner, it will be packed, I guarantee! Perfect location and something the neighborhood sorely needs.
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to like it, but they have the most uncomfortable seats in the history of seating and the AC in the summer is completely inadequate
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