After 22 years in business, the Two Boots Pizza on Bleecker Street has lost its lease. They recently made the announcement on their Facebook page:
640 Broadway, the building that houses Two Boots Bleecker, has been cleaning out all the local, small businesses. Star Shoe Repair was pushed into the basement under Two Boots. At the same time, out went the Optimo newsstand, a Chinese take-out place, and a little locksmith shop.
Most recently, Bleecker Digital Solutions, a small photo lab and print shop was given the heave-ho.
I talked to Neal, owner of Bleecker Digital Solutions, about the situation. He told me that the building was bought by Arcadia Realty Trust and "They're kicking out everybody." He added, "They're taking over the downtown area like crazy." Neal was on Bleecker for 30 years, running his shop for the past 15. He's now at 85 Kenmare Street.
How's he doing in the new spot? "Well," he says, "we'll see." Moves like this can be tough, especially after building a following in one place for three decades.
BEFORE
Several small, local businesses were put out--and for what? In their place today is one big Organic Avenue.
AFTER
What will replace Two Boots? It's already listed as empty and available on Arcadia's website--in a brochure choking on chains.
I was working at a recording studio downtown during 9/11 and received notice to evacuate. Two Boots on Bleecker was still open and serving pizza, so I got a Tony Clifton slice and 2 bottles of water. I then walked along with the mass exodus over the Williamsburg Bridge to my apartment. Two Boots will always have a special place in my heart for providing me with a meal on one of the worst days in history.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly does the Business Improvement District in this area do? And, what the heck is the cities small business department doing? Or, should we change the name of that agency to NYC Chain Store Administration?
ReplyDeleteTo add insult to injury, whenever I pass this Organic Avenue, it's always EMPTY!! Being a corporate chain, they can afford to have NO customers, which provides them with a nice tax write-off and a NOLA (Net Operating Loss Allowance) that they can apply to future years when they eventually show a profit.
ReplyDeleteIs THAT better than a row of diverse small locally-owned businesses that catered to the community at large? HELL NO!!
I've said this before: NYC is dying, one building, one venue and one store at a time....
Their pizza is really excellent. Consistently so
ReplyDeleteWhen was their last day? I walked by today (the 10th) and they were already closed. Boo!
ReplyDelete