Holiday Season

Grand Street Gives Back

The Grand Street neighborhood is giving back to our community! The Grand Street BID is hosting our 5th annual Grand Street Holiday Food Drive. 15 small businesses will host collection boxes for non-perishable food items to be shared with neighbors in need. We’re excited to work in partnership with North Brooklyn Mutual Aid to collect items and distribute them to community food access points in our greater North Brooklyn community, as well as to specific food giveaway events.

To donate, just stop by any of our participating businesses and drop the food items in the holiday wrapped collection box. That’s it! Use the list below to pick out groceries. Don’t forget to shop locally for your food donations. You can even shop for items at a participant like Bravo Supermarket (785 Grand Street) to check out and donate in one trip. In past years the food drive was a great success, with collections between 800lbs-900lbs of food per year.

Items that are especially helpful are as follows: peanut butter, breakfast cereals, oatmeal, canned vegetables, canned soups, pasta, rice, canned beans, canned fish, baby formula + food, granola bars, raisins, and dried fruit.

You can drop off food at the following participating businesses:

Laundry Taxi - 578 Grand Street

Blinky’s Bar - 609 Grand Street

Strutting Mutts - 624 Grand Street

Crystal Lake - 647 Grand Street

Empire Lock - 648 Grand Street

Alcatraz Flower Shop - 648 Grand Street

United Xtreme Williamsburg - 653 Grand Street

King Kog - 697 Grand Street

Brooklyn Dental Professionals - 700 Grand Street

Absolute Power Fitness - 750 Grand Street

Bravo Supermarket - 785 Grand Street

Philomena’s Bar - 796 Grand Street

Good Karma Tattoo - 791 Grand Street

Alita Cafe - 797 Grand Street

Groomers and Pomade - 804 Grand Street

“We are so happy to host this signature event that allows our businesses and neighbors to give back and we’re thrilled to be partnering with North Brooklyn Mutual Aid,” said Erin Piscopink, Executive Director of the Grand Street BID. “We are so inspired by their ongoing efforts and positive impact. Both of our organizations have a deep commitment to our community, making them an ideal partner for this year’s food drive.”

North Brooklyn Mutual Aid is a collective of neighbors helping neighbors that formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Shana Kimball, a coordinator from North Brooklyn Mutual Aid says, “We are happy to help distribute the collections from the 5th Annual Grand Street Holiday Food Drive across the neighborhood with thanks to the Grand Street BID and local business involved for their coordination, and for all of the neighbors participating.” Over the past two years, North Brooklyn Mutual Aid has continued to expand its essential grocery support through deliveries, community fridges, and gift card programs, as well as launching community initiatives, including the distribution of harm reduction supplies and hygiene items; housing defense and homeless outreach; and composting and open spaces/streets stewardship.


A Guide to Gifting on Grand Street

Happy Holidays! Below is a guide to the businesses on Grand Street that offer gift cards, memberships or subscriptions available for purchase. Give the perfect gift this year by shopping small on Grand Street! Even after the holidays are over, you can use these offers to gift for any occasion.

Additionally, if you’re not able to make it to Grand Street in person check out our businesses with e-commerce! Click here for a full list and links to the online shops.

Eating and Drinking

Duck filled ravioli at Ammazzacaffe

Duck filled ravioli at Ammazzacaffe

Ammazzacaffe Treat someone you love to an amazing Italian meal! Call or purchase in-store.

BK Jani Purchase a BK Jani giftcard online today Who wouldn't want a savory burger from this neighborhood staple?

Dar 525 Call or purchase a gift card in store for that person who can't get enough of Dar 525's incredible Mediterranean cuisine.

Crystal Lake Give the gift of cocktails and good eats by direct messaging Crystal Lake or ordering a gift card in-store! They also have awesome gift baskets with special wines, liquors and other treats.

Mercadito by Eleva and Portenas A care package subscription offered by Eleva is the perfect gift this holiday season! They offer 3, 6 and 12 month plans which includes two deliveries of coffee each month. 10% of proceeds then go towards community building efforts in Nicaragua. Sign up on their website! E-gift cards are also available here!

Fresh baked goods from Mercadito!

Fresh baked goods from Mercadito!

Masa Empanadas A little goes a long way at Masa Empanadas. Treat someone to an abundance of empanadas by purchasing a gift-card in-store!

Desy's Clam Bar Call or purchase a gift-card in store at this cozy Italian restaurant.

Mad for Chicken Their name says it all! If someone you know is mad for Mad for Chicken, call or purchase a gift card in-store.

Bahia Stop by Bahia to purchase a gift card and treat someone to their amazing Salvadorian specialties.

Porto Rico We all love our coffee. Who wouldn't want a gift card to this cafe wonderland? Call or purchase in-store. Porto Rico not only has an extensive selection of coffees and teas, but the accessories and machinery to go with it!

Blue Angel Wine and Spirits Call or shop in-store to give the gift of fine wines and liquors this season! Blue angel also has a creative selection of pre-mixed cocktails.

The Big Whiskey Our neighborhood whiskey bar offers gift cards! Call, or email to inquire about purchase.

Self Care

Capture.JPG

Spa Ella II Spa Ella II offers gift cards! Purchase in-store to treat someone to some expert nail care.

Primp and Polish Primp and Polish has an online gift card program that can be used for a spa say or to purchase their line of nail-care products. You can find all their products and gift cards on their website.

Hair By Catherine Stop by or call Hair by Catherine to purchase a gift card for some of fabulous cuts and color. Cards will be e-mailed to the recipient.

Hour Rose Salon Shop online for an Hour Rose Gift card and give the gift of a gorgeous hair makeover today!

Clothing and Supplies

Capture.JPG

Fresh off the Press Is there a creative person in your life who wants to learn to screen print? or print their own designs on various pieces of apparel? Direct Message or ask in-store about a gift card from Fresh Off the Press!

Raggedy Threads Purchase an E- Gift Card or stop by this funky second hand store! A sustainable gift choice this season.

Brooklyn Brickhouse Vintage Grand Street's newest thrift store has awesome outfits for all occasions. Call or stop by the store to purchase a gift card from this unique second-hand shop!

King Kog Brooklynites are crazy for bikes! Get a gift card to King Kog to help your loved ones purchase a new bike or piece of eqiupment from this neighborhood institution. Call or purchase in-store. Online cards coming soon!

Fitness Memberships and Classes

Willyb Crossfit Purchase a membership for yourself or someone else at Willyb Crossfit! They have a selection of 5 different membership types to choose from, so you can stay fit in the way that fits your lifestyle.

Absolute Power Fitness Absolute Power Fitness is community-centric gym with extensive equipment and classes. A membership to this local fitness hub will make a perfect gift for the holidays!

Nieves Latin Dance Studio The gift of dance will bring cheer to this unpecendented holiday season! Nieves offers in-peron, private, and virtual dance classes for people of all ages. Purchase a class or set of classes today!

Grand Street BID Holiday Raffle

The Holiday Season is here! We know this year has been unusual in many ways, and that this holiday season is going to be a bit unconventional. To spread some love with our Grand Street community we are hosting a raffle for a magnificent prize basket filled with items purchased from our shops in the BID. Including, wine, coffee and tea, t-shirts, self care products, gift cards and more!

To enter, all you have to do is create an Instagram post of how you’re spending time on Grand Street! Tag @GrandStreetBID and use #LifeisGrand. 1 post = 1 Entry. It can be a photo of you and a friend eating or drinking at our bars and restaurants, our streetscape, a shop you really like, a neighbor, a walk through the BID or anything else! Get creative! We’re just excited to see how everyone is spending their time in the BID and to support local businesses with our prize basket.

The raffle is open to entries until New Years Day, and we will choose a winner on January 2nd. Start snapping away!

Holiday Raffle_2020.JPG