Grand Street Businesses Giving Back

Grand Street restaurants and North Brooklyn non-profits who stepped up during a pandemic.

Hospital staff at Brooklyn Methodist with food supplied by Masa Empanadas.

The COVID pandemic has hit small businesses in NYC especially hard, closing all “non-essentials” and creating enormous obstacles for small businesses to make ends meet.

That’s why we’re shining a light our businesses that have gone above and beyond to watch out for others during this especially challenging time. Almost as soon as the pandemic began, many of our businesses began working overtime to feed hospital workers, even when it’s been a struggle to keep their own doors open.

After only opening in January, Rome to Brooklyn kicked off the good will immediately with pizza donations to ICU workers at New York Presbyterian Lower-Manhattan Hospital. The Sandwich Shop followed shortly with a donation of over 300 sandwich meals to SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dar 525, Masa Empanadas, Red Table Catering, and Taco Edition have since joined in providing ongoing meals to various hospital workers free of charge.

Our local not for profits have also stepped up in enormous ways. North Brooklyn Angels has additionally been providing hospitals with food donations and was recently provided a $25,000 after Mario Salerno of Salerno Autobody Shop (451 Lorimer St) appeared on The Ellen Show.

While acknowledging the generosity of these businesses, there are many others that haven’t been able to keep their doors open, but would also quickly help if able—which is why it’s so important to keep neighborhood businesses alive right now so we can have our community intact once this is over. You can support them by purchasing gift cards, supporting GoFundMe, and ordering takeout if they are open.

We’d like to thank all of our local businesses, workers, community members and organizations who have stayed in this fight and kept our neighborhood as strong as ever. See how you can support your favorite Grand Street business here and see a list of businesses open currently.

Free Legal Guidance for Businesses Taking Loans

Start Small Think Big is a 501(c)(3) non-profit linking small businesses with pro-bono lawyers

The federal government is days away from passing new funding for PPP and EIDL. In order to put themselves in the best position possible, business owners should prepare all of the necessary documents ahead of time in order to be early in line when the new loans + grants are available.

The Grand Street BID is partnering with Start Small Think Big, a registered non-profit, to offer significant free legal and financial assistance to Grand Street businesses in light of COVID-19. This is essential because many of the small businesses who were denied PPP money had incomplete applications. Large companies had an advantage by having a lawyer or accountant already on staff.

Small business owners whose businesses are suffering due to COVID-19 and shutdowns can request specific legal, financial, and loan/grant related assistance through a simple Request for Assistance Form. All of our businesses are invited to apply.

The advice will come from attorneys or bankers volunteering working pro-bono hours to help small businesses. You can get help with the following questions:

• Guidance in applying for federal aid.

• Advice in deciding which programs are right for your business.

• Assistance filling out applications.

• Answering legal questions related to COVID such as:

  • Employment law

  • Commercial leasing

  • Debt negotiation

  • Corporate governance

Take a look at services available from Start Small Think Big and fill out this form to apply for free consultation. We also have a resource page for businesses with updating regulations, grant opportunities, and helpful educational links.

How to help your favorite business

Gift cards, go fund me, bonds to keep businesses running.

While some “essential” businesses have been able to stay open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our most cherished local + family businesses have been struggling to meet ends while keeping employees on payroll + paying rent. If you are able, here are some businesses that are offering opportunities to help keep Grand Street open when the shutdown is over.

Restaurants:

Ammazzacaffe — Online store. GoFundMe. Gift cards available.

Eleva Coffee — Online store.

The Saint Austere — GoFundMe.

Bars:

4th Down Sports Bar — GoFundMe.

Burnside — GoFundMe.

Bushwick Country Club — GoFundMe.

Crystal Lake Brooklyn — GoFundMe. Gift cards available via email at crystallakebk@gmail.com.

Huckleberry Bar — GoFundMe.

Landline — Invest in Barry Bonds. A $50 bond gets you $55 in drinks, with bigger discounts for bigger bonds.

Lady Jay’s — Venmo @Lady_Jays.

Noorman’s Kil — Gift Cards via GoFundMe.

The Second Chance Saloon — T-shirts + flasks for sale. Venmo @deucebar. Venmo @secondchanceandzekesfund for other donations.

The Big Whiskey — GoFundMe.

The Starlight — GoFundMe.

Self Care, Parlors, Salons:

Beard Barberia — Gift cards and house calls.

Black Square Tattoos — Gift cards.

Groomers & Pomade — House calls 718-844-2905.

Hour Rose — Gift cards.

Yummy Extensions — Shop online.

Fitness:

BK Pilates — Gift cards + online class packages.

Nieves Latin Dance Studio — GoFundMe.

Willy B Crossfit — Online membership ($10 per week).

Hobbies:

Raggedy Threads — Online Store.

Sunflower Pipes — Online store.

Resources for businesses during COVID-19

Government links for information + resources

Last Updated: June 2020

UPDATES

• Open businesses must have the NY Forward Safety Plan onsite and available for DOH inspectors.

• Employers required to provide free of charge masks to essential workers

  • Properly made cloth masks are acceptable. Check here for CDC recommendations on making homemade masks.

• DCA is extending certain license expiration dates.

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Federal Aid Programs

The CARES Act signed into law by the federal government includes two new grant and loan programs. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Initial applications for the EIDL are now open in a streamlined form which can take only 10 minutes. Within the initial EIDL application form is an emergency advance grant for up to $10,000 to be delivered within 3 days. Acceptance of the grant is not contingent on being approved or accepting the loan and does not need to be paid back. This is an effort to give small businesses immediate support. More details below. Find information on all forms of aid from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Grant

The EIDL is the standard loan from the SBA of up to $2 million for small businesses during disaster scenarios. Within the pre-application for the loan there is a grant of up to $10,000 for small businesses. The application takes approximately 10 minutes if you have your gross revenue and costs of goods sold for 2019 and 2020 on hand. If you send in the initial application all you need to do is check a box certifying you would like the $10,000 advance grant. If approved you should receive the money within 3 days. This advance is separate from approval for the loan. You are not obligated to take the EIDL loan if later approved and not obligated to pay the grant money back if subsequently denied for the loan.

We found this video tutorial of the grant application process helpful and recommend watching before applying.

Click here for information on eligibility and how the grant money may be spent.

• You must be eligible for the EIDL loan to apply for the grant. Eligibility requirements have been loosened so click here for that information.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Once you complete the pre-application for the loan in the button above, you will subsequently receive the full application for the EIDL loan. The loan of up to $2 million has a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and requires a credit history acceptable to the SBA, demonstration of the ability to repay the loan, and collateral for loans greater than $25,000. Real estate tends to be the collateral of choice for the SBA when available. The repayment timeline can be up to 30 years. Here is a FAQ sheet for the EIDL and accompanying grant and here is a video providing background and basic information on the loan.

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program is a new loan as part of the CARES Act that provides up to 2.5 times your average monthly payroll costs in order to cover payroll, rent, various types of operating costs, etc. The main idea of this loan is to keep employees on payroll during COVID-19 and if businesses keep all employees or rehire all employees up to 100% of the loan can possibly be forgiven. The amount of the loan that is forgiven will be reduced proportionately by the reduction of number of employees and of wages.

Click here for a complete explanation from the US Chamber of Commerce.

If you receive the EIDL grant and then opt into the PPP loan the $10,000 will be taken from the total amount forgiven.

This loan is only available through some lenders. Check with your bank or lender to see if they are accepting applications.

Here is a preview of the application.

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Private Grant Opportunities

Many large corporations and not for profits have launched grant programs to support a variety of businesses. See if any of these private grant opportunities are a good match for your business.

Save Small Business Fund — US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories.

Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as possible.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and advertising credits to help small businesses during COVID. Grant money can be used to maintain workers, pay rent costs, connect with more customers, and cover operational costs. To be eligible businesses must be a for-profit company, have between 2 and 50 employees, have been in business for over a year, and have experienced challenges from COVID-19. Most Grand Street businesses should qualify.

In order to win the grant you must explain how you will use the grant to give back to your business or the community. That can be as simple as keeping our Brooklyn local employees working or keeping our neighborhood stocked with fresh food.

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund

Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon, LISC is offering grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps. Businesses with entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital are especially encouraged to apply.

Funds can be used to pay for rent and utilities, meeting payroll, paying outstanding debt to vendors, or other immediate operational costs.

Apply for a COVID-19 Business for All Emergency Grant

Hello Alice is offering $10,000 grants being distributed immediately to small business owners impacted by coronavirus, as part of their broader mission to ensure Business for All. In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive ongoing support from the Hello Alice community.

Salesforce Care Small Business Grants

As part of Salesforce’s commitment to small businesses and giving back to the community, Salesforce is partnering with Ureeka to offer eligible small businesses the opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant to help them through the COVID-19 outbreak. Click below to see if you are eligible and how to continue with an application.

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Useful courses + webinars

Multilingual webinar series with NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce with the US Small Business Administration.

Jackson Lewis COVID daily briefings ~20 minutes.

US Chamber of Commerce discusses the PPP.

Who qualifies? What materials are need for PPP (TD Bank)

Is the PPP a good idea for you? Critique of the CARES Act shortcomings from Forbes.

NYC Hospitality Alliance with the "Business Interruption Group" (BIG)

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Employers:

OSHA requirements for reporting COVID employee exposure + standards for protecting workers.

Is your business considered “essential”?

Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement Postponed—Enforcement on the ban on single-use plastic bags has been delayed.

Sign up your employees for text message training on working safely during COVID-19.

Consider the NY State Shared Work program as an alternative to laying off workers.

Create gift cards through Help Main Street or dining bonds.

State Liquor Authority is granting bars + restaurants the ability to return alcohol bought between 3/1 and 3/17 to their wholesaler or manufacturer. “Wholesalers and manufacturers are not required to accept returns for credit, but if they do, they are required to do so for everyone. In other words, wholesalers and manufacturers are not allowed to pick and choose which bars and restaurants they accept returns for credit from, and which they do not.”

• Pesetsky & Bookman

Businesses with liquor licenses may sell alcoholic beverages other than beer at this time—such as ready-to-go cocktails and wine.

• “The alcohol must either be in its original container (e.g., a sealed bottle of wine) or in a sealed container (e.g., a mixed cocktail poured into a to-go cup with a tight fitting lid). 

• Wine and spirits must be sold together with food.  Beer and cider does not need to be sold alongside food.  So a customer must make a food order in order to buy wine or spirits, but does not need to make a food order to buy beer or cider.  The food must be consistent with the menu that you originally submitted to SLA.

• If you are a bar or restaurant delivering alcohol yourself (i.e., not via a third-party service) it can be done on foot, by bicycle, or in any vehicle owned, leased, or rented by your business or an employee, as long as you have a copy of your liquor license in the vehicle.”

  1. Source: Pesetsky & Bookman

NYC Finance sales tax late penalties + interest waived. Request an extension.

Employees:

Financial Assistance for DACA Recipients Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

For bartenders: Emergency grants from the United States Bartenders Guild. You do not need to be a member of the guild to apply.

Restaurant Strong Fund Grants of $1,000 funded by Samuel Adams.

NYC Office of Nightlife survey for Nightlife Workers, Freelancers, and Businesses Impacted by COVID-19.

Resources for artists and freelancers including grant information from Grant Space.

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Statement from the NYC BID Association.

NYC Business Coalition Letter to NY elected officials.

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Below are updated resources to help you and your business stay safe and prevent the spread of germs. This is a rapidly changing situation, visit the NYC Health website for more up-to-date information, including FAQs for employers.

• Information to help your business combat the spread of germs and tips to address changing customer behavior. 

• Business planning checklist for pandemics

• Emergency planning process checklist 

For ongoing information from the City please click here or sign-up for updates by e-mail.

Please let us know if your business is providing any special offers such as free delivery for us to share on social media (@grandstreetbid).

Open for business during COVID-19 (Last Updated June 2020)

This guide was last updated June 2020 and is no longer being updated. To check a business opening, contact the business in question.

Takeout + delivery is still available at many local businesses

Following the NY State shutdown of non-essential businesses beginning March 22 at 8pm—only pharmacies, grocery stores, and gas stations are advised to remain open for service at this time. Capacity at any business is additionally limited to 50 people. However, restaurants and bars are able to provide food for delivery and takeout, with a new addition of allowing businesses with liquor licenses to provide takeout alcoholic beverages. That includes beer, ready-to-go cocktails + wine. See which businesses are open, offering take out, or temporarily closed.

*Make sure to call the business directly to place your order to ensure 100% of profit goes to the business*

*Buy gift cards to help businesses stay afloat in the short run*

4th Down Sports Bar — GoFundMe.

99 Lucky Family Discount Co. - Open as usual

Absolute Power Fitness — All memberships will be suspended and not charged.

Aburi Sushi — Open for pickup and delivery

Ahn Housewares — Open as usual.

Ammazzacaffe — “Order delivery or take out directly through the restaurant and our staff will bring it to your door! (No third party commissions all revenue and tips will go back to us & our lovely staff) We thank you for your support to local businesses during this hard time!” Call 929 250 2875 or order online. Pre-made cocktails, spirits, amaro, wine 30% off available. Meal kits and homemade pasta and sauces also available for at home prep. 6pm - 9:30pm. Go fund me.

Bahia Restaurant — Open for takeout and delivery Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm

Beard Barberia — Available for house calls (with antivirus protective gear) and sells gift cards.

BK Jani — Open for delivery and takeout. Tues-Fri 5-10pm; S-S 12-10pm.

BK Pilates — Hosting live stream classes. Buy gift cards.

Blue Angel Wines — Open for pickup and delivery from 1-8pm.

Blink Thai — Open for pickup and delivery daily 12-10pm.

Boost Mobile - Open as usual.

Bravo Supermarket — Open M-Sat 8am-10pm; Sun 8am-9pm.

Brooklyn Dental Professionals — Open as usual.

Brooklyn Frame Shop - Open by appointment only

Brooklyn Framers — Open by appointment only

Brooklyn Standard Deli — Open as usual 7am to 10pm.

Burnside — GoFundMe for staff.

Bushwick Country Club — Check Instagram for special open hours. Go fund me.

Carneval — Cocktails to go and new delivery menu available Tu-Sat 2-10pm, Sun 12-8pm.

Chase Bank - ATM 24hrs. Branch open for teller transactions only Mon-Sat 9:30am- 4pm.

Chongkho — Open for delivery on uber eats + grubhub and takeout. For takeout call (929) 276-3190.

CraftBeer & Smoke Shop — Open and delivers.

Crown Grill & Salad - Open for delivery and takeout.

Crystal Lake Brooklyn — Open at window for to-go drinks from 2 - 9pm. GoFundMe for staff. Gift cards available via email at crystallakebk@gmail.com.

Dar 525 — Open for regular delivery and takeout. Call 347-422-0401.

Desy’s Clam Bar — Open for delivery and takeout Wednesday - Sunday, 9am-9pm.

Dr. Pervez, Pediatrician - Open as usual.

Dr. Rico — Open as usual and online

Dunkin’ — Open as usual

E Graphics - Open as usual.

Eleva Coffee — Online shop open.

Empire Locksmith — Open as usual.

Estilo — Open as usual.

Farmer Deli — Open as usual.

Flores Del Valle — Open as usual.

Fly E-Bike - Open as usual.

Grand Deli and Grocery - Open as usual.

Grand Electronics - Open as usual.

Grand Freedom Market & Deli - Open as usual.

Grand Gourmet Deli — Open as usual.

Grand Morelos — Open 7am - 8pm.

Grand Seafood - Open Mon-Sat until 7pm.

Grand Street Business Center — Open as usual

Grand Street Laundry — Thurs-Tues 8am-7pm

Groomers & Pomade — Closed. House calls available text 718-844-2905.

H & R Block — Remote service, call 718-302-1491 to get started.

Haab — Open for takeout and delivery.

Hour Rose — Temporarily closed. Gift cards available online.

Huckleberry — Open for takeout Fri-Sun 2-8pm.

Ikura Sushi — Open as usual.

Indian Kitchen — Open for takeout and delivery.

Key Food — Open 7am-9pm daily with 7-8am reserved for seniors.

King Kog — Open Monday-Friday, 12-7pm. “Here to help with all your service and bicycle needs. We can even help you shop via FaceTime. Please respect our hygiene and social distancing practices - let’s help each other stay healthy and safe.”

La Nacional — Open as usual.

La Taqueria — Open as usual.

Landline — “Please help us make it through this mess by investing in Barry Bonds. A $50 bond gets you $55 in drinks, with bigger discounts for bigger bonds.” Check Instagram for online trivia on Wednesdays.

Lady Jay’s — Tip servers on venmo @Lady_Jays.

Laundry Taxi — Open as usual.

Lee’s Furniture — Open as usual.

Liberty Tax - Text 212-439-7002.

Lily Thai — Open for delivery and takeout.

Los Tacos McOndo — Open for delivery and takeout until 12am.

Los Primos Restaurant — Open for delivery and takeout.

Mad for Chicken — Open for delivery and takeout 12-8pm.

Mama Pho — Open for delivery and takeout.

Mar Brokerage — Open as usual

Masa Empanadas - Open for delivery and takeout Tues-Sun 3-9pm.

McDonald’s — Open for delivery and takeout. Delivery through uber eats, grubhub, and door dash.

New Apolo — Open for takeout and delivery

New York Eye Care - Open as usual.

Nieves Latin Dance Studio — GoFundMe.

Noorman’s Kil — Gift Cards via GoFundMe.

Orange Tree —Open as usual.

Ozzie’s Fresh Market — Open 8am-8pm. Limiting the number of people allowed in the store.

Papa Johns — Open for delivery and takeout.

Pastrami Masters - Open for delivery and takeout.

Pay-O-Matic (Western Union) - Open M-F 9am-5pm.

Porto Rico — Open as usual. Free shipping within NYC on orders of $50 or more.

QT King Smoke Shop — Open for pickup

Qwick Pack and Ship — Open M-F 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Raggedy Threads — Online shop open.

Richie’s Liquor - Open as usual.

Rome to Brooklyn Pizza — “if you would like a contact free delivery please instruct our staff as such. If you know of anyone that can’t leave their home or is in need of food during this difficult period, please DM us the details and we’ll send them pizza on us. Rome to Brooklyn will also be donating 5 pies every day to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center ER to doctors and nurses. If you would like to purchase and donate to them as well please visit our website at www.rometobrooklynpizza.com.” 718-269-3239 or order online.

Ryujin — Open for delivery and takeout.

Second Chance Saloon — Open for takeout drinks Thur-Sun 3-9pm.

Singas Pizza - Open for takeout and delivery.

Sisto Pharmacy - Open Monday to Friday 9:30- 5pm. Saturday 10 to 3pm. Sunday closed.

Stringray Divers — Open Monday to Saturday 12 - 4pm.

Sunflower Pipes — Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm, Sun 4-7pm.

Super 99 Cent — Open as usual.

Sweet Barks — Open as usual.

T Mobile — Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm; Sun 12-6pm.

Taco Edition — Open for delivery and takeout M-F 12-9pm; S-S 3-9pm.

Taj Kabab — Open for delivery and takeout.

Tea Time — Open as usual.

The Big Whiskey — Closed. GoFundMe for staff.

The Saint Austere — Closed. GoFundMe.

The Sandwich Shop — Open for delivery and takeout daily 11am-8pm.

Thip Osha — Open for delivery and takeout.

To the World Farm — Open 8am-4pm daily.

Tofu Box — Open for takeout and delivery.

TriBeCa Pediatrics — Open by appointment only.

United Pharmacy — Open M-F 10am-6:30pm.

United Taekwondo — Online classes available.

Vanguard Kitchen —Open as usual.

Verizon — Open as usual.

Victorino Laundromat — Open 8am-8pm daily.

Walk in Medical Clinic - Pediatrist only.

Williamsburg Animal Clinic - Open as usual.

Willburg Cafe - Open for delivery and takeout Th-F 11am-9pm; Sa-Su 10am-9pm.

Willy B Crossfit — Remote classes, diet plans, + workouts via private facebook group.

Yadea E Bike — Open as usual.

Yang’s Liquor — Open as usual.

Yemen Deli — Open as usual.

Yong Xin Tan Laundromat — Open daily 10am-6:30pm.

Yummy Extensions - Online shop open.

Grants + loans available for businesses affected by COVID-19

Your small business may be available for 0 interest loans + grants from the City

Information from NYC Department of Small Business Services:

Because some small businesses have started to feel an impact related to coronavirus, the Mayor announced this past weekend that there will be assistance to small businesses to help them adapt to changing customer behavior. Businesses may qualify for low-interest loans and employee retention grants.

• Businesses with fewer than 100 employees, seeing a decrease in sales up to 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.

• The City is also offering eligible small businesses with fewer than five employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees.

SBS will continue to send out information, including on financial assistance, as more details become available. In the meantime, please fill out the below form to stay up to date on industry-specific information.

Sign up to receive email updates about COVID-19 and NYC SBS programs to help.

The City remains open for business. At this time, New Yorkers do not need to limit travel within the city, change where they purchase food or how they prepare it, or avoid public gatherings and public transportation. New Yorkers are reminded to stay home if they feel sick, and practice good hygiene. 

Below are updated resources to help you and your business stay safe and prevent the spread of germs. This is a rapidly changing situation, visit the NYC Health website for more up-to-date information, including FAQs for employers.

• Information to help your business combat the spread of germs and tips to address changing customer behavior. 

• Business planning checklist for pandemics

• Emergency planning process checklist 

Bar Hop for St. Patrick's Day on Grand Street

Grand Street has hosted a St. Patrick’s Day neighborhood pub crawl annually for 9 years

Last year’s pub crawl at Redd’s Tavern.

Let’s face it, St. Patrick’s Day in Manhattan is cramped, overpriced, and full of strangers. So, 9 years ago on Grand Street we decided to offer the opposite—the Brooklyn alternative. Join us in the evening on March 17th at 14 of our bars, taverns, and pubs from 5-10pm for unique drink specials from $4 cocktails to free food and cheap whiskey + beer combos.

The lineup this year includes our neighborhood loyal dives Bushwick Country Club + the Second Chance Saloon and newcomers like Landline + Carneval all taking part. The one thing to be certain is that there will be a gem of a special at each spot on your hop.

The highlights, beverage wise—which is what really counts—include Redd’s Tavern with $4 cocktails + $3 shots and the special frozen Irish coffee from Lady Jay’s ($8). Noorman’s Kil which is famous as one of NYC’s best whiskey bars is an ideal location and has a Narragansett & Tyrconnell Irish Single Malt combo ($8) for the night.

As far as eats—Noorman’s Kil and their $2 Tuesday grilled cheeses should be a priority visit, as should Bushwick Country Club for pickle back shots and free hot dogs, and Carneval for empanadas ($5). The Big Whiskey is also serving Irish kitchen specialties for the occasion like a corned beef sandwich ($10) and Reuben ($12).

While this is the 9th year of a St. Patrick’s Day event on Grand Street, the BID will be out on the street + in the bars to keep things fresh. We’ll be handing out party favors at each location while traveling with our special guest Haireola Grande (@haireolagrande) bringing the party spirit of the holiday to you.

Here are the participants and specials for St. Patrick’s Day*:

Burnside (506 Grand) — $4 whiskey shots // $6 Jameson shots & can of lager combo

Carneval (507 Grand) — $5 beer + shot // $5 mixed drinks // $5 empanadas

Redd's Tavern (511 Grand) — $3 well shots // $5 beer & shot combos // $4 cocktail special

The Big Whiskey (524 Grand) — $10 Irish car bomb // $10 Irish coffee // $10 beer + shot // Irish kitchen Specialties (menu)

Huckleberry Bar (588 Grand) — $8 select beer + Jameson combo // $20 buckets (5) of white claw

Noorman's Kil (609 Grand) — $2 grilled cheeses // $8 Narragansett + shot of Tyrconnell Irish Single Malt

Bushwick Country Club (618 Grand) —  $8 frozen vodka thin mint cookie slushy // $8 stout + shot of whiskey // $6 pickle back // free hotdogs

Lady Jay's (633 Grand) — $8 frozen Irish coffee

Crystal Lake Brooklyn (647 Grand) — $6 Harpoon Craic Irish lager draft // $5 Bushmills shots // $5 Brooklyn Lager // $2 off Jameson Caskmates

The Second Chance Saloon (659 Grand) — $10 Jameson shot + Guinness pint combo

4th Down Sports Bar (750 Grand) — $5 shots of Jameson // $5 Guinness

Landline (790 Grand) — $10 Miller High Life champagne bottle + well shot

*Tip not included, only from 5 - 10 pm on March 17th.

Celebrate the anniversary of the Pickleback

The Bushwick Country Club is throwing a party on March 12th

The house special at Bushwick Country Club consists of McClure’s + Old Crow Whiskey

A ‘Pickleback’ is an order you’ll hear in bars across the country and even overseas, but did you know that the whiskey + pickle brine shot combo has its origins here on Grand Street?

The story goes that in the Bushwick Country Club on March 12th, 2006 while the bartender was snacking on McClure’s pickles (which at the time had just started next door) a bar patron asked to share a shot of whiskey chased by the McClure’s pickle brine. The bartender then poured two shots of Old Crow Whiskey and two shots of pickle brine and instantly loved the drink. He reported his finding to Bushwick Country Club owner John Roberts the next day and since then BCC has made the shot famous as the first to sell it in NYC.

The unique shot has conversely made Bushwick Country Club into the gem of Williamsburg that we know it as today. So, they are hosting a party on the drink’s 14th birthday next Thursday at 6pm with no cover, free barbecue, lots of pickleback shots, and all of the big buck hunter/ photo booth / mini golf (weather pending) fun that you can rely on finding at Bushwick Country Club.

Celebrate Thursday, and if you’re looking for more similar event at Bushwick Country Club then come back for our St. Patrick’s Day Bar Hop on Tuesday the 17th and for BCC’s anniversary on June 19th.

From Bushwick Country Club.

Eleva Coffee re-opens with new interior + menu

The shop is now open after making significant interior renovations

Eleva Coffee’s first full-service location just got a whole new look. Eleva is back with more than just a coffee shop. With a training lab, a fulfillment center for online and wholesale business in the back, and expanded seating along with a refined menu up front, Eleva has redesigned itself so that neighbors can grab breakfast, sit down to lunch, or relax over a warm latte.

In the new menu there’s something for everyone: coffee and a doughnut combo for $5, avocado toast or a homemade hummus for the healthy eater, hot pressed sandwiches, plus fresh cookies and pastries from Nick + Sons. The food comes with credentials as well, chef Raffaello Van Couten operates two Williamsburg favorites: Midnights and Claudia’s. Enjoy it all in a lounge inspired space with new couches and tables for some mindful time alone or a casual spot to meet a friend.

Read about Eleva’s initial opening back in May—where their focus has remained with giving back to the communities that grow their coffee—and read about our pop-up with Eleva from the spring.

You can also see owners Raffaello and Emilio in our video promoting small business owners on Grand Street below.

NY State Plastic Bag Ban takes effect March 1

The New York State Bag Waste Reduction Act prohibits the distribution
of plastic carryout bags by retailers in New York State

Effective at the beginning of March, NY State has banned many retail stores from using or providing plastic bags for customer transactions. There are however notable exceptions to the new legislation for businesses such as carry out food orders, bags for pharmaceutical prescriptions, and more. To get clear on what the bag ban means and how it may effect you or your business, read the information compiled below.*

For Businesses:

Businesses that are not exempt from the law are required to provide paper bags to consumers and must charge a 5 cent paper bag fee per bag. SNAP and WIC recipients are exempt from this fee. Businesses must show the transaction of the paper bags clearly on receipts and shall state the number of bags provided to the customer. The paper carryout bag reduction fee must be reported and paid to the state commissioner of taxation and finance on a quarterly basis.
 
Q: Which retailers are no longer allowed to provide plastic bags?
A: Any business required to collect tax will no longer be able to provide plastic carryout bags. This includes but is not limited to: clothing stores, convenience stores, drug stores, green carts, grocery stores, hardware stores, liquor stores, office supply stores, pharmacies, and food service establishments located within the above stores.
 
Q: What does the term "plastic carryout bag" mean? Does this include all plastic bags?
A: As provided in proposed Part 351 draft regulations 'Plastic carryout bag' means any film plastic bag, other than an exempt bag, that is provided to a customer by a person required to collect tax to be used by the customer to carry tangible personal property, regardless of whether such person required to collect tax sells any tangible personal property or service to the customer, and regardless of whether any tangible personal property or service sold is exempt from tax under Article 28 of the New York State Tax Law.
 
Q: What is an "exempt bag"?
A: Provided by a restaurant, tavern, or similar food service establishment, as defined in the state sanitary code, to carry out or deliver food; Used as a garment bag, such as those used by a dry cleaner or laundry service; Used solely to contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish, seafood, poultry, or other unwrapped food, flower, or plant items; Used by a customer solely to package items from bulk containers, including fruits, vegetables, grains, candy, small hardware items (such as nuts, bolts, and screws), live fish, or live insects; Used solely to contain food sliced or prepared to order; Used solely to contain a newspaper for delivery to a subscriber; Sold in bulk quantities to a consumer at the point of sale that were specifically prepackaged; in a manner to allow for bulk sale (for example, quantities of bags prepackaged in individual pre-sealed boxes) or prepackaged in individual boxes or containers for sale to a customer; Sold as a trash bag; Sold as a food storage bag, such as those in snack, sandwich, quart, and gallon sizes; Provided by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs. If an item or circumstance falls under the exempt bag list then it is not affected by the ban.
 
Businesses affected by the plastic bag ban and paper carryout bag reduction fee should make preparations as soon as possible. Order paper bags, prepare to have reusable bags available for sale, and make sure your receipts reflect the paper bag fee correctly. Information about fee reporting is available from the NYS Department and Tax and Finance.

The law goes into effect March 1st, 2020. There is no grace period. The first offense for noncompliance will be a warning, but a second offense will be a monetary fine.

For shoppers:

In transactions not involving exempt bags, businesses will either provide you paper bags with a fee of 5 cents per bag or you can bring your own reusable bag at no cost. WIC and SNAP recipients will not be charged a fee for using paper bags.

Please direct questions to NYS DEC at 518-402-8706

More information can be found here from the NY DEC.

Gothamist has also provided a guide for navigating the ban.

* Information compiled by Jerome-Gun Hill BID.

Rome to Brooklyn Pizza opens at 755 Grand Street

The pizza spot was opened by Brooklyn native + acclaimed chef Aurel Xhepexhiu

Image of a panzerotti from @rometobrooklyn

The drought of a pizza spot on Grand Street is over. Rome to Brooklyn Pizza & Panzerotti opened at the end of January with a full menu of Italian style eats—and most importantly an array of absolutely delicious pizza flavors.

Owner and chef Aurel Xhepexhiu has been in the pizza business since he was a teenager and has over 20 years of experience at some of NYC’s most famous spots. Aurel’s experience ranges from Manhattan institutions like Artichoke Pizza and Brooklyn Pizza Masters to the more local Williamsburg Pizza, but Rome to Brooklyn Pizza is a homecoming for the chef. Originally from Bushwick, Aurel is proud to bring his acclaimed food—which has received a 8.5 rating from Barstool—closer to his home neighborhood.

At Rome to Brooklyn you can find just about any type of slice you’re looking for such as vodka sauce, prosciutto arugula, and blueberry + pancetta. But the menu is also diverse in its offerings beyond the traditional specialty pizza slices. Rome to Brooklyn is flexible for diets as you can pre-order cauliflower pizza with cauliflower cheese in plain, margherita, grandma, and specialty styles as well as vegan pies either small or large. Dessert is on the menu too, RTB has nutella and rasperry pizza, like this heart shaped Valentine’s Day pizza, and zeppoles with nutella and strawberry. The panzerottis, however, are what truly set Rome to Brooklyn apart. Traditionally served in the Puglia region of Italty as a popular street food, a panzerotti is a fried calzone stuffed with different meats and cheeses.

Look out for Rome to Brooklyn in our next edition of Summer Restaurant Week on Grand Street, but try it for yourself in the meantime at 755 Grand Street open until 11pm. The follow @rometobrooklynpizza for regularly hunger-inducing shots of pizza on your feed.

Make pizza and dance! Swing by to say hello to the crew and try the best slice in town. 🕺💃🏻🕺💃🏻🕺 * * * * #goodtimez #happy #pizza #rome #brooklyn #newyorktimesfood #dance #rainwontstopus #thrillist #infatuation #pepperonipizza #cheflife #chef #williamsburg #bushwick #brooklynkid #barstoolsports #dancemonkey

101 Likes, 11 Comments - RometoBrooklynpizza (@rometobrooklynpizza) on Instagram: "Make pizza and dance! Swing by to say hello to the crew and try the best slice in town. 🕺💃🏻🕺💃🏻🕺 * *..."

Grand Street's Guide to Winter Restaurant Week

Breaking down the best of 45 courses on Grand Street from Feb 18 to March 1

Restaurant Week is back on Grand Street for its 7th Winter Edition from February 18th to March 1st. 15 of the best eats in Williamsburg are offering 3 course prix fixe dinners (5 - 10pm) at discounted rates from $12 to $35 as Brooklyn’s annual answer to Manhattan’s pricier Restaurant Week. All along 6 blocks, it might be difficult to choose where to go or decide where new to try. Well here’s your answer as to why you should visit each participating restaurant on Grand Street and what you can order for the best experience. Each of the following restaurants has special event menus, so just ask for a Restaurant Week menu if you don’t see one.*

As always, take a picture of your dinner and post with #DineonGrand for a chance to win $50 to a Grand Street BID restaurant of your choice.

Follow @grandstreetbid for the most up to date information on the event.

Mainstay Must Experiences

Bahia Restaurant—$25

690 Grand Street — menu

It all starts with pupusas. If you’ve never had one, Bahia owners Luis and Felix say to think of them as like the “tacos of El Salvador”. The prix fixe menu at Bahia starts with 2 pupusas of your choice, a salad, or tamal de pollo. We, of course, recommend some of the best pupusas in NYC. Plenty of options for dinner, but our favorite is the Carne Asada: grilled boneless choice shell steak. You get two sides with the entree of your choice from a few options like mixed vegetables, rice, and roasted potatoes. Flan is for dessert and your meal is paired with a glass of delicious red or white sangria.

A hometown favorite, Bahia has been a dedicated community member of Grand Street for 20 years. In 2019, the restaurant doubled down on their dedication to the neighborhood with a complete interior and exterior renovation in order to stay ahead in a changing Williamsburg market. It’s not just about looks though, Bahia is confident that once you’ve had their pupusas and try a glass of their homemade sangria you are certain to return for more. Photo at top of article.

Los Primos—$25

704 Grand Street — menu

With 31 years of experience cooking on Grand Street, Los Primos has proven they have the chops to remain a hit. Despite their long history on Grand Street, they’re relatively new to our Restaurant Week. On joining, Christian who’s father owns the restaurant said, “being here for a while, it was like, let’s ride along with you guys and join the holiday – join the Grand Street BID in this journey” -Bkylner.

For your starter, go with nachos: chicken, ground beef, or cheese—your choice. Fried pork chops are a best seller and also on the Restaurant Week menu, so we recommend you take advantage. But the steak with onions and pork mofongo are also favorites. Finish the night with cheesecake (but the tres leches and flan are good choices as well).

If you visit on Sunday, take advantage paella deal at Los Primos for $10—offered every week.

Grand Morelos—$20

727 Grand Street — menu

Another Grand Street staple, Grand Morelos has been with the neighborhood day and night for decades—literally. The 24/7 diner & bakery has seen us all at our finest and not-so-fine hours. The Grand Morelos bakery is also one of the better kept secrets of our food scene, so take advantage. Guacamole is our go-to appetizer, but we also recommend the cheese quesadillas if you’re extra hungry. Hanger steak fajitas for your entree will fill you if the app didn’t, but try to save room for the Oreo cheesecake. Impossible chocoflan and tres leches cakes are your other options for Restaurant Week dessert. Once you’ve fallen in love with Grand Morelos stop back in for affordable cookies & doughnuts from the bakery and amazing iced coffee (not just by diner standards) any time you want - literally.

Biggest Discount

Indian Kitchen—$12 to $36

739 Grand Street — menu

Restaurant Week is made for sharing. Indian Kitchen wants you to bring your friends to max out on the deal. With 3 people Indian Kitchen provides a vegetable and meat appetizer, three entrees, two orders of naan, and Kheer (rice pudding) for dessert. On a typical night all of that could cost over $60—so make sure Indian Kitchen is one of your top spots for this event.

Fine Dining Experience

All pasta at Ammazzacaffè is made in-house

Ammazzacaffè—$35

702 Grand Street — menu

Winner of this year’s coveted Bib Gourmand title from Micheline Guide, Ammazzacaffè has already built its reputation for affordable fine dining at its best. Take advantage of Ammazza’s Tartare crostino with sea trout, caponata verde, and umeboshi as an appetizers. For your entree, try the Reginette—pork shoulder ragu—which Michelin called “Italian cuisine in all its glory”. Finish the night with buttermilk pannacotta with cherry and hazelnut for the perfect date or special night out on Grand Street.

If the food isn’t enough, visiting Ammazza offers a bit of historical experience. Their location at 702 Grand Street was the childhood home of Betty Smith, inspiring her classic A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. RSVP.

Best Quick Bite

Churros from Taco Edition

Taco Edition—$19

800 Grand Street — menu

A longtime participant in Restaurant Week, Taco Edition is one of our favorite spots for lunch or a quick afternoon bite. Even though the service is fast and the environment is seat yourself-casual, during Restaurant Week you’ll get a lot more than a 5 minute snack. Start with the jalapeño popper balls, move on to the chilaquiles verde with eggs, and finish with the yummy churros you see to the left.

New Faces on the Block:

Ham & cheese empanadas from Masa

Masa Empanadas—$12

804 Grand Street — menu

Masa Empanadas opened from the same owners of Piccoli to Go—remaining dedicated to the neighborhood and providing quick eats empanadas, salads, and pizza. Masa is offering two combos for deals featuring the range of their menu:

1. 2 dinner empanadas—see options here (spicy crab not included); 1 dessert empanada—banana nutella or apple cinnamon; and a salad—caesar kale or Italian vinaigrette arugula

2. 1 pizza—classic, spicy chorizo, or 4 cheese; a salad; and a drink

Our favorite empanadas are ham & cheese, corn, and apple cinnamon. All three pizza options are good but we tend to stick to the classic and the kale caesar is our salad of choice.

Chongkho—$20

562 Grand Street — menu

Butterfly pea lemonade and Thai iced tea

Chongkho opened in August with an eccentric gate mural by well-known artist JPO and serving Thai home cooking. A family owned restaurant, Chongkho offers a warm dine-in environment with welcoming service.

The chicken curry puffs are an appetizer to die for, followed by either drunken noodles or red curry for the main course. The Thai iced tea is truly a standout and Chongkho is preparing a crêpe specially made for Restaurant Week as an option for dessert.

Bright colored decorations and drinks reflect the up-beat atmosphere in Carneval

Carneval—$25

507 Grand Street — menu

Carneval also opened in August featuring specialty cocktails and Latin-inspired cuisine. Owner Mike Cruz grew up just blocks from the restaurant and has created a go-to spot for Williamsburg natives and newcomers alike. A mural of a carnival-themed festively packed J train along the back wall of the restaurant demonstrates Mike’s inspiration and commemorates the Latin heritage of our neighborhood. Carneval is also regularly host to performances and hosted their own toy drive for the holidays.

Most Filling

Ryujin—$25

513 Grand Street — menu

Something about the ramen from Ryujin leaves us stuffed after every bowl. Now add an appetizer and dessert to the mix to really make the most of a 3 course dinner. Keep it light with your app so go with the Japanese pickles or the fried shishito peppers. You can choose from 8 different options of ramen bowl, but our favorite is the spicy miso bowl. Finally, the meal is paired with either beer, sake, or ice cream. The jury is out here so we’ll leave that choice to you.

Most Controversial

Mad for Chicken—$20

617 Grand Street — menu

Boneless or bone-in? Luckily both genres of wing are on the menu. The chicken at MFC is shipped in daily from a farm in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania and the wings are coated with a unique sauce of soy, garlic, and various fruits. On the appetizer menu, the standouts are the small crab salad or the truffle/ Parmesan fries. We recommend the 10pc wings (with or without bones—your choice) for entree, but kimchi fried rice and kimchi quesadillas are available for non-wing lovers. For a drink you can choose between any draft beer, a glass of sangria, or a soda on the house.

Favorite Mom & Pop

The Sandwich Shop—$20.75

658 Grand Street — menu

The cozy lunch and dinner spot has brought high-quality deli style sandwiches to Grand Street since 2013. The space also feels like a deli, with just a few stools around the bar to dine-in, so get there before they fill up.

Valued members of the community, the Shop has collected and donated over 200 lbs of food in our annual Holiday Food Drives. You can also find The Sandwich Shop in the Wall Street Journal from our last Restaurant Week. All sandwiches, bowls, and wraps are available—but the best bang for your buck is the turkey double decker sandwich to go along with the combo of a beer and bag of chips.

Best Cocktail

Crystal Lake Brooklyn—$20

647 Grand Street — menu

Antique lounge area at Crystal Lake. Photo courtesy of Crystal Lake Brooklyn & JD Hall Photo

The bar is best known for its antique bar and large back space which regularly hosts comedy shows and similar type events. Teaming up with Tacos Lokos 4Ever, Crystal Lake has the best drink and food combination in the event. The entree is a pair of tacos with the meat of your choice or veggies with a side of rice and beans. The cocktails provide the biggest discount and your choices are a cucumber vodka ricky, rose vodka spritz, watermelon gimlet, or the Zebra-Rita.

Most Options

Thip Osha—$25

795 Grand Street — menu

Roasted duck noodle soup from Thip Osha typically costs $16

A cozy Thai spot nearby the Grand Street L station. You may have already tried Thip Osha at Taste of Williamsburg & Greenpoint this past summer. Altogether, there are exactly 50 options on the prix fixe menu at Thip, so there is surely something that will please everyone from curry to noodles to fried rice. Out of all of those choices, our favorites are the crispy chicken wings with red chili sauce to start, roasted duck noodle soup, and banana sticky rice for dessert.

Best Late Night

Los Tacos-McOndo—$28

502 Grand Street — menu

The chic bar and taqueria is a cool spot for late night dinners, dates, and eats after a night out. Open until 3am on the weekends and at least 1am on every other night, Los Tacos is one of the most high quality late night restaurants in Brooklyn. The nachos are absolute standouts at Los Tacos, and you can choose them either as a starter (mini nachos) or as an entree. We recommend at least one of those in your mix. The queso fundido is also very good, but if you’re limiting carbs you can choose the Mexican steak to go with the nachos. Churros with fruit are for dessert, with mango and chili powder as the primary flavors. Note that Los Tacos is cash only.

*Dine-in meals only. After 5pm and no later than 10pm. Tax and tip not included in price. Price is per person and cannot be shared. Event discounts are in effect from Feb 18 to March 1. Restaurants may be closed any time during the event period at their discretion. Price and participants subject to change. Contact info@grandstreetbk.org with questions.

Join our team—Now seeking Neighborhood 360° Fellow applicants

The BID was selected as a fellow host site by the NYC Department of Small Business Services

The BID hosted a tour of the district for the 2019 class of Times Square Alliance fellows this past summer

The Grand Street BID has been selected by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) as a host site for the 2020-21 class of Neighborhood 360° Fellows. That means that we are now looking for applicants to our join our team this summer through the SBS training program.

Neighborhood 360° Fellows help community-based organizations complete commercial revitalization projects and connect local stakeholders to City resources. The fellows are paid by SBS and are full-time community development professionals, community organizers, or planners. The goal of the program is to build a network of leaders prepared with commercial revitalization expertise and experience in New York City neighborhoods. The fellow will work in our office as an integral member of our team from June 2020 through March 2021 while also being a member of the Neighborhood 360° Fellows cohort, attending SBS hosted talks, training and group learning sessions throughout the fellowship.

With the Grand Street BID—the fellow will be primarily tasked with improving the BID’s outreach to residents, merchants, and property owners while improving the services the organization provides. More information about the project can be found in the Grand Street host project guidelines.

Fellows should be NYC residents within 90 days of starting, have a year of experience in community outreach or organizing, and have an interest in development of the Grand Street community. See the SBS fellow guidelines here. This is an opportunity for emerging professionals or anyone looking to enter the world of non-profits, urban planning, or community development. However, Fellows who typically have the best experiences are familiar with their host neighborhood—so local applicants are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications are open now and will close on March 8th—applications must be submitted directly NYC Department of Small Business Services. The first round of interviews will be conducted in April. Join our team and gain critical, hands-on experience working for a community-based organization.

Want to learn more? Join SBS for an upcoming webinar on February 5th or 13th. Details and RSVP here. Or join SBS in person for a meet and greet Feb 25th.

SBS Commissioner Gregg Bishop speaking with a Fellow cohort.

Winter Restaurant Week on Grand Street returns

Winter Restaurant Week is back in its 7th edition on Grand Street offering 3 course prix fixe discounts to some of Williamsburg’s best fine dining and quick eats. The two week celebration of local cuisine begins on Tuesday, February 18th and runs until Sunday, March 1st. For the winter edition of this semi-annual event, we have 15 participants from neighborhood mainstays like Los Primos to Grand Street newcomers.

The Sandwich Shop is participating once again—see their mention in the Wall Street Journal from our Summer Restaurant Week.

Our 3 new participants—Chongkho, Carneval, and Masa Empanadas— joined the neighborhood within the past year and each offer a dynamic new addition to the restaurant week lineup. Chongkho opened in August with an eccentric gate mural by well-known artist JPO to add to the neighborhood’s collection and serving Thai home cooking. Carneval opened in the same week featuring specialty cocktails and Latin-inspired cuisine. Owner Mike Cruz grew up just blocks from the restaurant and has created a go-to spot for Williamsburg natives and newcomers alike. See a preview of Chonkgho and Carneval from their interviews with News 12 about the event. Masa Empanadas opened from the same owners of Piccoli to Go—remaining dedicated to the neighborhood and providing quick eats empanadas, salads, and pizza.

Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand winner Ammazzacaffè is joining the lineup once again, providing award winning quality dining for a steal at $35 for 3 courses in a prix fixe menu. Los Primos, Crystal Lake, and Mad for Chicken are also rejoining Restaurant Week after debuting in the event this past summer.

Stop by at any participating location to get in on discount dining offers exclusive to Grand Street—and only during Restaurant Week. Just ask for a restaurant week menu when seated. Click here for our official guide giving insight into each restaurant and suggesting our favorite dining options, and you can find the full list of participants and pricing below*. Prices range from $12 to $35 and apply only to sit down dinners (5 - 10pm) —tax and tip not included.**

And remember—snap a picture of you, your meal, or your friends on your night dining out with #DineOnGrand for the opportunity to win $50 to a Grand Street BID restaurant of your choice!

Follow @grandstreetbid for the most up to date information on the event.

Enjoy 3 courses for $20 from Chongkho

Chongkho – $20 (new) —menu

Masa Empanadas – $12 (new) — menu

Carneval – $25 (new) — menu

AmmazzaCaffè – $35 — menu

Bahia Restaurant – $25 — menu

Ryujin – $25 — menu

Mad for Chicken – $20 — menu

The Sandwich Shop – $20.75 — menu

Thip Osha – $25 — menu

Indian Kitchen – $12 — menu

Los Tacos McOndo – $28 — menu

Grand Morelos – $20 — menu

Taco Edition– $19 — menu

Los Primos – $25 — menu

Crystal Lake – $20 — menu

*All prices and participants subject to change.
**Dine-in dinner discounts begin at 5pm and is served no later than 10pm. No takeout or delivery. Price does not include tax or tip. Price is per person and cannot be shared.

Grand Street featured in NYC BID trends report

The report featured the BID’s work curating art in the district and views of the neighborhood

The Department of Small Business Services released its annual trends report on the impact of BID’s in NYC in an effort to shed light on the work of business improvement districts in 76 neighborhoods citywide. The report features data tracking how BIDs are operating to promote retail corridors and shares highlights of accomplishments from individual BIDs. Among those highlighted was the Grand Street BID’s work commissioning various art murals throughout the neighborhood—most specifically “Olor a Azucenas, el Perfume del Barrio” by Don Rimx at 609 Grand Street.

On the project—the NYC SBS wrote “Grand Street recently completed a large-scale mural, which represents the small business community and serves as an homage to the Puerto Rican heritage of the neighborhood. The mural depicts a well-known flower vendor in San Juan but is meant to represent all local merchants. The BID worked with Don Rimx, a local Puerto Rican artist, and interviewed community members to inform the design. They also coordinated support of the property owner and secured funding from [NYC Council]”.

The report also features data points of the work of BIDs across Brooklyn and citywide. Collectively, the 23 Brooklyn BIDs invested $15.7 million into neighborhoods and collected 924,000 bags of litter. Read the full report for more details on how BID’s are keeping NYC neighborhoods clean, safe, and active.

“BIDs create vibrant, clean, and safe districts that improve neighborhoods and commercial corridors by investing back into their communities,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “This report highlights the long-standing partnership between the City and BIDs, working together to build a stronger New York.” 

Here in Williamsburg, this past summer’s mural project is part of an ongoing effort in the Grand Street Neighborhood Initiative to beautify the streetscape of Grand Street for residents and attract visitors to patron our shops. As part of the same project, the BID commissioned several documentaries through Owley and curated murals on the gates at Grand Seafood (98 Bushwick Ave). See our full collection in the art gallery page of our website.

The Fina(L) countdown—Weekend subway closures ahead

We’re nearing the end of the year long L Train Slowdown—which means there will be just a few more pinches for L riders in the coming weeks. NYC Transit announced three weekend closures of the L from Lorimer Street to Broadway Junction this weekend, President’s Day weekend, and a weekend in late March. Work on the L train is scheduled to be completed this spring—ahead of the originally forecasted schedule. Here’s what you need to know from NYC Transit:

No L service between Lorimer St and Broadway Junction

Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 19
Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 18 (Presidents' Day weekend)

From midnight Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday

The MTA is working on station rehabilitation at various stops between Lorimer and Broadway—so full access to those stations is needed over the weekend.

Here’s the breakdown from NYC Transit of what service to expect:

From 10 PM to Midnight Friday:
L: Operates every 20 minutes between 8 Av and Rockaway Parkway
L: Additional L train operates between Lorimer St and Rockaway Parkway for service every 10 minutes within Brooklyn

From 12:01 AM Saturday to 5:00 AM Monday, Jan 20/5:00 AM Tuesday, Feb 18:
L part 1: Operates between 8 Av and Lorimer St every 20 minutes
L part 2: During the day time, the L operates between Broadway Junction (trains will discharge on the J platform) and Rockaway Parkway every 10 minutes. During the overnight times, the L operates every 20 minutes like a normal schedule.

Here are your alternatives:

Lorimer Street is not included in the scheduled work—so walking to the station at Union Ave & Power St is an option. Additionally, there will be a free shuttle bus running every 3 minutes running along the L route between Lorimer and Broadway Junction.

DOT to add new delineators to the Grand Street protected bike lanes

The delineators will resemble the latest Department of Transportation project on 8th Avenue

On Monday the NYC Department of Transportation will begin installing a new style of traffic delineator on the south side of Grand Street to further separate the protected bike lane from the traffic lane. Upon completion in approximately a month’s time, Grand Street’s bike lanes will have an almost complete barrier from traffic.

The delineators’ role blocking traffic from the bike lane will resemble the latest major DOT Vision Zero project completed on 8th Avenue in Times Square between 38th and 45th streets with modifications specific to Grand Street and its streetscape.

The delineators will be placed at the edge of the buffer zone, 11’ away from the curb and will be interrupted for curb cuts, bus stops, and intersections. Motor vehicles will not be able to drive over the delineators and regulations prohibiting stopping/standing/parking in both the bike lane and buffer zone will continue to be enforced. The parking rules on the north side of the street will remain in place with commercial loading zones in effect from 7am-4pm and 1 hour metered parking from 4pm to 10pm every day except Sunday.

Food Drive Collects 509 lbs of donations for local families

13 Grand Street businesses hosted collection boxes for St. John the Evangelist’s food pantry

After 3 weeks of 13 businesses on Grand Street collecting food donations from shoppers, merchants, and community members—the Grand Street neighborhood was able to donate a whopping 509 lbs of food for the holidays.

Our annual food drive supplies the St. John the Evangelist Church (198 Maujer Street) food pantry with needed supplementary meals to local families during the holiday season. With this year’s haul totaled up, the community’s combined efforts over the past 3 years have collected and donated 1,361 lbs of food for the church’s meal program. With the donations in supply St. John’s has already assembled 100+ family meals with over 150 lbs of non-assembled food to go—helping to keep a well-stocked pantry through the winter months.

We’re thankful for all of our small businesses that took part—a few standouts being Bravo Supermarket which collected an amazing 148 lbs of donations, the Sandwich Shop (133 lbs), Los Primos Restaurant (63 lbs), Absolute Power Fitness (48 lbs), Groomers & Pomade (43 lbs), and Brooklyn Dental Professionals (31 lbs). All of our participants were enthusiastic to contribute and went an extra mile to give back to the community this season.

We will continue to collect donations at our office (246 Graham Ave)—please contact info@grandstreetbk.org to connect with us. Next, follow us @grandstreetbid for the earliest news of our Winter Restaurant Week taking place in February.

Pastrami Masters opens at 812 Grand Street

Serving David’s Brisket House + Lebanese cuisine

This November, David’s Brisket opened at the old location of Wafa’s Express (812 Grand Street)—their second location— under the new name Pastrami Masters with an added section of Lebanese cuisine to the menu.

David’s Brisket is a famous deli in Bed-Stuy (Nostrand & Atlantic Aves) that serves heaping sized sandwiches with pastrami, corned beef, of course brisket, and most traditional Jewish delicatessen staples. With Pastrami Masters now opening, that means David Brisket’s famous pastrami sandwich, which The Brooklyn Paper says blows the rest of the borough out of the water, is now available right here on Grand Street.

Try out Pastrami masters on Grand Street between Bushwick Ave & Humboldt St.

Grand Street's holiday glow up

Holiday lights one again bring a glow to our street this December

Holiday season is officially in full swing on Grand Street. In addition to our 3rd annual holiday food drive, the Grand Street BID lit our holiday lights to kick off the month. The BID has delivered holiday lights to Grand Street every year now since 1985, and is proud to deliver once again this year.

The lights are up between Bushwick and Union Avenues along Grand Street, and help to add holiday flavor to the normal bustle of our neighborhood. The lights will be with us and shining through January, so take advantage and snap a picture of the lights when they’re bright at night and tag us on instagram @grandstreetbid.

In addition to seasonal decorations, the BID also collaborates with local businesses to host a Holiday Food Drive to feed local food pantries. See which of our 13 small businesses taking part will collect donations here.