When one hears of national chain stores storming the gates of old-world neighborhoods one (or at least we) tend to think that the charge is being led by outsiders who couldn’t give a damn about destroying the fabric or feel of the area. So we were a little suprised to learn that the latest nabe-wrecker of the week, the franchisee behind two soon-to-be-open Dunkin’ Donuts stores in Carroll Gardens, actually grew up there! “We believe that there will be a great demand for it, in spite of a few disgruntled neighbors,” says Ungaro, who now lives on Staten Island. Unfortunately that may be the case. Ungaro points to the special-order granite countertops and cherry wood paneling he’s using in these locations to make an effort to fit in with the brownstone aesthetic. We’ll reserve judgment until we see the signage.
A Circular Debate [NY Daily News]
Change Squeezing the Little Guy [Brownstoner]