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January 27, 2009

Rumor: Biergarten Coming to Seven Corners Space

There's a rumor making the rounds in Fort Greene right now that the former Seven Corners Hardware space at 710 Fulton Street is slated to become a beer garden, or at the least a German restaurant. (We're not sure if there's really space for a proper beer garden out back.) The rumor first surfaced on a Fort Greene blog and then popped up in The Forum last week. We've quizzed a few locals and small business owners in the area and it's sounding like a pretty solid lead but it has yet to be confirmed by anyone involved in the venture. GMAP

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if their beers are over 5 dollars a pint.. = EPIC FAIL.

*r*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at January 27, 2009 9:34 AM

That would be sweet!!! Go biergarten!

Posted by: wasder at January 27, 2009 9:37 AM

Ein prozit, ein prozit...

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 9:55 AM

Tu, Tu, lichts mir in herzen......

Posted by: benson at January 27, 2009 9:58 AM

please let pinchik become a beer garden too.

Posted by: goldie at January 27, 2009 10:11 AM

this would be a great addition to the neighborhood!

Posted by: Amelia at January 27, 2009 10:18 AM

The liquor license application affixed to the window several weeks ago would confirm that it's a German restaurant at the very least - I think 'Der Schwarze Koehlner' was the name.

Posted by: isaaccs at January 27, 2009 10:30 AM

And just what does "Koehlner" translate into?

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 10:36 AM

If it was Kohler I guess we would have the Black Toilet eh Dave?

Posted by: wasder at January 27, 2009 10:39 AM

Why do you want Pintchik to close, Goldie?

It's a great Hardware Store...

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 10:52 AM

Yes, wasder. Not sure where they are going with that name. There's a German place in Manhattan called the White Swan...perhaps Black Swan is appropriate in these times...Der Schwarze Schwan

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 10:59 AM

Whats up with the sidewalk at the intersection? The cones in the street extend the walkable area on that corner a good ten-15 feet. Is there any chance the sidewalk will get built up to give the owners more outdoor space for seating?

Posted by: ReMiXxd at January 27, 2009 11:00 AM

DIBS, someone from Koln, or Cologne ... the full name translates as the black (or dark-spirited) person from Cologne.

Posted by: altervoce at January 27, 2009 11:11 AM

Why do you want Pintchik to close, Goldie?

It's a great Hardware Store...

Pintchik is garbage. G-A-R-B-A-G-E. It stinks very, very badly. You guys think the employees at the Atlantic Mall Target are indifferent? The Pintchik crowd has them beat by a mile! In my experience, from the sales personel to the check-out staff, the Pintchik employees are the most entitled bunch I've ever encounterd. They actually seem to believe you're privileged to shop in their store! More times than not, no one will approach you to offer help and it's like pulling teeth trying to get questions answered. I'll swear, some of the salespeople seem to AVOID customers! I don't see how they've managed to be successful, but stranger things have happened. Anyway, they're not getting any of my money - I get better service and the same products (although not a wider selection) at the hardward store owned by the West Indian dudes across the street. Pintchik can suck on it.

Posted by: East New York at January 27, 2009 11:16 AM

East New York;

So tell us: what do you really think about Pintchik?

Sounds like you've had some bad experiences there. If folks want a recommendation on a nice family-owned hardware store, I'd say Leopoldi's on 5th Ave and 8th Street. Not exactly close to Pintchik's, but really a nice, old-fashioned hardware store.

Posted by: benson at January 27, 2009 11:27 AM

I've never had a bad experience in the 50 times I've shopped at Pintchik. Too many people on this blog seem to want their hands held while they shop it sounds like...be it Atlantic Mall or the Hardware Store.

I've asked for help probably 25 of the 50 times I've been in Pintchik and they just seem busy to me...never once thought they were avoiding customers. I've always found them very helpful and never have I left without getting/finding what I needed.

I think it has to do with the attitude one goes into it with also.

Seems that judging by their STELLAR reviews on citysearch, the couple of you that have bad experiences there, would probably have a bad experience in any store where you aren't offered a massage and a class of champagne upon entering.

http://brooklyn.citysearch.com/review/7359609

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 11:32 AM

11217, now youre just patronizing. ive gone into pinchik a number of times, knowing exactly what i want, no annoying questions, and asked with a pleasant 'hello' where an item was. while the service wasnt as bad/useless at Target, it definitely was on the "you're bothering me by being here" side. only once was there some guy who was actually helpful and even walked me to the item.

given their prices and service, they dont deserve the business, and now i prefer to drive to lowes or home depot.

make it a beerhall, gay club, shooting range, or even an effing TeaLounge. unfortunately they own that block and are probably going to stay (fingers crossed for economic downturn to hit them)

Posted by: goldie at January 27, 2009 12:08 PM

Wow, hoping for a longtime business to go under and its employees put out of work.

How community minded of you, Goldie.

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 12:15 PM

"So tell us: what do you really think about Pintchik?"

Did I mention it SUCKS? It sucks, OK? I've worked in retail and have even reported on it, and the way I see it, Pintchik has a long way to go in the area of customer relations, even for Brooklyn. I don't need my hand held, but when I do need a question answered, I expect not to have to send out a f*&@ing search party to FIND someone in a store that's not even very large! I don't need dismissive attitudes, lack of eye contact, and inattentive service from sales clerks who are younger than my own son or middle-aged "salesmen" who act as if they're above speaking with customers. As for me 11217, I don't have an attitude when I go into Pintchik, because I DON'T go in there, HAVEN'T gone in there in years, and intend NEVER to step across their threshold EVER again. Also, contrary to what you may believe, I have pretty good experiences in many of the stores I patronize, and guess what? I RETURN to the places where I'm treated with respect. Not like a KING or anything, thats not what I looking for. But with simple RESPECT. That hasn't happened for me often enough at Pintchik, so I've voted with my feet. Have I made myself clear? As I said earlier, I'll spend my money elsewhere.

Posted by: East New York at January 27, 2009 12:36 PM

I'm sorry to chime in here, but I have to point out that there was moaning afloat when 7 Corners Hardware closed... moaning over the loss of a very convenient place to have keys made and get last minute hardware stuff...and to have an anchor business Jane Jacobs would agree was a great part of the neighborhood mix (i.e., not another yuppie restaurant) with A. and her crew "manning" (I think that would be an appropriate verb) the counters...and all that smoking...well, it was definitely a "neighborhood" business and it was sad that M. decided to "retire" as the story went.

Anyway, what I found amusing was the moaning over "another local business being pushed out". This was incorrect since the man who owns the building and owned the business decided to close it.

And, as we've seen, he's been in no great rush to open something else even after renovations were done for a restaurant with a bar what seems like two years ago (?).

Well, yes, work has been going on again and, with any luck, we'll have something to hold the corner...I wouldn't mind being able to have a place to forego having to cook, and bring the husband unit (who's mother hailed from Germany) for comfort food...if it's good. I hope it's not lousy. M., the owner, is partner (for many, many years) in a Park Slope mainstay restaurant (with a very different cuisine) so may be able to make a go of it. The so-called "price point" will probably be very moderate I would think.

It appears something is going on the last two months since there has been activity lately and I waved at M. when he pulled up in his truck recently…something’s definitely going on...but I didn't want to seem prying and was rushing somewhere in the bitter cold anyway so didn't stop to chat.

I look forward a nice place at that corner. We really need to have a business open there and something with later hours would be nice in terms of light and street activity. The hardware store, admittedly, pulled down those rolling doors rather early in the evening so the store was a mummy at night.

Also, it would be nice if they could include live music since it IS Seven Corners and was famous for music...but I wouldn't want the current apartment dwellers upstairs to be impacted adversely so M. would have to do some excellent sound-proofing. Other than that, I hope M. has stopped smoking…for his sake.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at January 27, 2009 12:39 PM

German food? Meh; we already have Thomas Beisl a few blocks away.

Posted by: zinka at January 27, 2009 12:41 PM

I've found Pintchik sales staff to be very, very uneven. During the week, the second or third generation owner/manager is super helpful--I forget his name.

But some of the the older guys can act like they're doing you a big favor by waiting on you OR offering any kind of advice--especially on the weekends when they're busy.

This really started to annoy me when we were in the midst of heavy renovations and we were spending hundreds of dollars there every month. You think they could at least smile and say hello to a regular customer.

Posted by: tinarina at January 27, 2009 12:45 PM

11217 - That sounds like a fantastic business model: A hardware store that offers complementary champagne and massages. Anyone want to invest some capital and make this happen?

Posted by: dirty_hipster at January 27, 2009 12:46 PM

Seems like you are in the minority, East New York.

The overwhelming number of reviews on citysearch for Pintchik are great. Certainly not the be all end all, but I'd take those reviews over those of someone who hasn't set foot in the place in years.

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 12:47 PM

"I'd take those reviews over those of someone who hasn't set foot in the place in years."

Well good for you. Please do so. If you're a fan, that's your problem. Popular sentiment is not an indication of quality. Like I said, Pintchik sucks - a lot, not a little - and I don't go there. But you and the rest of the Citysearch Pintchik-boosters are free to spend as much there as you like. They'll take your money with a smirk.

Posted by: East New York at January 27, 2009 12:55 PM

"German food? Meh; we already have Thomas Beisl a few blocks away." Its not about the food its about the beer! And yes I love some Thomas Beisl.

Posted by: wasder at January 27, 2009 12:55 PM

Calm down, ENY.

It's a hardware store, not Bergdorf Goodman.

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 12:59 PM

"Calm down, ENY."

I am calm. And who said Pintchik was Bergdorf Goodman? You're the one defending the place. I said it SUCKS. What are you talking about?

Posted by: East New York at January 27, 2009 1:04 PM

In East New York's defense - 11217 have you ever been to this place?

And before you use Citysearch as a gauge of a place's customer satisfaction, check to see if the reviewers have actually reviewed other establishments.

Most of Pintchiks have only reviewed one place - Pintchik. Sounds like some shills to me. I find it highly suspect that one person could have such a horrible experience and everyone else would have such a GREAT experience that they would feel the need to create an account and write one, glowing review for an establishment, and not write anything ever again.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at January 27, 2009 1:10 PM

"I've never had a bad experience in the 50 times I've shopped at Pintchik."

I was just there Saturday as well. I'm done talking about Pintchik. I didn't realize there could be such controversy over a hardware store. Don't shop there. I really don't give a rat's a**.

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 1:13 PM

just as an aside- the Pintchik is very involved with charitable work and also support for first responders. They're good people.

Posted by: bxgrl at January 27, 2009 1:23 PM

Hey you know what's really fun? Arguing for the sake of arguing while berating one's personal opinion/experiences while stating your own as gospel.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at January 27, 2009 1:23 PM

Pintchik is apparently a very polarizing place. Hardware stores are always busy; during the week you get construction people and on weekends you get DIYs. I never had much luck at HD of Lowe's getting a lot of quality attention either. FG is a lot tougher for hardware since 7 closed and Adami downsized (and that place on Dekalb that closed in 02 or 03). What are some good neighborhood stores we ought to be shopping at to reward them?

Posted by: jawbreaker at January 27, 2009 1:25 PM

"In East New York's defense - 11217 have you ever been to this place?"

You don't have to defend me, DH. If 11217 wants to shop there, there's nothing wrong with it. I have one opinion, 11217 has another. I made my feeling known, which is all that matters to me.

Posted by: East New York at January 27, 2009 1:26 PM

I know ENY - I just came to this thread expecting to talk about fine german beers. Why do we always get so far off topic?

Posted by: dirty_hipster at January 27, 2009 1:29 PM

Have you ever been to Pintchik, dirty hipster?

If not, stay out of it.

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 1:30 PM

How about that Biergarten?

Posted by: wasder at January 27, 2009 1:35 PM

Yes! :-P My friend lives close by and we went there to pick up supplies to fix something. I didn't have a bad experience, but realize it is quite possible that someone may have infact had an experience that differed from mine, positively or negatively.

Why do you go all the way up there 11217? isn't there a store that's twice as desireable in your utopian brooklyn enclave?

Posted by: dirty_hipster at January 27, 2009 1:38 PM

This location is amazing. Does anyone know how/why this has stayed vacant as long as it has? How long was it, 2+ years?

Like most things, Pintchik is not as bad or as good, as described above...

Posted by: YngPlnr at January 27, 2009 1:39 PM

All I know, is that when this Biergarten opens up, I better get a hello, a how are you, a kiss goodbye, a massage and a foot rub, or I'm never going back!

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 1:40 PM

"Why do you go all the way up there 11217? isn't there a store that's twice as desireable in your utopian brooklyn enclave?"

All the way up there? It's a 5 minute walk from my house.

Are you familiar with Brooklyn at all?

Pintchik Hardware
478 Bergen St
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Notice their zip code and then notice my log in name...any questions?

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 1:42 PM

oh yeah.i thought that 11217 zip code sounded familiar. that's Heaven's zip code! i totally remember learning that in sunday school as a kid.

*r*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at January 27, 2009 1:49 PM

Me familiar with Brooklyn? - why of course not. I just read a blog about Brownstone Brooklyn, and watch the Real World. I hear it's nice though. Especially the hardware stores and Prospect Park.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at January 27, 2009 1:52 PM

"that's Heaven's zip code!"

Welll HGTV did say PS was dreamy last week afterall.

;-)

kidding. Most of PS lies in 11215 anyway.

11217 is the ugly stepchild.

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 2:02 PM

yeah i was totally using the wrong zip code for the longest time when i moved to park slope lol. then once i forgot my address. it's funny cuz i've had my recent phone for a good 4 months now and i dont even know my own phone number!

*r*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at January 27, 2009 2:10 PM

Hellllooooo. Can we talk about things German instead of hardware stores??? Will they have schnitzel, a pork kock with crispy skin, liver dumpling soup??? These are the things we should be focused on people.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 2:19 PM

OK everyone listen up, especially you altervoce. I emailed an ex-colleague who is german and born in Cologne. Here's what he said...

"That spelling makes no sense to me. If the word is Koelner, it would be a black or dark-haired person from Cologne; if it is spelled Kellner, it would be a black or dark-haired waiter. In the Cologne dialect it would be called "Dae Schwatte Koelner",or better yet "Dae Schwatte Jung vun Koelle." Aren't you sorry you asked?"

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 2:24 PM

I thought Thomas Beisl serves Austrian food, no? I've had some pretty hard cutlets there. German food from the Rhine and the North would be VERY different an Austrian menu!!!

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at January 27, 2009 2:30 PM

"Will they have...a pork kock with crispy skin"

only if they cant get their hands on some penicillin

Posted by: goldie at January 27, 2009 2:33 PM

Silly me, DIBS. When the place opens, check out the 6'5", 250-pound chef. What is his race? Where is he from? Three guesses and the first two don't count, as we used to say in junior high school.

Posted by: altervoce at January 27, 2009 2:40 PM

Not Germany, altervoce???

Pork hock, goldie. I'd like to make a somewhat benign German/Jewish crack after that one but I really don't know you well enough to know how that would go down!! :)

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 2:47 PM

im not easily offended dibs, and you aint got nothing on propjoe and curbed ;)

Posted by: goldie at January 27, 2009 2:55 PM

No, goldie, no one comes close to PropJoe; especially in his closetted sexual fantasies regarding Sephardic Jewish men.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 2:58 PM

Help me! I engaged PropJoe in the Ansonia thread and can't get out!!

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 3:01 PM

Are you Jewish, 11217?

PropJoe is that guy who posts on Craigslist "Men Seeking Men" looking for the frum guys.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 3:08 PM

I'm not Jewish.

Are you that guy who stands outside of Ozzie's coffee shop and asks every person who walks by "You Jewish Sir?"

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 3:45 PM

I don't know where Ozzie's is.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 3:49 PM

Not important.

What IS important is how crazy PropJoe is.

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 3:53 PM

Crazy, yes. An intellectually astute adversary in the blog of life, no.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 3:59 PM

"outside of Ozzie's coffee shop"

Ozzie's is.....oh, nevermind.

Posted by: East New York at January 27, 2009 4:19 PM

Re: the biergarten

It would be fantastic if they made it kinda like Zum Schneider on Ave C - with the great beers on tap served in the liter steins. Nothing better then a liter of Spaten Optimator.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at January 27, 2009 4:20 PM

demolish pinchik and put in a bier garten run by frum gays. everybody wins. except 11217.

Posted by: goldie at January 27, 2009 4:22 PM

Yeah goldie, that'll work...a German biergarten run by Jewish gays!!! Sounds like a Monty Python or Faulty Towers skit.

We'll call it Zum Frum Bumm

"Don't mention the war."

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 27, 2009 4:26 PM

I'm not gunna lie. A beer garden run by gays sounds fabulous, but I'm sure there are plenty of other already empty locales for such a thing which would not involve putting people out of work.

Maybe we can call it "Nailed"

In honor of the hardware/gay theme...?

Posted by: 11217 at January 27, 2009 5:55 PM

It is almost like Zum Schneider(Bavarian Kitchen) but with a Rhineland Kitchen and atmosphere,,,, very inexpensive food and a vast number of German beers on tap and I promise everyone should have a great time.

Posted by: Der schwarze Koelner at March 15, 2009 1:41 PM

Pintchik service is decent, plus there's some pretty girls working the registers and the guy with one arm is cool. the security dude they used to have was cool, too.

However, the Pintchiks are some lazy, greedy bloodsuckers when it comes to their landlording. Particularly for people that try to act as if they are for the community. They're just in it for the money. From not making needed repairs to evicting tenants so they can charge twice what they'd been doing just fine on, I find them to be disgusting and immoral.

Perhaps it's sour grapes, but the way they did me left a foul taste in my mouth (first we were told to move by September, but then they weren't ready to renovate, so we had to stay until October 7th. Leaving by September would not absolve us of having to pay September rent, and in fact they charged us that one week in October). They are complicit in the destruction of the neighborhood. Then again, people happy about this beer garden or whatever are probably happy with the changes to the area, such as the opening of a dildo shop.

Really the store is an Ace Hardware with a funny name, so don't be fooled by their free popcorn and coffee. To support independent businesses, go to the aforementioned West Indian spot across the street, or the other one up Flatbush towards Duane Reade. Speaking of which, that restaurant that used to be there was good...

Posted by: stephon marbury at March 15, 2009 10:39 PM

« LeNell's Is Closing. No, Wait, It's Not. Well Maybe... Open Thread »

January 27, 2009

Rumor: Biergarten Coming to Seven Corners Space

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