Bread Stuy Seized By Feds
Bad news Bed Stuy. Neighborhood fave Bread Stuy has run into trouble: According to the tipster who sent in this photo, the cafe was shuttered today and slapped with a large “Seized” sticker. The reason, according to what was posted in the window, has something to do with taxes. Very sad. GMAP
Bad news Bed Stuy. Neighborhood fave Bread Stuy has run into trouble: According to the tipster who sent in this photo, the cafe was shuttered today and slapped with a large “Seized” sticker. The reason, according to what was posted in the window, has something to do with taxes. Very sad. GMAP
The authorities made a judgment based on money paid (or not.) they aren’t making personal judgments, nor are they calling anyone thieves. They are not putting him on trial in criminal court. They have no interest in why a person winds up in that position, just that they did.
You, however, are a different story- a little human sympathy could have gone a long way. They guy has his whole life invested in this business, and for whatever reasons he is in this position, condemning without knowing everything is a really arrogant and tacky response.
bfarwell, no, no strong language used or assumption of any criminal activity, nor do I care. If taxes weren’t paid, regardless of situation, they need to remedy it (and I sincerely hope they do)otherwise shutter it. The feds likely didn’t seize it because they were a little behind on payment. Just because people like their goods doesnt mean they should operate at any cost.
The strong wording is the people referring to this as a “tragic loss” to the neighborhood. Really? It’s not quite the equivalent of a great community leader being killed. Stand up, organize, and open up a much needed store.
Boerumresident;
The post states that a seizure notice is posted on its window.
Whether it is the Feds or the State/City, the point remains: the business was seized, and that step is not taken lightly. It is a drastic action taken for flagrant violations of the tax law. .
Some folks are claiming that I and others are rushing to judgment, with no basis in fact. I did not make a judgment: the lawful authorities did. They posted their judgment on the shop’s window, for the general public to see.
If folks want to contribute their money to this fellow, be my guest. I won’t, nor do I offer him/her any sympathy.
Just because you have a “popular” establishment where people are willing to pay $100 for a meal doesn’t mean you are more educated nor that you are running your business/books any better. You would be surprize how many “star” chefs’ establishments($$$$$) are involved in litigation because they haven’t paid taxes and even their employees for ot (and none of their places have been seized). And its not always a deliberate act – its simply because the law is very specific and not easy to interpret. That said I hope Bread Stuy can resolve their problems — what I like about many of the businesses in the neighborhood is that they are owned by people who also live in the comuunity!
Montrose — I know all I’m saying is conjecture… BUT for a typical business that is running at break-even or at a loss, there are simply not many scenarios that are possible if the IRS or State tax agencies are involved. The only thing that is actually TAXABLE is payroll related and/or Sales tax.
bfarwell- exactly.
“when you’re not paying up like the rest of your neighbor’s are, getting rid of you and bringing in someone who does contribute is actually a win.”
Yeah, if only they would close and somebody would bring in a nail salon or bodega that [did whatever they seem not to have done], that would really improve my quality of life.
The whole “zomg i can’t believe that there could be a fundraiser or something” thread is a bit baffling to me. I mean, sure it’s a business, but if the people they serve believe that the added value of that business is great enough, there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving the community a chance to pony up.
It’s not like they’d be forcing those of you who dislike them to pay.
But, again, the most important thing is that we assume we know what went wrong, and explicitly condemn them for it in the strongest language possible.
re. loss to neighborhood comments…when you’re not paying up like the rest of your neighbor’s are, getting rid of you and bringing in someone who does contribute is actually a win.
“I’ve lost some real money in the market this week……For your generosity you’ll receive free stock advice.”
I see what you did there clever boy.
thank you wasder – yes Common Grounds is on Thompkins, not Marcy