Blimpie, Dunkin' Donuts To Mar Lafayette
We hear that the boom in Fort Greene is attracting more than genteel brownstone residents. One concerned homeowner on South Elliott Place has tipped us off to a rumor that her historic block is about to get whacked by a nasty fast food one-two punch. Two shops on opposite corners of Lafayette and South Elliott…
We hear that the boom in Fort Greene is attracting more than genteel brownstone residents. One concerned homeowner on South Elliott Place has tipped us off to a rumor that her historic block is about to get whacked by a nasty fast food one-two punch. Two shops on opposite corners of Lafayette and South Elliott are in the process of changing hands. According to a workman on site, a Blimpie is going into the Triangular Floor space (top) and a 24-hour Dunkin’ Donuts is taking over the former bodega (bottom). We hope the workman was just having a little fun at a nosy neighbor’s expense. It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that we think that this stretch of Lafayette needs fast food restaurants like a hole in the head. We bet that the owners of the upscale restaurant Gia across the street agree.
I agree that it would have been nicer to have a decent greengrocer move into the ‘hood (sorely needed if you ask me!). But I must say that suggesting that a Blimpie’s will shatter the halcyon childhoods of the yuppie masses spawn is going a little far. Plus, Dunkin makes a mean cup of cawfee.
TW: ” If it is true that no-one wants these franchises in the neighborhood, they’ll be out of business within the year…”
MJ: “Wish it were that simple. Corporate franchises usually do ok, considering their national advertising budget and easy fast food shopping set-up…”
OK, so people will patronize these franchises because they’ve been brainwashed by the big evil corporations. But spending money at these places doesn’t count as “wanting” them in the neighborhood?
Wish it were that simple. Corporate franchises usually do ok, considering their national advertising budget and easy fast food shopping set-up. They typically survive anywhere with traffic, unfortunately. So if it comes, enough people will probably support. Not happy, but I guess some homeowners dont mind….
Could be worse, yes, agreed. But isn’t that a sucky attitude to adopt about your nabe’??
God knows I hope both of these go away. But as to whether the area ‘needs’ them, there is a tried and tested way of answering that question: let the market decide. If it is true that no-one wants these franchises in the neighborhood, they’ll be out of business within the year.
Hey, maybe this is just an extremely efficient way of ensuring there is a proper ‘correction’ in the local property market. Indeed, one will probably be able to get a nice 4 story brownstone for under 2.5 million in no time….
Man, am I ever glad I bought on a landmarked block in Cobble Hill 9 years ago. All we have to worry about is a bodega around the corner on Columbia St. that sells crack, oh and the chase up into the surrounding neighborhood a few years ago that resulted in shots being fired during a foot pursuit up Kane St. I guess we’re lucky there’s not a donut or sandwich shop nearby.
Not to mention implying that a Dunkin Donuts is somehow a threat to your children. Maneuuver #1 in the whiny yuppie playbook: hide behind your kids. Sheesh. And I say this as a yuppie with kids.
Look, this is an easily resolved problem. If Blimpie and DD are so out of character with the neighborhood, they’ll quickly die for lack of business. Whereas if it turns out that not all of Fort Greene shares the tastes of the owners of $1M+ brownstones who dine at Gia…
“To assume we are supposed to buy in a neighborhood, raise our children, but then close our eyes to a violation in character and lifestyle is absolutely absurd.”
Gag. A Dunkin Donuts is a “violation in character and lifestyle”? Hyperbole, anybody?
Yeah, as opposed to wine bars, muffin shops, and panini places…
People did live in Fort Greene before you arrived, you know. Apparently you’re learning the lesson that they did. You can’t always control how your neighborhood changes, especially in NYC.
I love Dunkin’ Donuts and will welcome them. Blimpie I don’t know. If only it were a Subway instead!