The Q at Parkside

(for those for whom the Parkside Q is their hometrain)

News and Nonsense from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Lefferts and environs, or more specifically a neighborhood once known as Melrose Park. Sometimes called Lefferts Gardens. Or Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Or PLG. Or North Flatbush. Or Caledonia (west of Ocean). Or West Pigtown. Across From Park Slope. Under Crown Heights. Near Drummer's Grove. The Side of the Park With the McDonalds. Jackie Robinson Town. Home of Lefferts Manor. West Wingate. Near Kings County Hospital. Or if you're coming from the airport in taxi, maybe just Flatbush is best.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Pssst...New Business Alert

As evidenced by the dozens of comments to our post about the new joint at the old Mike's International, there's a real hankering for new under-represented options for the area. Well, the wait will soon be over for one joint that we whispered about awhile ago. I think it's fair after today to bring you up to speed.

There's a new business moving into an old barber shop one store north of Gino's sit down ristorante. I poked my head in there today, and sure enough the owner-partners Chad and Kola were there, two Brooklyn bred lads who say they know a thing or two about coffee. So yes, an espresso bar-pastries-internet place is opening in a month or two. Sandy slowed things down a bit, but the two gentlemen are nearing completion and ready to roll. So it looks pretty likely that a new option will replace the much-lamented loss of K-Dog and Blue Roost.

Good luck guys. From the responses we've received here, you should have a nice line out the door upon opening!

12 comments:

Peter said...

hallelujah!!!

Anonymous said...

Yay! Anyone know what kind of coffee they'll be making? And will the pastries be made in-house, or purchased from elsewhere?

Anonymous said...

Right next to the place with the awning that says "Coffee Shop" on it? That's going to be interesting...

babs said...

If they're buying from elsewhere (or even not, just as an addition) may I suggest doughnuts from Dough? Please? Would be a major game-changer for the nabe.

Anonymous said...

Agreed, Babs. From a customer perspective, Lark down on Church is an amazing model. They make great coffee, and they source everything else (bagels, donuts, ice cream, pastries). I hope the new plac opts to do something similar.

Anonymous said...

I second the call for Dough-nuts! Best in town. To echo Anonymous 10:24, I agree Lark has got some things figured out -- esp the separate baby room. Happy stroller crowd, happy laptop crowd, and big sunny windows. Fingers crossed our new place will be equally awesome.

Anonymous said...

I give this new place two years before it goes out of business. It will not be anything like Lark because the size of the storefront is maybe 8 feet wide. How would you physically create a baby room area in a store that tiny or get any natural sunlight into that space?

PS: how's that catering business that was going to move in to the old Blue Roost spot turning out? Looks like those owners pulled out fast once they had to start dealing with the greedy and corrupt landlord's that make up 99% of PLG and finally came to the realization that the type of business they wanted to build here would not survive. I can almost guarantee the beauty supply store moving into Mike's International will outlast this new coffee place!!

shelley said...

Anonymous 10:24, I agree with you, Lark did do a great job sourcing their materials and planning out their space. Personally I would love to see more business expand past the "Lincoln Road Bubble", and use the model that Lark used.

Anonymous 6:12pm, The coffee shop going in the former K-Dog and Blue Roost space is scheduled to open mid-December or early January. From talking to the owners (who also happen to live in our neighborhood) they're doing quite a bit of work on the space, which accounts for the lengthy delay before they open.

The husband and I both are wanting a great burger tonight for dinner, but alas there is none to be found in PLG (unless we're not aware of a hidden burger joint). Now that it seems like we're getting a few more coffee shops it'd be nice to have a good burger joint. Something close to Parkside would be awesome.

Anonymous said...

A coffee spot close to Gino's, that sounds nice. I would also like a real coffee shop on or near parkside. I would also like to see a burger joint, one that offers something for vegetarians as well. Maybe even others business's- anything other than a 99cent store, beauty supply, pharmacy, nail or hair place.....so on. Every time something closes I hope that something good will open. And every time i am disappointed. And while its great that so much opens near lincoln road, we at parkside also need some love. What ever happened to the fix up parkside contest?

shelley said...

anonymous 12:19pm As far as I know they haven't heard if they've been awarded the money for Parkside Ave. The project hasn't been abandoned, just on hold until they know what kind of funds they'll be working with.

Alex said...

This might sound like an odd suggestion, but you can get a decent burger at Toomey's Diner on Rogers and Empire if you've really got a craving. The place is not fancy, but they've got a big "A" in the window and everyone who works there is super nice. It's also good for eggs and basic breakfast stuff.

Anonymous said...

If you love Lark go to Lark or if you want a Lark closer then open up a franchise but not all of us need or want a "baby room" btw. Perhaps these chaps need our support and not all of our great ideas. A burger joint sounds perfect- why dont some of you with all of these ideas open one!Here's to Shelley Kramer for actually opening a business instead of just complaining about the neighborhood. And just one more thing- if I could be so lucky and change my hairdo as often as desired with incredible braids, weaves and wigs then I would appreciate more beauty supply shops as well. Just because I have the same tired hairdo day after day doesn't mean that the rest of the neighborhood has to do the same. There is room for all kinds of businesses here-just open one!