Category Archives: Merchant News

Key Food Supermarket Aims to Open Mid-October

Key Food supermarket (formerly Associated) at 490 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill is not planning to reopen in September as we shared in August. The owners of the supermarket recently informed us that they are working towards opening in mid-October.

“We’re really excited to be returning home,” shared Rudy Guzman, son of one of the owners who grew up working in the family business. The reopened store will have a focus on “homemade,” particularly as it concerns the on-premises baking and cooking in the store’s prepared foods and catering section. Other changes to look forward to: an expanded meats section, a freezer section and an area for salad bar.

Key Food, 492 Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street & Ryerson.

Brooklyn’s First Cat Cafe to Open on Myrtle Avenue

Image Credit: Brooklyn Bridge Animal Rescue Coalition

The Cat’s Meow, Brooklyn’s first cat cafe, will open its doors on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene on Saturday, September 19. The cafe, which will be a pop-up business, will stay open until October 24, as reported by the Fort Greene Focus.

Located at 354 Myrtle Avenue, the shop will be stocked with cute, furry friends for customers to play with. Many of the cats and kittens will be available for adoption, which you can do for just a $100 fee. This fee provides you with spaying/neutering, microchipping and vaccinating your new pet.

Go-to drinks and snacks will be available in the new cafe, and the are sourced from nearby businesses Red Lantern Bikes and Cafe and Brooklyn Sweet Spot. A percentage of sales will support the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition.

Once the pop-up cafe closes, pet supply and grooming store Who’s Your Doggy will open in its place. Who’s Your Doggy will be moving from its currently location, just one block away on Willoughby Avenue.

Cat’s Meow, 354 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton and Adelphi.

Anchor & Plow Opens in Fort Greene

Charlotta Janssen, an accomplished artist and pioneer in the Fort Greene restaurant landscape (Chez Oskar and Lola Bklyn), teamed up with Monir Gamany, a seasoned general manager to bring a new vision to the space at 387 Myrtle Avenue. Monir has worked with well known chefs and restaurateurs in New York City and together, with Charlotta, they are introducing a new farm and sea to table concept with a Mediterranean slant to a newly reshaped menu that unites a variety of palates.

“We saw the opportunity and necessity to cultivate and bring a full dining experience where herbivores, carnivores, pescaterians and omnivores can sit down in a unique and shared connection of fresh refined and locally sourced wholesome fair. With Mediterranean flavors and spices in mind we wanted to bringing diverse palettes to the same table sharing charismatic cocktails and delicious wines.”

Staying true to our commitment of bringing fresh locally grown ingredients, Monir also designed a cocktail menu true to the spices and seasoning of the Mediterranean region. They chose small wine producers and expertly paired wines that compliment the Mediterranean flavors found on the menu. Anchor and Plow’s newest addition, Executive Chef Lazlo Beregszaszi, is a seasoned talent who will bring unique specials and new menu items regularly.

Anchor and Plow will be holding their grand opening on Thursday, September 10th, at 5pm and will be open 7 days a week for lunch, brunch and dinner. They invite local carnivores, herbivores, pescatarians or omnivores to please come, to bring their critical taste buds and share thoughts on the new menu. With the fresh addition of a seasoned team, this dynamic space with its romantic garden, not only provides a new staple restaurant to the neighborhood, but also a great event space that can host your next celebration or event.

Anchor & Plow, 387 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont Avenues.

Polish Bar of Brooklyn Offers Monthly Beauty Memberships

Calling All Fashionistas, Budgetnistas and Self-Care Mavens: The Polish Bar of Brooklyn kicked off its monthly subscription services last month, offering some of the beauty boutique’s most popular services at an up to 45% savings. This exciting new monthly membership initiative gets you unlimited monthly services at bargain prices. $45 per month will get you unlimited manicures and $75 per month will get you unlimited waxing services or unlimited manis and pedis.

What’s more, signing up for the monthly membership subscription gets you access to bonus savings and VIP booking status (priority in and out service).

Through this new service, Polish Bar has helped to up your nail game. Try new designs and polishes and be ready for a quick change from work to the theater to a party at the drop of a dime, or at the least the time it will take you to get to the salon and back.

Inquire in-store on how to get started today.

Sandbox’s Mobile Crew Offers Door-to-Door Mail Pickup

Wrapped van, check. Customer friendly crew, check. Ready for your call, check, check.

Sandbox Pack & Ship, located at 417 Myrtle Avenue, now has door-to-door mail pick up service available. The mobile van is available to pick up packages and mail from local residences, including apartment buildings as well as large and small businesses.

The new mobile service is the direct result of feedback from several local seniors who expressed difficulty in getting to the post office and requested more a door-to-door service. This feedback was shared during MARP-coordinated neighborhood focus groups and an older adult forum, all held over the past year and all aimed at learning how to make the neighborhood, particularly Myrtle Avenue, friendlier to older adults. MARP has since been designated an Age-Friendly Neighborhood.

“The impetus for the van was the feedback from seniors and we are committed to doing just that. We decided to broaden the vision though, and we’ll accommodate basically any of our neighbors who reside in our local pick up zone and who give us a call,” shared Stanley Green, Sandbox owner.

The mail is brought back to Sandbox Pack & Ship where it is shipped using a wide range of land, sea or air options for worldwide shipping, including USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL, with a focus on offering the fastest and most affordable options.

Sandbox Pack & Ship is located at 417 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt and Clinton Avenue. Please call them at (347) 599-2819 with questions or to arrange mail or package pick up.

Enjoy a Labor Day Staycation at Lucky Lotus Yoga

Don’t have the energy or desire to skip out of town for the end-of-summer three day weekend? Relax locally by escaping for a few hours at Lucky Lotus Yoga on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene. On Monday, September 7th from 4-6pm, the yoga studio will be offering a staycation special that will allow you to relax, heal and reset.

The Staycation special with Ade will offer a two-hour session that includes a essential-oil facial steam towel, mini facial massage, a mini body massage, all followed with a personally tailored acupuncture treatment. All of this is included for the special’s $75 price. To enjoy, you must book an appointment ahead of time by e-mailing luckylotusyoga@gmail.com.

Lucky Lotus Yoga, 334 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park and Carlton.

FREE Kids’ Self-Defense + Anti-Bully Class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

We love that Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offer free kids’ self defense classes.

If you missed last week’s, here’s another chance.

Free self-defense class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Fri. September 4th at 4:30pm (not 5pm like the flyer says). Children 6 years of age and older are invited to participate in this FREE ‘No More Bullies’ class to learn self defense moves and prevention tips.

Class is open to girls and boys.

Please click here for registration information. Space is limited, so hurry.

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is located at 412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt. They can be reached at (718) 403-0067.

Gentleman Farmer Opens this Week in Fort Greene

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene located at 378 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont, chose a quiet opening this week, opening for dinner this past Monday night.

The much anticipated restaurant features a seasonal menu which marries French traditional and New World ingredients and has a special focus on game.

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene is the sister restaurant to chef and owner Karim Nounouh’s other culinary location of the same name, Gentleman Farmer, which has been located on the Lower East Side since 2010.

Some of the restaurant’s menu items include: onion soup, curried snails, salmon tartar, foie gras torchon, beet salad, seared sea scallop, pheasant pate & foie gras (appetizers) and mushroom ravioli, red snapper, rack of lamb, seared codfish, venison steak, smoked duck breast and bison short ribs (entrees). Currently: the restaurant is open 7 days per week for dinner at 6pm and is BYOB. Expect lunch options within the next two weeks as well as beer and wine soon.

Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene is located at 378 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Clermont, Seats at the 20-seat restaurant are available by reservation or walk-in: contact@gentlemanfarmernyc.com or call (929) 295-0784.

Three Businesses on Myrtle Ave Celebrate Anniversaries This Weekend

Three Myrtle Avenue businesses are celebrating their anniversaries this weekend. What to expect: Fashion catwalks, old school hip hop great, other live music, cocktails, appetizers and tarot cards, lots of laughter and fun. Whew — stop in at all three! Big CONGRATS to our businesses for helping to make Myrtle Avenue great! Wishing you many, many more years of success.

LEISURE LIFE

Wishing you the best on your second year, Leisure Life! Grand Puba & Friends are on the mic this Friday, 8/28 at Leisure Life. Enjoy appetizers, drinks and browse the store’s very Brooklyn- and otherwise local- centric art and fashion collections while head bouncing as the Grand One spits hits like Slow Down, One For All and Wake Up (Sunshine) , 8PM – 12midnight. Check out more details here.

JUST BECAUSE SALON

Happy 8th Anniversary Just Because Salon! Enjoy raffles, music and giveaways as models strut down Myrtle and Carlton Avenues showing off the latest in fashions featuring local designers and hairstyles courtesy Just Because Salon this Saturday, 8/29, starting at 12PM . A wonderful day of beauty for all. Click here for details.

JILL LINDSEY

First birthday blessings Jill Lindsey! Live music and drinks, fun and games, including tarot card readings at Jill Lindsey’s this Saturday, 8/29 from 1PM to 9PM as the shop celebrates year one in grand style. Enjoy delicious food at the cafe or check out the custom made and ready to wear fashions, accessories and home decor and more. More information can be found by clicking here.

Just Because Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Annual Outdoor Catwalk

Come out and see models strutting down Carlton and Myrtle Avenues in Just Because Salon‘s annual catwalk and hair show. The event celebrates the salon’s 8th year in business for and is the third year that they are celebrating with that the Avenue strut.

The celebration will feature models strutting down Myrtle and Carlton Avenue, just outside of the salon, showing off stylish fashions and hairdos, many of the fashions by local designers, all hair and makeup by Just Because Salon. Please stop in and support. Fashion, food, prizes and fun.

This is also a good time to stop with any makeup, hair or beauty tips or set up a consultation. Raffles and giveaways for salon hair, makeup or other beauty services will be given away throughout the day. Don’t miss this fun, annual affair. Stop by to wish Just Because a happy 8th anniversary.

Just Because Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue, just north of Myrtle. They can be reached by phone at: (718) 722-7810.

Grand Puba Performing at Leisure Life’s 2nd Anniversary Party

In celebration of Leisure Life’s 2nd anniversary in business on Myrtle, they’re giving you a bit of the old school and the new. Come out and celebrate at Leisure Life, 559 Myrtle Avenue on Friday, August 28th,

Is anyone as excited as we are that Grand Puba’s coming to the Ave, and mad curious at the ‘& Friends’ part of this. Is it KRS-One (faint), or some of the other Brand Nubian greats we know and love? Please stop in to enjoy Grand Puba perform some of his great hits, enjoy the music of Twilite Tone and to enjoy all of the other anniversary fun Leisure Life has planned.

Leisure Life is located at 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue. Please call (347) 725-3167 for further information.

FREE Kids’ Self Defense and Street Awareness Class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Free self-defense and street awareness class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Fri. August 21st at 5pm. Children 6 years of age and older are invited to participate in this FREE ‘Stranger Danger’ class to learn street awareness tips, including how to recognize and avoid dangerous street situations.

Please click here for registration information. Space is limited, so hurry.

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is located at 412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt. They can be reached at (718) 403-0067.

Spice & Grill to bring Nepalese food to Myrtle Avenue

Bikash Karel, along with his father who is also his business partner, is opening Spice & Grill, a Nepalese and Indian eatery at 441 Myrtle, former home of Mark’s Gourmet Burgers. They are hoping to be open no later than mid- to late November.

The two men are no strangers to the food business, having successfully operated the Nepalese Indian Restaurant in Ridgewood, Queens for just over two and a half years. Their Queens restaurant boasts 120 menu items.

Their upcoming Myrtle Avenue restaurant will have a markedly different vibe, shared Bikash, “it will be very laid back and will have much more emphasis on grilled Indian menu items and Nepalese street food, such as mini samosa chat (tangy samosas with freshly cut sweet red onions, chili and coriander), momos (bitesize dumplings served with spicy tomato and sesame sauce), chatamari (rice crepes topped with lamb and spicy sauce), sekuwa (chicken skewers with peppers, nutmeg, lime zest and yogurt) and sel roti (sweet ring-shaped doughnuts).

The father-son team is hoping to secure a beer and wine license for this endeavor.

Their chef has more than 30 years experience at national and international venues, including former work in Japan and Brazil.

The store build-out will begin as soon as possible. The building scaffolding, put up by the property owner who is doing work to the upper floors, should be down by December 1st.

“This is going to be really special,” added Bikari. “I was raised here on Myrtle Avenue and my dad’s roots are in Khatmandu — we are looking forward to bringing something here to our neighborhood.”

Ruthie’s Restaurant Closing Sunday Night, 8/23

Ruthie’s , the powerhouse of soul food and southern cuisine will close its Myrtle Avenue business for good on Sunday, August 23rd. Owners, John and Stephanie shared that “after 10 wonderful years on Myrtle Avenue, it is time for us to make a change. Change and growth is a good thing, it is always necessary.”

The business owners went on to say that “we are so grateful. we want to thank our customers for the love and patronage they have shown Ruthie’s all of these years as we could not have persevered without them.”

To remain connected to Ruthie’s Restaurant, please like them on Facebook. And although only 10 days until closing seems an extraordinarily small and unfair amount of time to enjoy the delicious cuisine of Ruthie’s, please come out and support them and let them know how missed they’ll be. Their doors will remain open until 8pm on the 23rd.

The restaurant is named after John’s mother, Ruth West, who started cooking out of her own kitchen the foods she grew up with as a child in Bayboro, North Carolina. Her delicious dishes quickly grew in popularity, resulting in her opening her first storefront nearly 40 years ago.

The business will hold a restaurant equipment auction on Tuesday, August 25th , starting at 3pm.

Ruthie’s , 560 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place & Classon Avenue, (718) 399-2400.

First Anniversary Celebration for a Kid’s Dream

A Kid’s Dream Hair Spa & Salon is celebrating its 1 year anniversary all day on Sunday, July 26!

In honor of the celebration, A Kid’s Dream will have a $26 special promotion all day — on hair cuts, wash and blow outs and/or basic styling and mani, pedi and facials. No walk-ins for the promotion, so please call now for a reservation.

Also — A Kid’s DJ will be spinning tunes from 12noon to 4pm. Free ice cream for all customers and well-wishers who stop in!

A Kid’s Dream Hair Spa & Salon is located at 549 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben and Emerson. They can be reached at (800) 927-1373.

Key Food to Open as Early as August, Clinton Hill

Key Food Supermarket (formerly Associated) at 490 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill is planning to reopen as early as next month, shared one of its owners two weeks ago.

The supermarket, which was closed for well over a year due to redevelopment of the site (going from a one story commercial building to a 6-story mixed used building with 93 residential units and added commercial units including TD Bank, has been much missed. And with the closing of another local Key Food on Lafayette Avenue just this week, is also much needed.

Key Food on Myrtle Avenue will boast added store shelves, a salad bar, bakery and expanded meats section.

New Sign up for Starbucks + Hiring Now

New sign went up for Starbucks today. The store is expected to open within the next two weeks at 394 Myrtle Avenue, near the Vanderbilt Avenue corner. In the meantime, the company announced barista and site supervisor job openings for the new location. Please click here for job descriptions and applications.

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day at The Runner

Friday, 5/15 is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day and The Runner is giving out free samples of their salted chocolate chip cookies all day, starting at noon. Stay for dinner or dessert and choose from a selection of fresh and delicious menu items, which include salted chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich with their housemade ice cream for dessert.

The Runner is located at 458 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly Avenues. They can be reached by phone at (718) 643-6500.

Just Because Salon Provides Beauty Services to Women in Need

Photo courtesy of News 12 Brooklyn

Hair care and beauty services are offered free of charge to homeless women each first Sunday of the month at Just Because Salon. The services kicked off this month in honor of Mother’s Day, but will extend well beyond.

Inspired by her participation in a mobile beauty truck to help women in need, salon owner, Carol says she was able to see the positive effects of pampering in even some small way on women going generally through very much larger issues.

Just Because Salon has created partnerships with a few local homeless shelters; women in receipt of services must be referred by these shelters.

News 12 Brooklyn recently covered the kick off in an article as well as video presentation.

If the name Just Because Salon, sounds familiar, it’s because Carol was also creator of the Prom Queen Project, which for many years supplied prom dresses and makeovers to local graduating high school seniors free of charge.

Just Because Salon provides are expert hair grooming and styling, and their award-winning “therapy approach” makes the health of the hair an integral part of the experience.

Just Because Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue, just north of Myrtle Avenue and can be reached by phone at 718.722.7810.

Mother’s Day Class at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Who says mom can’t guard, roll, break fall or takedown with the best of them? Or at least she can learn how to. Moms and their kids are allowed to join the junior class (kids up to pre-teens) at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu this Friday, May 8th. A fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day. No prior experience necessary.

Please call today to register for this free event. Class will feature fun activities for moms and kids.

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is located at 412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Vanderbilt Avenues and can be reached by phone at (718) 403-0067.

Sweets, Salon & Spa Services for Mom

If you want to pamper mom, there are lots of sweet deals on Myrtle Avenue, from massages to new hair styles to custom cakes, oh yes.

SALON SERVICES

Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 475 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Special Mom’s Day services from 12pm to 4pm. Call to book an appointment.
Just Because Salon, 141 Carlton just north of Myrtle, (718) 722-7810 Now open on Sundays: special mom’s Day packages throughout the day: enjoy mini facial, 30 minute make up lesson, exfoliating scalp massage with shampoo style and conditioner. Plus add on extra services (eyelashes $10; 5 foil highlights $20). One hour massage $78.
Brownstone Spa, 473 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 398-1968 90-minute full body massage: $75

DESSERTS

Brooklyn Sweet Spot 366 Myrtle, (718) 522-2577 Gourmet-sized cupcakes and custom cakes for mom.

Pic of the Week: Jill Lindsey’s Mother’s Day Cards

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away! You may want to start to look for that perfect card now. Letterpress Mother’s Day are available NOW at Jill Lindsey from $4.50- $6.00. While you are in there, check out the handmade leather sandals and the calendar of artsy events. Mom may want to take a printmaking class or learn how to make a Kokedama, a hanging Japanese planter for the home.

Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont
(347) 987-4538

Shop Within 1/2 Mile of the Closing Key Food Supermarket in Clinton Hill

Multiple Town Halls have taken place to address the closing of the Key Food Supermarket at 325 Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill. In recent community conversations with Seniors, to help shape our Age-friendly Myrtle Avenue initiative, we learned that this closing brings anxiety and frustration to the many older adult residents who use this store as their main Supermarket.

In response, the Fort Greene & Clinton Hill Community Food Council met to discuss strategies that will encourage nearby retailers to utilize this closing as an opportunity for them to serve residents needs.

In addition, the below map has been created to use as a resource for alternative shopping locations within 1/2 mile of 325 Lafayette Avenue. Please note that many offer van transportation to seniors.

Click map to enlarge.

C-town 241 Taaffe Pl (DeKalb/Willoughby)

0.3 miles
Spend $60+ and receive home delivery by van or foot. Call 718-230-7668 to schedule a pick-up.

Waverly Gourmet (formerly Associated)

367 Waverly Ave (Greene/Lafayette) – 0.4 miles
Spend $50+ and receive home delivery by van or foot. Call (718) 638-5454 to schedule a pick-up.

Greene Hill Food Co-op 18 Putnam Ave

(Grand/Downing) – 0.4 miles
Become a member; call 347.799.1939 for more info. Mon & Wed: 3pm-9 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am – 6 pm

Compare Foods 991 Bedford Ave

(Kosciuszko St./Lafayette) – 0.4 miles
B38 from Lafayette Av/Grand Av to Lafayette Av/Bedford Av

Key Food 991 Fulton St

(St. James/Cambridge Pl) – 0.5 miles
B38 from Lafayette Av/Washington Av to Lafayette Av/Grand Av. Spend $50+ and receive home delivery by van or walk. Call (718) 636-1620 to schedule a pick-up.

Green Fresh Supermarket 527 DeKalb Ave

(Bedford/Skillman) – 0.5 miles

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Key Food (formerly Associated)

492 Myrtle Ave (Hall/Ryerson) – 0.5 miles
RE-OPENING SOON
Spend $50+ and receive home delivery by van or foot.

Happy 6th Birthday Green in BKLYN!

Happy 6th Birthday, Green in BKLYN! Today is indeed Earth Day, but thank you for being a daily testament that every day is a day to celebrate Mother Earth. A one-stop shop for eco-friendly goods and household items, Green in BKLYN has what you’re looking for.

Celebratory Earth Day plans in-store on Saturday, April 25th. Stop in and join the party!

From 12-5pm enjoy FREE tastes of Local Treats from Brooklyn taste makers including chocolate, coffee and dog treats. A whole bunch of local yum!

All Day Green in BKLYN’s will be hosting a customer raffle…make a purchase of $6 or more (for Green in BKLYN’s Sixth Anniversary) and be entered in an eco-raffle.

For the entire month Green in BKLYN’s is dedicating the windows to local folk. On display you will find products from local artists, writers & makers & a whole bunch of new stuff added in.

Come in and let Green in BKLYN thank you personally for supporting the store over the past 6 wonderful years and for choosing to live more gently on our planet Earth.

Green in BKLYN is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues.
(718) 855-4383

Bar Bolinas Spotlighted on Brooklyn Based

Brooklyn Based spotlighted Bar Bolinas, the new Myrtle Avenue-based NorCal cuisine restaurant on 4/13. Read the entire article here.

The article give a hearty nod to the eatery’s menu, including shouting out the juicy Bar Bolinas’ burger on Dutch Crunch bread; artichoke small plate with olives, guana padano cheese and celery; seafood sepia skewers with long pepper hots, horseradish and celery; spicy Mexican-influenced pasilla chicken entrée served w/spiragarello, a rabe-like broccoli leaf; and the strawberry fool dessert, sweet berries over a vanilla bean custard and fresh whipped cream.

Oh yes.

Bar Bolinas is located at 455 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues; (718) 935-9333.

C-town 241 Taaffe Pl (DeKalb/Willoughby)

Waverly Gourmet (formerly Associated)

Greene Hill Food Co-op 18 Putnam Ave

Compare Foods 991 Bedford Ave

Key Food 991 Fulton St

Green Fresh Supermarket 527 DeKalb Ave

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Key Food (formerly Associated)

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