I know a lot of readers would love someone to open an indie coffee shop in central Forest Hills. I recently checked out the former location of The Lite Choice (a.k.a. Tasty D-lite) in the "Mini Mall" on 71st Continental Ave. and it dawned on me that this space has some really good indie coffee shop potential. I mean, it's the right size, quiet, relaxing, laid back, out-of-the-way, has outdoor seating, and with a little imagination could be a really interesting place to hang out. Take a look at the photos I took below and can't you just see people chilling with their laptops and a cup of coffee? Imagine the space below transformed with some plants, nice lighting, nice tables and chairs. The space is even sheltered from the elements to some degree so with some outdoor heaters could even have outdoor seating through the chillier months. Anyway, just a thought. The only drawback is it is a little out of the way, since it doesn't front onto a major shopping street. But there are other businesses in there that have been around for a while, especially the barber shop, and more recently, Sun Cycle Studios.
The owner already rented it out to two different business and I heard that one of the shops there was going to try to rent it out as well for additional space for their spot but the owner is charging to much.
ReplyDeleteIn theory, I agree with you and an indie coffee joint that also serves good dessert would be great. But in reality, I can't see how such a place could profit and thrive with all the competition in already in the neighborhood. I'm talking both the chains like Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, and upcoming 7-11, as well as Fayda, Gotta Getta Bagel, Marthas, and La Boulangerie all who serve coffee and dessert.
ReplyDeleteI can get behind this idea! (FYI, my best friend and I always refer to that area as "Diagon Alley". :)
ReplyDeleteif they serve really good coffee like Greg's coffee and Joe's Art of Coffee in the city as well as stuff on tap for the morning coffee rush they can probably succeed
ReplyDeleteThis is off topic, but Drake, wondering if you have seen (or posted about) fact that Jade has recently completely altered their menu and service, apparently to save money. Menu item changes include going from Flounder to Tilapia (cheaper fish) and from Snapper Tacos to Tuna Tacos (again, cheaper in that they already have tuna for sushi). They also now refuse to do ANY menu alterations--even despite the fact that the menu read "tell your server about any dietary restrictions", they would not even remove spicy mayo from a sushi roll for my girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteThere should be a revolt against this.
My wife was none too happy about the menu change at Jade. Or the ridiculously loud music. The menu is also significantly smaller than previous. Their rent must have gotten jacked, or they're really feeling the competition from some of the new places.
DeleteI am curious to hear about the changes in service. I always found the staff in Jade horrible and totally lacking any understanding of the concept of service.
DeleteThat's a good idea. My only concern is that the entryway of that place is really dim and narrow. So whoever takes it over should brighten it up a bit, and make it more welcoming. Actually, although I'm more of a coffee fan, a funky or exotic tea shop would be interesting an choice here.
ReplyDeleteAuthentic gyro's would be a good seller here. As would a place that sells cheesesteaks and other types of homemade subs.
ReplyDeleteDo you realize how many cups of tea and coffee you would have to sell to afford the high rent???? Let's get real.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea. That space gets no foot traffic though - and that would be a volume based business. It would really have to compete with both Dunkin' Donuts AND Starbucks AND Gotta Get a Bagel. I feel like the Forest Hills coffee consumer values cost and convenience when it comes to coffee. Maybe they could have another unique / premium offering to draw people in??
ReplyDeleteThat space that was Alexandra's? It'll host an urgent care center. Probably a good thing, with all the new bars.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20131031/forest-hills/urgent-care-center-coming-austin-street
Urgent Care Center, are you for real? In case you haven't noticed, the entire west end of Austin Street has been blighted by the Medical Profession. You want to blight Continental now?
DeleteNo one wants it, but if that's what's coming so be it. Better than an empty storefront, which is all it's been for quite some time now.
DeleteI totally agree that this is a prime location for a coffee shop / restaurant, sort of like Jack & Nellie's. Brunch could be a big hit here. This mini-mall area offers a great thing that's rare in this area - secluded/private outdoor seating. The area by Uno's has so much traffic, honking cars, car exhaust, etc. If anyone's been to Freemans in Manhattan, this place could be just like that.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if cute little craft / artists shops opened up in the same area, it could be even better! I think a nice Italian foods shop would be great here too. Please no more Mediterranean food, one is just about to open on the other side of the building.
This could be a nice little space w/ the right decor (aka get rid of that spinning machine outside the door, that looks stupid). There's so much potential being wasted.
I would love an indie coffee shop with a variety of coffee types to choose from. That space would be delightful. I love that little nook but the kind of businesses there are not exciting enough to go in to match that atmosphere.
DeleteAn arts/crafts place would be lovely there too. I love Oiloli but it's too far for me to frequent enough.
I would love an indie coffee shop with a variety of coffee types to choose from. That space would be delightful. I love that little nook but the kind of businesses there are not exciting enough to go in to match that atmosphere.
DeleteAn arts/crafts place would be lovely there too. I love Oiloli but it's too far for me to frequent enough.
I agree 100%. That space has so much untapped potential. It's unique and should be preserved in some creative way.
DeleteA good way to make the entryway more interesting is to replace the sidewalk signs w/ something more interesting, like chalkboard signs. The store signs could be printed w/ a spotlight on them instead of being backlit like that. Those signs just look so dated and uninspiring. It looks way too busy and has a Nascar look.
ReplyDeleteThat space has outlived its purpose.
ReplyDeletewhats going under the LIRR overpass on continental near station house? I see some temp structure over there.
ReplyDeletealways liked this little oasis
ReplyDeleteThey are adding retail space under the LIRR overpass on Continental Av. H&M will be opening there in Spring 2014.
ReplyDeleteThis is impossible. There's no room. Where did you hear this?
DeleteThe same place he or she heard this: http://edgeofthecityblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-post.html
DeleteYeah. that was hilarious, Drake. But really, does anybody know whats going on under the overpass?
DeleteSo here is what is going in the Lite Choice spot.. The LockSmith from Austin Street is moving in there but only taking half of the space.. the other half I hear Sun Cycle is looking at to possibly put a child facility there for moms that need someone to watch their kids while they work out and also doing personal training while not in use for that..
ReplyDelete