Jackson Heights Life

i have yet to try the falafel, but i'd agree that a nice mix of greens, tomato, maybe a bit of pickled veggies make for a great falafel sandwich. i kind of like the thicker tahini, personally.

i have yet to try the falafel, but i'd agree that a nice mix of greens, tomato, maybe a bit of pickled veggies make for a great falafel sandwich. i kind of like the thicker tahini, personally.

Different cultures serve up falafel differently. The most common in the shops, I find, is Israeli style; the one with the non-yogurt topping (tahini? hummus? not sure). The one I prefer is the common foodcart-style with yogurt sauce. Jimmy's doesn't have that.
I'm not sure where I've had it with cucumber mixed in with the lettuce and tomato, but obviously that goes perfectly with the yogurt sauce.
As a vegetarian, I'm just happy to find falafel in an indoor, seated eatery. Finding it in a deli is fairly unusual.
Jimmy, I plan on having a veggie burger next time.

Hi Jimmy,

Thanks for listening.  Looking forward to trying the falafel again when you get the new tahini sauce. 

Similar to what others have posted, I would love you to go further on the Middle Eastern cuisine.  My concern is that the Italian deli a block from you is already an established place to go for regular deli sandwiches, and does a thriving business.  They also have a dessert counter, and sell muffins, croissants, and breakfast items, much like you have.  A couple blocks down from you there is a very large corner deli/convenience store that is undergoing a huge gut renovation.  When that's completed they may impact your business.

Well before your posting thread there was a thread on where to find good falafel in the neighborhood.  It was agreed by many the best place to do that was Plaka, a Greek restaurant about a 20 minute walk North from where you are located.  The falafel there happens to be amazing (as well as just about everything else I've ever tried there).  But it is quite far.

The key for you I think is differentiation.  You've already taken the right step by introducing yourself to this forum in such a wonderful way.  You've obviously put a lot of thought into designing a nice looking store.  In my opinion, without completely rewriting the book I would become known as a deli/convenience store that serves a few choice Middle Eastern items done really well.  I know you don't have much in the way of space, but maybe serving memorable falafel, gyros, kebabs, home made hummus that can go into sandwiches, etc.  Add rice and maybe a small salad and then people have an entree they can have for dinner.  I would consider replacing the desserts in the refrigerated dessert counter with awesome looking kebabs ripe for grilling, as well as killer spreads like babaganoush and hummus (Check out online pics of Damas in Fort Greene and there enticing refrigerated counter).  Again, I don't think you have to go crazy with rewriting the book, just a few choice middle eastern street type foods done really well and fresh.  We really don't have anything like that that is convenient to get to.  I would even consider modeling yourself somewhat after Pahal Zan in Forest Hills an extremely small place that is known throughout the city as one of the best falafels and other middle eastern type foods.  Here's a link: http://pahalzan.net

Just so you don't think I'm talking out of my arse I do have a marketing bachelors and have worked for marketing departments international companies before.  I know how expensive the rent on 37th ave is.  I want you to succeed and thought I'd throw a few ideas your way.  I want you to stand out from the competition.

Jax Heighters, does anyone else agree with me here?  That you'd love amazing and convenient Middle Eastern Cuisine?

P.S.  Jimmy, I see you are developing a nice range of middle eastern products.  I would consider for those who don't speak Arabic labeling the products in English. 

i'd respectfully disagree with ptbass.

i think that the owners of the new place are using good business acumen in not putting all of their eggs in one basket when they don't have to. i am happy to have a place serving up good middle eastern specialties, but not everyone likes falafel (and, frankly, not everyone even knows what falafel is -- just ask bill o'reilly).

having American-style sandwiches and other products on sale is a wise choice, will be a source of income, and won't detract from the integrity of the middle eastern stuff, which i look forward to trying.

Jimmy, sounds smart.

DSSJH, I think we are actually on the same page

What I meant by them not completely rewriting the book, was basically just adding a subsection a Middle Eastern type foods to their menu.  I wasn't suggesting completely changing what they have obviously worked hard to create but just having a few choice items on the menu that would differentiate them from the competition.

Personally, I think you should be making your own Tahini sauce......

I am always reluctant to tell people what to sell, I can't help it sometimes though
Remember Jerry:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUPH5OhXC1A