Jackson Heights Life

I really don't see why anyone whould have a problem with Caffe Bene.

When I am a tourist, typically I look for local foods to try.  The other 335 days where I live, it is nice to have choices that also include some chain establishments.  I love thai, momos, tacos, and pollo--but it is equally nice to walk a few blocks to be able to get a Five Guys burger, etc.  As a JH resident I am much happier with the opening of a Caffe Bene, then a Pollos Mario Sports Bar...and I don't plan on leaving the neighborhood.

Well said-it's about variety and choices for me.
Interesting that Cafe Central got some kind of award-it seems nothing more than a 7-11 with
a different name. Just because it's "mom and pop"
doesn't make it interesting or unique
In fact that crappy crepe place is a good example of
how a chain/franchaise can provide a better product,

that was my entire point.

Quote from: dssjh on October 17, 2015, 03:01:09 PM

and the thing is, people who demand the comforts of a blanket of blandness almost invariably end up fleeing the city once their offspring reach the age of mobility, heading back to the suburbs and leaving us with their detritus.

Suburbs have chains/franchises 
as well

Personally, it doesn't matter matter to me as long as it's priced appropriately and superlative quality.

Starbucks serves expensive coffee that is not on par in quality with Dunkin Donuts, which to me is embarrassing. But I would welcome a Shake Shack, Chipotle or a Chick-fil-A because of good quality food and service.

Bottom line, just make it the best. People in NYC are attracted to the best, whether it be pizza, ramen, burgers, sushi, Thai, whatever.

And yes, this is how businesses are evolving in America. People don't like to take chances. Budweiser and Coors Light are still tops in beer sales with Corona coming in quick. When people know what they want, they don't like to take a chance. I totally get it.


I have no problem giving people a guilt trip about going to chain stores though, we need to check ourselves. I know we wont put Starbucks out of business but maybe we can develop where we live a bit more by patronizing local places. Giving starbucks more money is not going to improve Jackson Heights at all.

Quote from: Songodd on October 19, 2015, 07:37:33 AM

Quote from: pipman on October 18, 2015, 08:16:51 AM

When I am a tourist, typically I look for local foods to try.  The other 335 days where I live, it is nice to have choices that also include some chain establishments.  I love thai, momos, tacos, and pollo--but it is equally nice to walk a few blocks to be able to get a Five Guys burger, etc.  As a JH resident I am much happier with the opening of a Caffe Bene, then a Pollos Mario Sports Bar...and I don't plan on leaving the neighborhood.

Well said-it's about variety and choices for me.
Interesting that Cafe Central got some kind of award-it seems nothing more than a 7-11 with
a different name. Just because it's "mom and pop"
doesn't make it interesting or unique
In fact that crappy crepe place is a good example of
how a chain/franchaise can provide a better product,

Of course not every chain is better than every mom & pop in terms of flavor - but is flavor the ultimate decision maker? There is always more consistency by the very nature of a chain, too. And there are definitely crappy local places.


BTW, If youre looking for a great crepe that's probably better than Ohh lala, try Fresca La Crepe in Woodside http://www.yelp.com/biz/fresca-la-cr%C3%AApe-woodside-2 That place is a gem run by one woman, not some people who are looking for a better job.

I love fresca crepe-she went to the CIA I believe

Quote from: Jeffsayyes on October 19, 2015, 01:14:00 PM

And yes, this is how businesses are evolving in America. People don't like to take chances. Budweiser and Coors Light are still tops in beer sales with Corona coming in quick. When people know what they want, they don't like to take a chance. I totally get it.


I have no problem giving people a guilt trip about going to chain stores though, we need to check ourselves. I know we wont put Starbucks out of business but maybe we can develop where we live a bit more by patronizing local places. Giving starbucks more money is not going to improve Jackson Heights at all.

Except that Starbucks provides jobs, benefits and a union so it's not hurting some of those
employees who live here.  Is that bad for the economy?
I am not so sure that cafe bene,Starbucks or chipotle will or has interfered with smaller stores.  I don't patronize Starbucks on a regular basis because I like variety and will give a smaller place like fresca or jujus because I think their product is unique and tasty. Also the owner of jujus-Sammy is a nice guy

Juju's is the best. Sami and crew are gems. I also do K&L at times, Sami doesn't do normal egg sandwiches on a roll. Try to give them both business.

MODERATOR NOTE:  The discussion on City Coffee, Juju's and other local diners has been moved to the following thread:  Diners / Coffee Shops.

the one on seventh avenue in manhattan just closed, and i believe the one in the east 20s did as well. overexpansion? over-stretched franchisees?