The Battle to Remain in Williamsburg
In the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Buddies Coffee—a beloved Puerto Rican café—is facing a steep rent increase that could put it out of business. Co-owner Rachel Nieves, who recently shared her distress in a viral TikTok video, explained that rising rents, combined with the imminent arrival of a competing coffee shop next door, might force Buddies Coffee to relocate or shut down. Her emotional message has gained over 6 million views, sparking a wave of community support.
The Rise of Buddies Coffee
Buddies Coffee, located at 150 Grand Street, started as a coffee cart during the pandemic. Nieves and her partner, Taylor Nawrocki, built the business from scratch, earning recognition for their signature coquito latte—a tribute to Puerto Rican tradition. The café quickly became a neighborhood favorite, symbolizing resilience and cultural pride.
The Challenges of Gentrification
Once a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood, Williamsburg has undergone significant gentrification in recent years. This transformation has led to skyrocketing commercial rents, making it difficult for small businesses like Buddies Coffee to survive. Expressing her frustration, Nieves stated, “It just feels like you just can’t win, like the small people can’t win.”
Community and Celebrity Support
Following Nieves’ emotional appeal, the community has stepped up in a big way. Customers have been lining up outside the café, showing their support in large numbers. Even singer Joe Jonas visited Buddies Coffee, encouraging people to “be a buddy” and support the beloved local business.
The Bigger Issue of Rising Commercial Rents
The struggle of Buddies Coffee is part of a larger issue affecting small businesses in urban areas—the continuous rise of commercial rents. A similar case occurred in Williamsburg, where Whisk, a kitchenware retailer, had to close down after a 44% rent hike. This trend highlights the growing challenges independent businesses face in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.
FAQ
Why is Buddies Coffee at risk of closing?
Buddies Coffee is dealing with a massive rent increase, along with the threat of a competing coffee shop opening next door, jeopardizing its ability to remain at its current location.
How has the community responded?
The community has shown overwhelming support, with long customer lines outside the café and public figures like Joe Jonas advocating for the business.
What does this mean for other small businesses?
The struggles faced by Buddies Coffee are part of a broader trend where rising commercial rents in gentrifying areas pose a serious threat to small, independent businesses.
Supporting Local Businesses Amid Change
The story of Buddies Coffee serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and cultural preservation. As neighborhoods evolve, it is crucial to support and protect small businesses that contribute to their unique identity and history.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences on gentrification and supporting local businesses in the comments section. If you’re in Williamsburg, consider visiting Buddies Coffee to show your support.
