Brooklyn Coffee Shop Owner Calls Out Gentrification Amid Rent Hike – CoffeeTalk

In a heartfelt TikTok video posted on February 25, Rachel Nieves, owner of Buddies Coffee in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, expressed her distress over a significant rent increase imposed by her landlord, which threatens her small business. With tears in her eyes, she lamented the arrival of a new coffee shop right next door, underscoring the struggles of local entrepreneurs in the face of gentrification. “Today, I just got word that I might not be able to stay in the same lease because of the rent increase, which is the reality for so many people,” she stated. “But not only that, right next door to me, they’re putting in a coffee shop. It just feels like you can’t win. The small people can’t win.”

Nieves’s emotional plea resonated widely, going viral almost instantly and grabbing the attention of celebrity Joe Jonas, who visited Buddies Coffee and urged his followers to show their support. The video highlighted the challenges faced by many in the historically Puerto Rican neighborhood, a demographic that Nieves aims to represent with her business. In the days following her post, customers flocked to the shop, many of them Boricuas, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with salsa music and dancing as they awaited their coffee.

Reflecting on the changes in Williamsburg, Nieves remarked, “Growing up in New York, Williamsburg has been changed since I’ve been allowed to hang out on my own.” Both Nieves and her partner, Taylor Nawrocki, were initially hesitant to open their business in the area, fearing they would contribute to the very gentrification they oppose. Fortunately, the local community welcomed Buddies Coffee, celebrating its proud Puerto Rican heritage.

With a background as a burned-out finance manager in the car industry, Nieves entered the coffee business without prior experience. However, her passion for coffee drove her to learn the intricacies of the craft. “I can figure it out,” she recalled telling herself during the startup process. Just days before the rent increase notification, Nieves and Nawrocki secured the keys to a second location in Manhattan, while simultaneously seeking another space in Williamsburg to maintain their presence in the community.

As the fight against gentrification continues, Nieves stands as a testament to the resilience of small business owners in Brooklyn, determined to carve out a space for their culture and community amidst rising challenges.

Read More @ The Cut