The rise of the local chain
CNN features a story on a “new” phenomenon: the local chain. And what better area to focus on than Smith Street, where Patrick Watson and his wife Michelle Pravda have a mini-empire with Smith & Vine, Stinky Bklyn, and the Jakewalk. Also mentioned in the story is Loretta Gendville, owner of the area chain of stores.
On a Thursday night at The Jakewalk, patrons say loyalty to Smith and Vine and Stinky Brooklyn was the main reason for them choosing The Jakewalk for a drink. “I know the quality of what we’re eating and drinking will be great here by buying their products at their stores,” say’s Sara, a 20-something living in the neighborhood.
Caroline, another local resident, told us that it’s the personal touches that attracted her. “When you get to know personalities and you know that somebody owns this shop and they’re doing one project here and one project there. It’s great! You want to check it out.”
Posted
: November 24th, 2009 at 10:08 am by Diana Rosenthal under Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens, Economy, shopping.
Tags:area, CNN, loretta gendville, Michelle Pravda, patrick watson, Smith and vine, stinky bklyn, the jakewalk
Comments: 3
Comments
Comment from Brooks of Sheffield
Time: November 27, 2009, 10:27 am
This same story was covered by the Times a couple months ago. And it was an old story THEN.
Comment from Diana Rosenthal
Time: November 28, 2009, 2:18 pm
Those were my thoughts exactly, Brooks.
Comment from Clampdown
Time: November 24, 2009, 1:47 pm
They’ve done a great job. All three of those places have been excellent additions to the neighborhood. I would point out, though, that Jakewalk opened several months before the stock market decline, not after.