BROADWAY
BID

The community calls him Flaco. In English, “flaco” means “skinny”, but his real name is Vesel Hasangjekaj. Flaco’s Pizza has been a staple on Broadway since 1996. Vesel came to the United States in 1986 from Montenegro, when the former Yugoslavia had descended into chaotic war. Grateful that he is in a country that provides opportunity for its people, Vesel reflects on the impact the Coronavirus had on the community and small businesses. A silent advocate for the homeless, he urges us all not to look the other way. Flaco’s is located at 3876 Broadway (between 161st & 162nd). Stop in… say hi, get a slice and spread the word. Video by: @katemakingpictures

As part of Neighborhoods Now, we would like you to get to know the small businesses that are a hop, skip and jump from your home. We introduce you to La Placita on Broadway, between 162nd & 163rd Streets. The sign says Sweet Life Pastry (former bakery), but La Placita is in there! Their buche tacos were recently named by Eater critic Robert Sietsema as the #9 standout dish of 2022… Here’s what he said: “Located right on Broadway in Washington Heights, La Placita (“little plaza”) evolved from a bakery and now specializes in exceptional tacos (three per order). The range of taco fillings may cause you to ponder what choice to make; in my case, it was buche – hog maw. If you’re enthralled with what Italians have done with the ingredient they call guanciale, you will be doubly pleased by this uncured version of pork jowl, which develops a soft but still chewy texture, while not losing its mild organ-y flavor. The grilled green onion served on the side is an added plus. 3887 Broadway, between 162nd and 163rd streets, Washington Heights” Stay tuned for more! Video by: @katemakingpictures

“Merienda” owner Caridad Guance comes from humble beginnings. Back in the Dominican Republic her father is a small business owner, and she learned how to cook from her mother. Everyone loved Caridad’s meals, so the natural step was for her to sell her delicious food as a way to support her family. She began to cook in her apartment and sell to the community. When she finally opened her storefront restaurant Merienda Snack Bar at 2192 Amsterdam in 2020, it was in the midst of the pandemic. Like most small businesses, Merienda struggled. But the help she received from the community got her through.“They are the reason I am still here,” says Caridad, who credits local schools, police officers and firefighters among her loyal patrons who ate at her restaurant during her most trying time. It’s still a struggle, and she asks the community to continue with their support. La propietaria de “Merienda”, Caridad Guance, proviene de orígenes humildes. De vuelta en la República Dominicana, su padre es dueño de una pequeña empresa y ella aprendió a cocinar de su madre. A todos les encantaban las comidas de Caridad, por lo que el paso natural para ella fue vender su deliciosa comida como una forma de mantener a su familia. Empezó a cocinar en su apartamento ya vender a la comunidad. Cuando finalmente abrió su restaurante Merienda Snack Bar en 2192 Amsterdam en 2020, estaba en medio de la pandemia. Como la mayoría de las pequeñas empresas, Merienda tuvo problemas. Pero la ayuda que recibió de la comunidad la ayudó a salir adelante. “Ellos son la razón por la que todavía estoy aquí”, dice Caridad, quien acredita a las escuelas locales, los policías y los bomberos entre sus leales clientes que comieron en su restaurante durante su momento más difícil. Todavía es una lucha, y le pide a la comunidad que continúe con su apoyo. More about this source textSource text required for additional translation information Send feedback Side panels

Volunteer-run Word Up Community Bookshop / Libreria Comunitaria has been located at 2113 Amsterdam since 2013. The original started as a pop-up shop on Broadway and has since grown into a beloved “community made” space with programming that gives authors a platform to speak about their work, artists a place to exhibit, hosts children activities and addresses food insecurity with their community fridge. Above all, Word Up is a place for dialogue and shared information. Founder, Veronica Liu prioritizes everything local, is passionate about community and serves the diverse population that is Washington Heights.

Woman-owned “Elsi Intimates” sells intimate wear for women. Owner, Elsa Saldana started her business with her father more than 20 years ago, and she has been a staple in the Washington Heights community since. She loves her community. Most of her customers are Hispanic and live within walking distance of her store. Spanish is the language of her birth, the language she’s most comfortable with and the language of her beloved Washington Heights community. If you need intimate wear at a reasonable price, visit Elsa at 1214 St. Nicholas Ave. "Elsi Intimates", propiedad de una mujer, vende ropa íntima para mujeres. La propietaria, Elsa Saldana, comenzó su negocio con su padre hace más de 20 años, y desde entonces ha sido un elemento básico en la comunidad de Washington Heights. Ella ama a su comunidad. La mayoría de sus clientes son hispanos y viven a poca distancia de su tienda. El español es su idioma de nacimiento, el idioma con el que se siente más cómoda y el idioma de su amada comunidad de Washington Heights. Si necesita ropa íntima a un precio razonable, visite a Elsa en 1214 St. Nicholas Ave

Ask anyone in Washington Heights who their butcher is… and everyone will tell you, "La Blanda!" Specializing in Latin American food products, owner Jose (Pepe) Barreiro and brother/manager Angel Barreiro has served this community for decades. Check out CLOTH's videos and other social medias to get in the know! IG: @cloth159 FB: Community League of the Heights, Inc. - CLOTH Twitter: @CLOTH159

Co-owner Jose Gomez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and raised in the rural countryside. In 1988, at the age of 11, he moved to the United States and joined other family members in Washington Heights, NYC, where he grew up in the building that now houses Malecon. Website: http://maleconrestaurants.com/ Instagram @maleconrestaurant Check out CLOTH's videos and other social medias to get in the know! IG: @cloth159 FB: Community League of the Heights, Inc. - CLOTH Twitter: @CLOTH159

5 Estrella Bakery owner Felix Herrera brought his Dominican sensibility and love of pastries to his community in Washington Heights almost 15 years ago. Now, everyone comes for the tres leches and cubanitos; Don't forget the oatmeal! Check them out on Seamless and Grubhub, FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/5-Estrella-Bakery-Corp/121530831190594 Check out our CLOTH's videos and other social medias to get in the know! IG: @cloth159 FB: Community League of the Heights, Inc. - CLOTH Twitter: @CLOTH159

Elsa La Reina del Chicharron began spontaneously at a bodega in Washington Heights where Victor Rodriguez and his family made chicharron for their community. They have grown into a 3 restaurants empire! Owner and managers Victor and Albania Rodriguez invite you to try the BEST chicharron in the world! Website: http://www.lareinadelchicharron.com/ Check out CLOTH's videos and other social medias to get in the know! IG: @cloth159 FB: Community League of the Heights, Inc. - CLOTH Twitter: @CLOTH159

Anthony Flowers is one of the longest standing businesses in Washington Heights, located on Broadway (St Nicholas Ave) since 1963. A family owned business, next generation owner, Lambros Barbagiannis offers the community beautiful floral arrangements and plants. Stop in and take a look

Besides having the coolest store sign in Washington Heights, owner Victor DeLeon has been fixing flats and giving tune ups to residents for almost 20 years. Remember to support your small businesses and shop locally! Buy a bicycle from Victor!

Did You Know that there is a truly independent health food store on Broadway for nearly 50 years? Sano Health Foods has been providing healthy options to the Washington Heights community since 1974. Fresh squeezed juice, vitamins and so much more. Visit Dr. Jose A. Naar for personalized health advice.