UPDATE: In a remarkable turn of events, beloved Upper West Side street vendors Adrian and Catalin Manmanole have successfully reclaimed their iconic coffee cart spot after a sudden and controversial relocation. This victory underscores the importance of small businesses in New York City, especially during ongoing urban development.
The Manmanole brothers, who have been serving hot coffee and breakfast to New Yorkers since 1994, faced a crisis when their cart was displaced by a heavy concrete flower planter just days after moving due to construction at the old Channel 7 Studios. They were forcibly relocated to a less favorable position, causing their business to suffer drastically.
“This spot is too far from the corner, too far from the subway,” Adrian explained. “It’s killing my business; we make not even half of what we used to.” The brothers, deeply affected by the sudden change, reached out to 7 On Your Side for support.
Authorities confirmed that the new location was not approved by the NYC Department of Transportation, which has strict regulations regarding the displacement of legally operating street vendors. A customer noted, “The food is fresh, everything’s perfect. Where do you see that in New York anymore?”
“As long as we keep these working, we are working every day,” said the satisfied customer.
After intervention from local news and reminders of DOT regulations, the building management at 2 Lincoln Square reconsidered their stance. They acknowledged the significant role the coffee cart plays in the community and agreed to move the flower planters back to their original locations.
Within 24 hours, the Manmanole brothers were back in their prime spot at 66 St and Columbus, much to the delight of their loyal customers. “I was missing them, I didn’t know where they went,” said a postal worker who regularly frequents the cart.
Grateful for the community support and the swift resolution, Catalin expressed, “Definitely 7 is on our side, thank you.” The brothers can now continue their three-decade tradition of serving fresh coffee and breakfast to New Yorkers, reinforcing the essential role street vendors play in the city’s vibrant culture.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses amid urban development, but it also showcases the power of community advocacy in preserving local traditions. As authorities remain vigilant about vendor rights, this story serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting small businesses in New York City.
