Last week we posed the question ‘What is the problem with Harlem businesses?’ Some of the reader responses included:
Harlem could use some diversity in stores -Joe
I used to always spend my money with that Black lady that owned/operated the hardware store on 125th, remember her? She was driven out of business and now when I need local quick hardware supplies, that lady and her business are no longer on 125th. I still though spend Black for these items, I though have had to go to these far smaller hole in the wall Black hardware stores scattered about. Shame. -Anonymous
I’m new to Harlem but I shop in the neighborhood almost exclusively. Given that everything you could possibly need is on 125th St, I think I’d have to go out of my way not to shop here. I agree with the others who commented on the lack of diversity in the cuisine available. I’d say I only dine out in the neighborhood 25% of the time, but it’s because I’ve only found two places that have really good food and where the service is good. I really want to support the restaurant on my block, but the service is so bad. I’ve given it three changes, and each time was worse. It’s a shame. -R.K.
One of the issues that wasn’t brought up in the previous post was the lack of friendly customer service. Of course it would be unfair to only point the finger at Harlem, since customer service is a problem all over the city, but readers have a point that businesses in Harlem really need to step up to the plate when it comes to providing a friendly, helpful, clean and well-stocked environment for customers. If a person feels welcomed, they will often pay more and return to that business if they feel that their business is appreciated. Otherwise a business will lose out to the mass marketer that are encroaching on Harlem.
One vendor offered the following words of advice:
Customer service is the key to success in his line of business, says Abdoul-Diallo co-owner of a multi purpose phone card store located at 1951 Seventh Avenue in Harlem.
His business provides job opportunities for Uptown residents and also stocks popular accessories throughout the year.
Diallo offers advice to fellow West Africans who want to open a business in the newly booming Harlem: “You have to be nice to the people in the neighborhood and respect others. Above all, be honest.” When people learn to trust you then they will spread the word to others and your business will prosper, he says. Source: Black Star News
We’d like to hear from both sides; What is the problem from the point of view of business owners and customers? Are there specific incidents that you run into repeatedly when dealing with uptown stores and restaurants? Please share your experiences in the comments section below.
ac
January 31, 2007
gotta agree with al. i’ve found good food in most of the places i’ve tried uptown, but good service is very difficult to come by. even settepani, if you go the counter and get your own food, you get good service. but try showing up on a warm day for bruch…ive waiting 20 minutes just for a glass of water and a menu. everywhere i’ve been the waiters have been incredibly nice people, but just grossly overworked. you cannot hire one waiter and one bussboy and expect people to have a good experience at your restaurant. it’s been the same everywhere. the only good service i’ve had is when i’ve gone someplace off hours and have been only one of a few tables. if a resaurant is busy, you can expect to wait…and wait….and wait.
Al
January 30, 2007
My husband and I have lived in Harlem for several months now, but other than our favorite Settepani, I’m sad to say we have yet to find a restaurant with good service. We had brunch at Native a few weekends ago, and to say we’re disappointed is an understatement. Service was incredibly slow, which isn’t surprising, with just one person to take orders, serve, bus, clean up – do everything! Anyway… we waited for our orders for well over 30 minutes. We ordered two cups of coffee, yet received just one. When we asked for the second cup, the waiter said a friendyl “sure,” yet never brought it… Not to mention, the eggs benedict weren’t good. (English muffin was stale.)
But not so bash out on one place…. I like BoMa, which is very close to where I live, but service there isn’t all that fast, either. I think Harlem restaurant owners should realize that if they folks to *choose* to spend their money uptown, rather than go to their “regular” downtown places, they need to pick things up.