The Stories Behind the Locals 💫 10 NYC Small Biz Spotlight🗽

Hey New York Locals,

NYC is the greatest city in the world—because of the risk-takers and entrepreneurs who keep it alive. ✨
When Covid hit and retail shut down, we wanted to show love to the businesses that make this city special. So we started interviewing NYC retail owners and featuring them on @newyorklocals. 🗽
Since then, we’ve spotlighted over 2,000 businesses and shared their stories with you, our community. 🤝
Enjoy this latest batch—and thanks for reading.

Patio Tropical

Patio Tropical is a vibrant coffee shop and culinary studio in Williamsburg, founded by Colombian Caribbean cook Stephanie Bonnin, her husband Pablo, and Miguel Valenzuela of This is Latin America. ☕ What started as Stephanie’s pop-up kitchen grew into a full-time space serving café campesino, empanadas, and sancocho by day, and hosting chef residencies and cultural dinners by night. It’s a celebration of Latin American flavors, stories, and community. 🌿

Three Degrees Salon

Three Degrees Salon is a NYC-based salon founded by Tokyo-native Kei Hirata, a hairstylist with 20+ years of global experience. ✂️ They specialize in effortless, textured styles using techniques like Cold Perms and Japanese Straightening. From cuts to color, each service is tailored to create natural, everyday looks.

PRIV.Y

PRIV.Y is a creative agency, production company, and art gallery in Dimes Square, founded by Noah Berghammer and Lane Kimbro. 🎨 Noah brings a background in fashion and photography, while Lane adds strategy from his days at Goldman Sachs. Together, they’ve built a space that merges art, culture, and community—curating exhibitions and producing content that drives conversation.

Tend Greenpoint

Tend Greenpoint is a neighborhood plant shop founded by lifelong gardener Joe Ferrari in 2018. 🌿 Inspired by upstate nature and North Brooklyn charm, it offers curated houseplants, garden essentials, and locally made planters. With expert advice and a rotating selection, Tend is your go-to spot for bringing the outdoors in. 🪴

Caphê Đen

Caphê Đen is a Vietnamese coffee shop in Flushing, founded by Michelle, Christine, and Erika—three Asian women passionate about sharing their culture. ☕🇻🇳 They serve bold, authentic drinks like egg coffee and traditional drip brews, using beans sourced straight from Vietnam. The name means “black coffee,” a nod to the rich, deep flavors in every cup.

Jules

Jules is a Brooklyn Heights pizza spot reimagining classic New York-style pies with a modern twist. 🍕 Founded by Julian DiChiara, Hallie Lahm, and Colin McTigue, they serve rotating pizzas, fresh salads, and shareable plates. With vintage vibes, a full bar, and cozy charm, it’s perfect for a slice and a drink. 🍸

Bonjour Brooklyn

Bonjour Brooklyn is a French bakery in Bed-Stuy/Bushwick, founded by Manuela Manebard, who spent 20 years chasing her dream of bringing authentic French pastries to Brooklyn. 🥐🇫🇷 After growing up in her family’s bakery in the French Caribbean, she opened her own spot—despite pandemic delays—to serve buttery croissants, Basque cakes, and bistro-style sandwiches. Every item is made in-house with love and French flair.

Quarters

Quarters is a concept store and gathering space in a historic Tribeca loft, founded by design duo Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba of In Common With. 🛋️ Styled like a home, it showcases their full lighting collection alongside vintage furniture, rare books, pantry goods, and art. It’s a creative hub where design and community come together. ✨

Gus and Marty’s

Gus and Marty’s is a Greek-American restaurant by Sarah Schneider and Demetri Makoulis, the duo behind Egg Shop. 🇬🇷 Inspired by their fathers and Demetri’s Greek roots, the spot blends traditional dishes with a New York twist. From wood-fired pitas and whipped feta to slow-roasted lamb and baklava sundaes, it’s a vibrant homage to heritage and flavor. 🍨

Mika’s Direction

Mika’s Direction is a serene tea café in NYC, founded by Mika Hatanaka, a Miyazaki-born artist and tea instructor who turned to tea and meditation to overcome mental health struggles. 🍵 Her journey led to the creation of a space where Japanese tradition meets modern mindfulness, offering authentic teas, artisanal goods, and pastries. With every cup, Mika invites guests to slow down, reflect, and find calm in the everyday. 🌿

Love,

The New York Locals Team

P.S. Want us to feature a business you love? DM us!