SHEEPSHEAD BAY'S ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWS BLOG

Brennan & Carr (3432 Nostrand Avenue) seem to really love their Facebook page, using it to connect with fans and pump up the rivalry with Roll-N-Roaster. Now, they’re musing on a second location. They asked, “If another B&C was to open up, where would an ideal location be?”

Here’s a screenshot of the status update:

Seems like they’re looking to expand and open a new location outside Sheepshead Bay. A lot of commenters begged for an opening on Long Island or Staten Island, where the residents of Sheepshead past have moved to. A number of them are also saying Florida. As for us, we want to see it across the street from Roll-N-Roaster. That’d really throw some beef on the simmering feud.

But wait, don’t get too excited. We called Brennan & Carr and an employee there told us they have no plans for such an expansion. Despite the extreme popularity of their Facebook page, and the professional feel of it, they told us they have no affiliation with the page and don’t know who runs it. But can’t a boy dream?

If Brennan & Carr opens a second location, where do you think it should be? Should it be nearby, or far away? How about a small location at Coney Island? Maybe a swanky new pad in Park Slope? The city? Out of state even? Let your voice be heard!

A “50 percent off” sale of North Face products caused a mob scene yesterday at Downtown, a clothing retailer on Avenue U and Bedford Avenue. We’re not really sure what the big deal was, but for most of yesterday afternoon and into the evening lines formed down the block. The store was only letting small groups in at a time. According to an employee, the sale will continue until stock is sold out. From the looks of it, it won’t last long.

We couldn’t help noticing that 99 percent of those waiting were Asian. None were able to answer our questions in English, so we couldn’t glean what was so special about this sale that it brought such a large number – and such a homogeneous group – to the location.

So, does anyone know what’s going on here? Why are there so many Asians trying to buy North Face from this location? And before you answer that question, please realize that I’m looking for a real answer, and not race baiting. Stereotypes and idiotic attempts at humor will be deleted more liberally than on other posts.

Bay Shish Kebab at 2255 Emmons Avenue has papered its windows and closed its doors. But Turkish food lovers, don’t despair. A clerk at the neighboring bagel shop tells us they’re renovating and should be back open in less than a month. Calls to the restaurant were met with the loving screech of a fax machine.

We’ll let you know if we find out more about Bay Shish Turkish Cuisine, especially the mystery behind its two names.

True Perfection Kitchen & Bath Designs has opened up at 3102 Avenue U, in the newly named “Ave U Plaza”. Just don’t tell the store owners that the avenue they’re actually on is Gerritsen Avenue, which kicked GerritsenBeach.net into a kiniption.

Back in May of 2009, we raved about the new little coffee and newspaper shop on Avenue X named Dukan. And we made it educational, by telling you about the meaning of dukan (a shop or store in many, many languages).

Well, unfortunately Dukan – at 2321 Avenue X – has closed shop, according to a reader. We don’t know why it couldn’t last for a year, but we wish the owner and his family good luck in the future.

Now… shall the guessing begin on what will fill the spot?

The new Boost Mobile at 1505 Sheepshead Bay Road opened up earlier this week. They’re still waiting on a sign to be installed, but business is up and running.

We’ve all seen the ads that are – literally – everywhere, so I don’t need to tell you what Boost is or how they differ from other cell phone companies.

This particular Boost is owned by Craig Shulman, who also owns the Boost Mobile at 3703 Nostrand Avenue (off of Avenue X).

It was previously an independent retailer of several phone services including Boost and Sprint, and closed in October.

If you need to make a trip to Super Stop and Shop (Avenue Y and East 18th Street), look out for the buckets and the slippery floors.

There are numerous leaks coming from the ceiling at the large store, prompting workers to place buckets and warning cones in at least four separate spots around the store. The usually unmarred drop ceiling is now marred with stains caused by the leaking water.

Let’s hope that the usually wide, dry aisles are dry again, soon — and that Super Stop and Shop gets the roof repairs done before the next snowstorm pummels us.

Until then, hold onto your egg carton.

When Bagel Stop closed down in December, we began wondering who would take up that prime real estate next to the train station. We didn’t have to wonder long, because it was just a two or so weeks until a new tenant opened shop.

Dish D’Lish opened without a sign, and they asked us not to report until it went up. Well, it went up this Sunday. So everyone welcome our newest bagel/deli/pastry place, which has some neato sandwiches you’ll be hearing about later.

For now, we look forward to what you have to say about the new store.

Chinar Restaurant, the Russian banquet-style eatery at 3110 Avenue U, has closed shop and will be opening up on Coney Island Avenue next week, the owner told Sheepshead Bites.

According to the owner, their Avenue U location (at Gerritsen Avenue) was just too small. Over the past several years, demand for catered events rose and they provided food and service for a number of parties outside the restaurant. But engagement parties and weddings just couldn’t be done in-house, and with two years left on the lease they began searching for a new home.

Slated to open next week, the new Chinar at 2775 Coney Island Avenue (at Gerald Court) provides a lot more space. With the new location, Chinar will be able to host large private parties including weddings and bar mitzvahs, as well as continue walk-in service. Their phone number remains the same.

Thanks to Alex for the tip.

When Walgreens opened its 7,000th storefront right here in Sheepshead Bay, many residents were elated to see the national chain making a push into our area. Similar anticipation surrounds the opening of their Bragg Street and Avenue U location, slated for March.

But few would’ve guessed that just months later a business deal might lead to the closing of several area locations of pharmacy chains.

It was announced this morning that Walgreens purchased the New York City-based Duane Reade franchise for $1.1 billion.

For Sheepshead Bay, the deal means a handful of redundant locations may be closed. The turn of events could leave dozens of Sheepshead Bay residents unemployed, and will leave several large commercial lots empty during an economic recession.

The map below shows the current locations of Walgreens and Duane Reade storefronts in the Sheepshead Bay/Brighton Beach/Marine Park/Midwood area. Walgreens has nine locations (including the unopened Bragg Street store) marked in blue. Duane Reade has ten locations marked in green.

View Sheepshead Bay Walgreens & Duane Reades in a larger map

While the Brighton Beach and southern portion of Sheepshead Bay appear to be clear of duplicity, areas to the north have quite a few overlapping spots – including the newly-built Bragg Street Walgreens.

On Kings Highway, Duane Reade faces off with Walgreens on opposite corners of the same intersection, and there are two more Duane Reades just blocks away. On Avenue J, they’re also placed across the street from each other.

On Avenue U, Walgreens competes with Duane Reade near the Q train station, as well as between Nostrand Avenue and Gerritsen Avenue, and again near Kings Plaza.

Walgreens has not said whether they’ll be closing redundant locations, but it’s safe to assume that at least some will close.