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A WiFi Café, A 24/7 Deli and a Two-Story Electronics Store Open at the Hub

By Patrick Wall | July 3, 2012 12:58pm

OPENINGS:

The Hub Kitchen and Café, at 444 E. 149th St., opened in May and offers typical Latin American-style fare at a modest price.

Choose from stewed chicken with rice, cooked plantains, steak burritos and soups, but sorry, no pork, as owner Ilan Shafir has insisted on a halal menu — a nod to his Middle Eastern roots, he said.

"I’m trying to make everybody happy," Shafir said, "and myself too."

What is sure to make many who live or work in the area happy is the free Wi-Fi available in the café, as well as outdoor seating on a wooden patio in the back. For those without laptops, the café also offers an Internet-equipped computer that diners can log onto for free.

"I thought it’s a great idea for people who want to use the Internet, but can’t afford it," Shafir said.

The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. chicken with rice and beans and a soda can be had for $6.

Need a 2 a.m. caffeine fix — and maybe a doughnut for good measure?

24/7 Deli opened in June at 395 E. 149th St. at the Hub.
24/7 Deli opened in June at 395 E. 149th St. at the Hub.
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DNAinfo/Patrick Wall

Look no further than the helpfully named 24/7 Deli at 395 E. 149th St., which opened last month.

The deli’s made-to-order offerings run the gamut — from pancakes and bacon to chicken and jalapeno wraps to tuna salads and "Passionate Peach" smoothies.

Ali Alsaeidi, a manager, said the salads and iced frappuccinos have already become hits with customers.

But maybe that’s just because they haven’t tried the "Rocky Balboa," Italian grilled chicken with melted mozzarella, or the morbidly mouthwatering "Heart Attack Sandwich," complete with chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, curly fries, lettuce, tomato and "white sauce," available on a roll or hero.

The deli offers free delivery on orders of $8 or more.

Near the focal point of the Hub, where 3rd and Melrose Aves. intersect with 149th St., AA Electronics and Appliances recently moved into a high-profile, two-story storefront at 2830 3rd Ave.

The store sells TVs, laptops, cameras, washers and dryers and audio equipment for cars, homes and events.

Maybe most importantly, at least for the foreseeable future, the store also stocks high-powered fans and air conditioners.