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Cafe Stateside Bushwick Replaces Coffee Shop That Called Jews 'Greedy'

By Serena Dai | April 29, 2015 9:13am
 Pierre Gutierrez and Emma-Jean Taylor opened coffee shop Stateside Bushwick in April 2015.
Cafe Stateside Bushwick Opens in Former The Coffee Shop space
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BUSHWICK — A controversial local coffee shop where the owner called Jews "greedy infiltrators" has been replaced by a 1950s-inspired cafe called Stateside Bushwick — whose owners said the space looked like the previous owner "just walked out."

New York natives Pierre Gutierrez and Emma-Jean Taylor initially didn't know about the controversial comments the previous tenant, The Coffee Shop owner Michael Avila, made before closing up shop in January.

The two friends — who were already looking to open a bakery or cafe — simply saw the space at 203 Wilson Ave. and "fell in love," Taylor said.

Avila left behind a bunch of equipment, like the fridge and an espresso machine, Gutierrez and Taylor said. There were even half-finished beverages behind the counter, as if Avila was in the middle of working when he suddenly decided to close shop, they added.

"It looked like he just walked out of here," Taylor said.

But the leftover supplies made it easy for the two to create their own vision: a neighorhood coffee shop with the feel of a 1950s home, white picket fence included.

"I like the American dream kind of thing, the dream that you can make it," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez and Taylor quickly figured out that Avila had called Jewish people buying property in Bushwick "greedy infiltrators" on social media.

The two friends were initially a little bit nervous about taking over a space that had a negative connotation but decided that people would understand that they're completely different from Avila.

They transformed the shop, replacing rustic pieces with baby blue chairs topped by red-and-white checkered cushions. They put a white picket fence in the front window.

And they're serving different coffee and pastries, too.

Stateside Bushwick offers brews from local roaster Variety coffee and treats from Balthazar and vegan diner Champs.

"I trust people to understand what’s going on," Gutierrez said.

"We just want to create something super homey and welcoming, a very neighborhood vibe, where you walk in and I know what you drink and your name," Taylor added. "We want people to feel welcome here."

The name "Stateside Bushwick" refers to how soldiers would call home "stateside" when off at war, Gutierrez said.

He wants the name to evoke hope and good times to come, he said.

"It's the word they would use to describe coming home," he said.

Stateside Bushwick opened last week and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In other local business news:

► A healthy food cafe with juices and protein bowls is opening on Myrtle Avenue in Bushwick next month, the owner said.

Color Me Greens, at 1522 Myrtle Ave., is expected to open on May 10, owner Jason McBryde said in an email. It will offer salads, wraps, paninis, protein bowls, smoothies and juices made from organic vegetables.

Options include juices like "The Cedar Detoxifier," which has cucumber, celery, beets, parsley and lemon juice, and paninis like the "Joan-Capone," which has grilled mixed veggies, roasted red peppers, mozzarella and pesto.

All options are priced at less than $10.

► A new record store has opened near the Morgan Avenue L train stop.

Superior Elevation Records debuted at 100 White St. #B this month, according to the store's Facebook page. Vinyl fans can get 15 percent off their purchase if they mention a coupon from the store's website.

It's open everyday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

► New Orleans-inspired bar Loosie Rouge has opened in the former Fatty 'Cue space, according to Eater. The spot at 91 South Sixth Street serves drinks like sazerac and frozen plantain daiquiris and bar snacks like frog legs with ginger-jalapeno jelly.

►  Diveria Drive, an Italian restaurant by Happy Ending and Cafe Select owner Oliver Stumm, officially opened for business last week, Bedford and Bowery reported. The restaurant at 131 Berry St. serves pizzas and pasta and has an expansive outdoor space.