UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, beloved coffee vendors Adrian and Catalin Manmanole have successfully reclaimed their spot on the Upper West Side. After being displaced due to construction activities, the brothers’ coffee cart is back at its iconic location at 66 St and Columbus, just 24 hours after community support surged.
The Manmanole brothers have been serving New Yorkers since 1994, becoming a staple in the neighborhood with their delicious coffee and hearty breakfast options. However, a recent construction project led to their sudden relocation, pushing them beneath scaffolding and away from the bustling corner where they thrived.
“We were marked illegal and forced to move,” Catalin explained, expressing their distress over the abrupt change. The addition of heavy concrete flower planters by the building management left them without a viable operating area, crippling their business. “It’s killing my business; we make not even half,” Adrian lamented.
Local patrons rallied behind the brothers, praising their commitment and the community spirit they embody. One loyal customer noted, “He’s an immigrant, he works hard, he pays taxes. These are the people we want in this country.” The outpouring of support prompted Eyewitness News to investigate the situation further.
After contacting the NYC Department of Transportation, it was confirmed that the city generally does not approve plans that displace legally operating street vendors. “The construction workers love their food; it’s fresh and perfect,” one satisfied customer remarked, highlighting the brothers’ value to the community.
In an urgent response to the situation, 2 Lincoln Square, the building owners, acknowledged the importance of small businesses and made the necessary adjustments to restore the coffee cart to its original location. “We support small business and the role of this vendor in the neighborhood,” they stated.
The Manmanole brothers were overjoyed to return to their familiar spot. “I was missing them; I didn’t know where they went,” said a postal worker and regular customer, celebrating the coffee cart’s triumphant return.
With their coffee cart back in action, the brothers expressed heartfelt gratitude. “Definitely 7 is on our side, thank you,” Adrian said, reflecting on the community’s support and their enduring legacy in the Upper West Side.
As the situation develops, it’s clear that the fight for street vendor rights continues, but for now, the Manmanole brothers are back where they belong, energizing their loyal customers with every cup of coffee. Share this story to support local businesses and celebrate community victories!
