UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, the beloved coffee cart run by brothers Adrian and Catalin Manmanole has returned to its original location at 66 St and Columbus in Manhattan’s Upper West Side after facing eviction due to construction. The brothers, who have served the neighborhood for over 30 years, were forced to relocate when heavy concrete flower planters were placed in their usual spot, disrupting their business.
The situation escalated when the brothers, known for their friendly service and fresh coffee, found their cart marked as “illegal” just days after moving to a new corner. “One day after we left, they moved the pots, they marked us illegal. Now we cannot park anymore,” Adrian expressed. The new location, far from the subway and essential foot traffic, drastically cut their sales, prompting distress. “It’s killing my business, we make not even half,” he added.
The owners of 2 Lincoln Square, which recently underwent construction, initially refused to move the planters back, leading the Manmanole brothers to reach out to Eyewitness News for help. Following an inquiry, the NYC Department of Transportation was contacted, confirming that vendors cannot be displaced without proper justification.
A satisfied customer voiced their support for the brothers, saying, “The food is fresh, everything’s perfect. Where do you see that in New York anymore?” The community echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the brothers’ deep connections within the neighborhood.
In response to the public outcry and the DOT regulations, 2 Lincoln Square reversed its decision. Within 24 hours, the coffee cart was reinstated to its original corner, much to the delight of local patrons. One postal worker exclaimed, “I was missing them, I didn’t know where they went, I finally found them.”
Now back in their prime location, the Manmanole brothers expressed gratitude, stating, “Definitely 7 is on our side, thank you.” This swift resolution highlights the importance of community support for local businesses, especially during challenging times.
As the situation unfolds, the brothers are optimistic about regaining their loyal customer base and continuing their legacy of serving the Upper West Side. Stay tuned for more developments on this inspiring story of resilience and community action.
