UPDATE: After a fierce struggle, coffee vendors Adrian and Catalin Manmanole are back at their beloved spot on the Upper West Side, just outside the old Channel 7 Studios at 66 St and Columbus. The brothers, who have served coffee and breakfast to New Yorkers for 30 years, faced unexpected displacement due to construction and a heavy concrete flower planter blocking their cart.
The trouble began when the building housing the former Channel 7 sold and underwent renovations. The Manmanole brothers were forced to relocate across the street, but their new position became untenable when a flower planter was placed in their original location, marking their cart as “illegal.” “They put the flower pot there, no explanation, no anything,” Catalin lamented.
The situation took a toll on their business, with sales dropping to less than half of their usual volume. “This spot is too far from the corner, too far from the subway, too far from everything,” Adrian expressed, highlighting the dire impact on their livelihood.
Concerned for the brothers, local patrons rallied behind them, highlighting their commitment to the community. One regular customer stated, “He’s an immigrant, he works hard, he pays taxes, these are the people we want in this country.”
After the brothers contacted 7 On Your Side, the situation escalated. The building management at 2 Lincoln Square initially refused to move the planters, claiming they didn’t want the cart near their entrance. However, after intervention from Eyewitness News and reminders about NYC Department of Transportation regulations—particularly the rule against displacing active vendors—the tide began to turn.
The NYC Department of Transportation confirmed that they would not approve actions that displace vendors, especially those cherished by construction workers. “The food is fresh, everything’s perfect,” a satisfied customer noted, praising the brothers’ dedication.
In a swift resolution, 2 Lincoln Square acknowledged the importance of small businesses and agreed to move the flower planters back within 24 hours. The brothers were jubilant upon their return, with Adrian stating, “Definitely 7 is on our side, thank you.”
The emotional reunion brought smiles to regulars who had missed their morning coffee fix. “I was missing them, I didn’t know where they went, I finally found them,” said a postal worker, echoing the sentiments of many who rely on the Manmanole brothers for their daily caffeine boost.
This urgent turn of events not only highlights the resilience of local vendors but also underscores the community’s commitment to supporting small businesses in the face of adversity. The Manmanole brothers are back, serving their loyal customers once more, proving that with determination and community backing, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
