Not long after we noticed a broader selection of cheese (including gorgonzola) did we notice large-scale renovations taking place at Papas & Son's.
Owner Francisco, who was featured on NPR not too long ago as a store owner seeking to ride the wave of gentrification, is turning in old dilapidated shelving for new ones. Workmen could be seen ripping up the floors inside the store this weekend.
Hats off to Francisco. Though some have doubted him, we think that his slow and steady approach to remaking his store will pay off. Big time.
Pictured above is Papas' old facade. We don't have a newer picture immediately available - so use this one to compare and contrast with what you see on your way home tonight.
Looks like our friends down on the park end of Lincoln had their awning torn off this week. They too are riding the wave of the future I guess with work beginning on their facade.
Posted by: Tg | May 07, 2007 at 03:30 PM
Great news--it's VERY important to support existing businesses that make a real effort to accomodate a wide range of customers' needs.
Posted by: Bob M | May 07, 2007 at 04:18 PM
Selection is still mediocre, but they are very nice. I buy my paper there, and they are friendly.
Posted by: secret | May 07, 2007 at 07:49 PM
They have great Spanish style coffee - if you are a coffee drinker you owe it to yourself to try it. They also make excellent breakfast sandwiches.
Posted by: Gary | May 08, 2007 at 11:04 AM
I agree with Bob; they deserve all our support. They offer great customer service, and express appreciation for their customers. We often buy soy milk there, and other extras. It's where I'll grab a bag of nuts as a snack on my way to the subway. Little stuff, but the store really appreciates it.
Posted by: JJOE | May 08, 2007 at 12:22 PM
I was disappointed last night that they didn't have kale. I couldn't believe that a grocery in this neighborhood didn't have greens. (In their defense, they are renovating near the produce section and may have lost some shelf space where the greens used to go.)
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Charles, you should consider joining the new CSA. We'll be getting lots o kale! Check out the harvest schedule:
http://plgcsa.org/documents/PLGCSA_Harvest_Schedule.doc
Posted by: widget | May 08, 2007 at 03:24 PM
I want to! I sent an email to the CSA this morning asking if I could still get a half share; the website says the deadline was April 30.
Posted by: Charles | May 08, 2007 at 04:30 PM
I hope he gets new refrigerators. The relics used to keep dairy are inadequate - during the summer I do not purchase dairy there.
Posted by: PLG rez | May 09, 2007 at 10:44 AM
We really need to support Francisco, he's making an investment in his store and he needs help in figuring out what to put on the shelves once he finishes the renovation. He's in a tough spot as far as satisfying his customers both new and old. But he is trying and is willing to listen.
At 17 Lincoln, the landlord is participating in PLUS' storefront improvement program. At the end of the project we hope to have a graffiti free facade and brand new awnings and gates. New gates went up last week and facade work is to start in the coming weeks with awning to follow after that.
Posted by: mark | May 10, 2007 at 11:11 AM
when's the MSS facade improvements happening? ending the storage of waste outside would be helpful, too...and not technically legal...
Posted by: Kendall | May 10, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Speaking of outside waste, I'd love to see those barrels of broken glass outside the Pioneer on Parkside removed. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen...
Posted by: carrie | May 14, 2007 at 04:51 PM