Downtown Jamaica welcomes new businesses to community
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | FEB. 19-FEB. 25, 2021 5
BY BILL PARRY
In an economic downturn caused
by the COVID-19 pandemic, which
saw more than 1,000 businesses close
across Queens, Friday, Feb. 12, offered
a moment to celebrate a reversal of
that trend in Jamaica.
Borough President Donovan Richards
and the Jamaica Center Business
Improvement District led a parade
with a brass band down Jamaica Avenue
on a multi-business ribbon-cutting
event Friday to welcome half a
dozen businesses that opened during
one of the most challenging years for
retail in modern history.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood
of our communities, and that is especially
true in Jamaica. The Jamaica
Center BID does incredible work uplifting
our local entrepreneurs and encouraging
local hiring — critical work
we aim to build upon through initiatives
like the Queens Small Business
Grant Program,” Richards said. “The
challenges we face are immense, but
working with local partners, we will
stop at nothing to ensure our small
businesses have the resources they
need to not just survive, but thrive.”
The parade began in the front of a
new Dunkin’ Donuts at 163-18 Jamaica
Ave. with opening remarks and a traditional
ribbon-cutting led by Richards
before setting off to welcome the
other new businesses.
“Downtown Jamaica is all about
community, and when you join our
business community, we are going
to support you, in the best of times
and in the most challenging times,”
Jamaica Center BID Executive Director
Jennifer Furioli said. “We’re
excited to acknowledge those businesses
that have chosen to invest in
our downtown. This warm welcome
is just the first of many touch points
these businesses can expect to receive
from our organization and the
broader community.”
The Underground Horns brass
band played in front of each new store
with separate ribbon-cuttings at MA
Perfume at 165-12 Jamaica Ave., European
Wax Center and Diamond Braces
at 166-16 Jamaica Ave., and at the new
restaurant Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood
and Bar at 161-21 Jamaica Ave.
“We are so excited to have indoor
dining at Hook & Reel return in time
for Valentine’s Day,” owner Wendy He
said. “We’re also now operating a full
bar for our customers.”
Monica Chawla, the owner of MA
Perfume, took the opportunity to offer
a special promotion to customers.
‘We look forward to building our
perfume and cologne clientele on Jamaica
Avenue with great prices, trust
and convenience with the support of
all our loyal customers,” Chawla said.
“We will have a sale on all perfume
and cologne gift sets as well as 50
percent off all select fragrances.”
Diamond Braces manager Denis
Zubov added his sales pitch.
“Diamond Braces is happy to be
in downtown Jamaica,” Zubov said.
“We take all insurance, and we offer a
complimentary consultation on your
first visit. We look forward to serving
you.”
To learn more about the Jamaica
Center BID and stay up-to-date on all
happenings on Jamaica Avenue, visit
their website.
“This is the first time we’ve done
a ribbon-cutting parade like this on
Jamaica Avenue from our BID and it
was a big hit,” Jamaica Center BID
Director of Marketing and Business
Services Trey Jenkins said. “We had
a nice turnout from elected officials
and it seemed like the businesses we
featured appreciated the love.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail
at bparry@schnepsmedia.com or by
phone at (718) 260–4538.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards leads a parade celebrating new
businesses that have opened along Jamaica Avenue despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo by Nat Valentine
link
/QNS.COM
link
