Bar 'Crippled' By Pandemic Needs Bed-Stuy's Help To Stay Open

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — As New York City inches toward reopening with the help of the coronavirus vaccine, one Bed-Stuy bar is hoping it will last long enough to survive the homestretch.

Nostrand Avenue hangout The Corners has launched a GoFundMe to help bring in the $10,000 needed for it to stay afloat after the financial strain of the pandemic, which left the bar only able to serve takeout for the last year.

The fundraiser, which has raised nearly $2,000 so far, will first help The Corners reopen its doors after a months-long closure brought on by a slow-moving liquor license renewal process.

But the money, along with the hope of government aid, will also mean the bar can survive long enough to get back to its days as a go-to gathering place in the neighborhood, owners told Patch.

"Over the years, we were a spot for the neighbors to meet and relax, watch a game, have a meal, and dance," Leah Reinhardt said, noting that the bar also hosted performances and an annual "queer party."

"...Though it’s never been more clear that nothing is promised, we are committed to fighting to stay as long as we can in hopes that we will be able to once again offer a safe and welcoming place to share together."

The Corners first opened near Nostrand and Putnam avenues in October 2016. It includes a full menu of pub fare, 20 draft beers, a custom cocktail list and seasonal drinks for both winter and summer.

The bar has been closed to in-person dining since last year since it didn't qualify for an outdoor service license, Reinhardt said. Still, it tried to keep up its role as a neighborhood space offering just takeout and delivery.

"With so many (necessary) restrictions placed of public space, we were trying to keep the doors open to be a place for folks to feel some normalcy by stopping by to order and just see folks in passing," she said.

That is until another blow came to the business this past October, when its liquor license was up for renewal.

Logistical problems brought on by the pandemic meant that the process took longer than normal, forcing the bar to close up shop while it waited for the license to eventually be approved.

Now that it has its new liquor license, The Corners is working toward covering the extra costs brought on by the closure so it can reopen.

"If we are able to raise enough money, the first priority will be to buy product since we had to close our door in October," Reinhardt said. "We have rent to think of, and insurance, and all the other things that go into a business staying afloat. But the first priority will be to offer food and drinks of consistent quality to our neighborhood."