Coogan's Bar Helps 22 Upper Manhattan Businesses Stay Afloat

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — The iconic Washington Heights bar and restaurant Coogan's revealed the businesses it helped raised money for as part of an effort that began in the fall.

The bar partnered with Facebook and United Way of New York City to raise money for hard-hit small businesses and non-profits in Upper Manhattan. The beloved neighborhood bar took on the initiative despite permanently closing its own doors in March due to the pandemic.

On Tuesday, Coogan's revealed the names of those Upper Manhattan businesses getting the Community Fund Awards and also the total amount of money it had raised in the campaign.

All in all, Coogan's raised and distributed over $113,000 in roughly $4,800 increments.

"It's difficult to recognize the leaders that continually provide us with a quality of life. These businesses and non-profits are there in times of celebration, sadness and emergencies," said owners Dave, Tess, Peter, along with the rest of Coogan's staff, in a news release. "There are so many more that we wish we could have given to and so much more we wish we had to give."

"This emergency is far from over! Please go out and patronize your neighborhood businesses. They are the soul of the city and the heart of the nation," the former ownership staff added in the news release.

Some of the more recognizable Inwood and Washington Heights businesses and organizations that received funding from the Coogan's campaign include the Community League of the Heights, Fort Tryon Public House, and the Word Up Community Bookshop.

Here are the 22 Upper Manhattan businesses that received a grant from the Coogan's fundraiser, and what the bar's ownership had to say about the business.

• "Armory Track and Field - More than just sport, the state of the art Armory Track offers a place of safety and guidance where young people learn independence and lifelong disciplines.
• At The Wallace - A six-year-old place with a classic ambiance to feel both downhome and elegant.
• Belle Harlem - You want quality and service? Stop searching! You just found it!
• The Classical Theatre of Harlem - Good friend Ty Jones has brought the heart of Shakespeare to the pavement of New York and the soul of the community to the stage of dreams and hopes.
• Community League of the Heights - Yvonne Stennett is the biggest secret weapon of love and care that builds, educates, houses and feeds the needs of Northern Manhattan.
• Cornerstone Studios - Jeff Hoppa is a one of a kind person who, once you meet, is a friend for life. He creates spaces for us to explore. An artist himself he shapes and paints, but continually lifts us up with a smile and a hand.
• Drip Sweat - There couldn’t be a worse time to open a business, but nothing can stop Janice Rodriguez who provides a place for us to exercise our bodies, because she exercised her brain and willpower!
• Ecomundo Cleaning - A worker-owned business with a green plan. They’re doing profit sharing and dream caring.
• The HoneyWell - Crafty beer and food, but the same ol’ warmth of home.
• Fort Tryon Park Trust - Jennifer Hoppa is why they call it Trust. The reason Fort Tryon is the most beautiful gem of a park is because of the “Good Hoppa”.
• Fort Tryon Public House - Step into a new community hall where ideas are exchanged and the good news is provided with every morsel and drop that is cooked and poured. And just say thanks Niall!
• Fort Washington Public House- Ask for Sean and don’t worry why your friend is late, as he finds you finding out about him, in the atmosphere of hugs and laughter.
• Harlem Public - And they are what they say! And are proud of the Harlem that gives goosebumps to the rest of the world with food, booze and a healthy amount of soul.
• Manolo Tapas- Food that takes you for a trip to the world of Spanish delights without having to fly to another country.
• Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance - Niria, Martin and Michelle take it to the streets. Walkin’ our neighborhood in a mardi gras of art and music that will make you dance, sing and smile with every step.
• Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation- Just like it says they have improved the lives of the young and old with food, housing and social services. They listen then take action.
• Randall's Island Park Alliance - Working along with the Icahn Track it takes young people on the run of their lives.
• Root Juicery of Harlem - Started by a former Coogan’s bartender Raelynn Nicolai, a superwoman of taste and integrity. Imbibe some healthy selections that will put some pep in your step!
• Tubby Hook Tavern - Open the door, walk-in, and you will stay later than you planned. Another place to find out what’s going on while drinkin’ down a smile and feeling good with a home cooked burger!
• United Palace of Cultural Arts - It’s our uptown classic and wonderfully preserved 3,300 seat room to celebrate the world of movies, music, dance and even God on a Sunday. Mike Fitelson is on a mission to introduce us to the world and the world to us.
• Word Up Community Bookshop - Book stores are closing all over the country. The hideaway that takes us to the open book of life is a book store.. A book can be your best friend. And when a young person, in the cozy nook of a bookstore, turns a page they will see the wonderment of their lives.
• Uptown Dreamers - The name says it all! Coach Dave Crenshaw comes from a committed family who challenge our youth to be the best of who they are and the future leaders of our land."