From Coke Floats to Cronuts, Going Viral Can Have A Lasting Effect On A Small Business
If a small business unexpectedly goes viral on social media, the sudden fame can be overwhelming. Owners have to pivot quickly. If successful, the fame can boost their business for years. (AP: Joseph B Frederick and Ted Shaffrey)
From the Associated Press: NEW YORK — The Lexington Candy Shop in New York City has served burgers, fries and shakes to hungry patrons for decades. Last remodeled in 1948, the diner is the definition of old-fashioned.
But that hasn’t stopped it from getting a wave of new fans.
In August 2022, this old school business met the new world when Nicolas Heller, a TikToker and Instagrammer with 1.2 million followers known as New York Nico, popped in for a traditional Coke float – Coke syrup, soda water and ice cream. Naturally, he took a video. It went viral, garnering 4.8 million likes.
After closing earlier this year, this iconic Short North diner plans to reopen next month under new ownership
From 614now.com: By this time next month, it’s likely Michael’s Goody Boy–the new name for the eatery that was previously known as Goody Boy Burger Club–will once again be open and serving burgers.
The restaurant, which is located at 1144 N. High St., has changed hands multiple times in its 75-year history, and is now owned by Columbus restaurateur Jacob Gaus, who also owns CJ’s Soul Food in Lewis Center and Doubletake Bar & Grill in the Brewery District.
Are Miami Beach’s Art Deco buildings in danger from developers?
Miami Beach’s Art Deco district last year. Jeff Greenberg / Universal Images via Getty Images file
From NBC News: Many of the historic Art Deco buildings that give Miami Beach its distinctive character may be vulnerable to demolition under proposals from three Florida legislators who critics say are using concerns about building safety and the need for affordable housing to help developers.
The Resiliency and Safe Structures Act was introduced in the state Legislature in March by Rep. Spencer Roach and Sen. Bryan Avila, both Republicans, as a way to replace unsafe buildings with stronger, “resilient” construction. The legislation would allow developers to replace historic buildings with massive towers and provide incentives for owners to stop maintaining historic properties, preservationists say. The act passed the state Senate but was tabled in the House shortly before the session ended in May. Roach told NBC News he is “fine-tuning” the language in his bill and plans to propose it again during the next legislative session in January.
‘This was his dream’: MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain Shop looks to community for help reopening
From 12News: PHOENIX — MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain Shop first opened in 1929 and still contains many untouched relics from the past.
The yellow building located on the corner of 7th and Oak streets has a red front door that hasn’t been open in over three years — but owner Monica Heizendrader hopes that will soon change.
Goodbye, Rosie’s: Iconic diner headed to Missouri
Crews removed the “Rosie’s” sign from the iconic diner on Oct. 20, 2023.
From woodtv.com: ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Just north of Rockford sits Rosie’s Diner, a decades-old icon that has sat empty for more than a decade, “no trespassing” signs in the window.
It started the beginning of a new chapter Friday as crews removed the “Rosie’s” sign. It was the first step of a journey to Missouri, where the diner will be brought back to life and reopened.
Rosie’s Diner has a long history. First opened in the 1940s in New Jersey, the diner was originally called Silver Dollar. It was featured in some commercials, including a Pepsi commercial: the original owner in 1990 told The New York Times Pepsi paid him to use the location with 100 cases of Pepsi.
How do old hotel rooms compare to today’s? Take a look back at 80+ motels & hotels to see!
Old Jacktown Motel room in Irwin, Pennsylvania (1950s)
From Click Americana: Hop in the time machine for a whirlwind tour of 20th-century hotel rooms that are like stepping into a living history book!
From the cozy allure of the early 1900s to the mid-century modern flair (and/or decor abominations) of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, then all the way up to the sleek sophistication of the 90s, each era had its own distinct look.