Ditmas Park’s Grand Openings of 2012

As of March 10, 2012, Ditmas Park Corner could be counted among the many openings that took place in the neighborhood this year. Fashionable retail came to Cortelyou, gift shops arrived down the block, a new cafe came to Church Avenue and much more is coming in 2013.

• Brooklyn Industries opened at 1420 Cortelyou Road this month. Whether neighbors liked it or not, many saw it as the beginning of a new chapter for the growing strip.

• Collyer’s Mansion recently set up shop at 368 Stratford Road. The grand opening party showed off an impressive inventory with even more coming in since then.

• Brooklyn ARTery turned on the lights in November at 1020 Cortelyou Road. They’re another gift shop just around the corner from Collyer’s but differ in some significant ways such as the classes they offer and local goods they sell.

• Friendly Rx Pharmacy opened in October in the big new building at 651 Coney Island Avenue.

• Tropical Nail Salon opened at 1219 Foster Avenue in August much to the delight of those looking for a nearby salon option.

• Bismallah Auto Parts opened at 1002 Cortelyou Road in August, proving that Coney Island Avenue can never have too many car shops.

• Ditmas Fitness arrived at 1004 Beverley Road in August. Do you think it’s worth signing up for a membership?

• Lark Cafe came to 1007 Church Avenue in July where they’ve become one of the more popular businesses in the area.

• MetroPCS opened up at 17 Newkirk Plaza in July, taking over a corner space that had previously been occupied by Liberty Tax Service.

• 99 Cent Super Store opened on Coney Island Avenue in May. It’s not the most exciting addition but certainly better than a vacancy.

• Plaza Fresh Fruits and Vegetables was another addition at 37 Newkirk Plaza in April.

• Am Thai Bistro started a new business boom on its street when it opened at 1003 Church Ave in January.

Lots of interesting things are coming in 2013 including Wheated and Coffee Mob. What was your favorite opening of 2012?