Three In & One Out: The Local Business Shuffle

1. We’ll start with the good news: Renovations at the upcoming Mexico Diner at 902 Cortelyou Road at East 9th Street, the former location of Nina’s Cleaners, are progressing at a steady clip.

Although the listed phone number isn’t working yet, we stopped in while the gates were open and spoke with the contractor who has been working on the diner for two months. He told us that the owners plan to open in two to three weeks, and even though tools are scattered and projects half finished, it already looks like a spacious, light-filled atmosphere with sharp attention to detail.

2. Caddy-corner to the upcoming Mexico Diner, Blush salon has also popped up at 921 Cortelyou Road, in the former home of sandwich and bubble tea shop, Little Miss Saigon.

We stopped by and met the owner, Ifrah Tabusam, who grew up in the neighborhood and is proud to be opening her first salon. She’s been training for more than two years and specializes in treating damaged hair. The salon also offers a diverse roster of threading, waxing, henna and ear piercing. Tabusam’s father owns a jewelry store on Cortelyou Road, so opening her own shop feels like keeping with the family tradition.

The salon’s interior is small but beautifully designed, with exposed brick, wood paneling, and hanging lights over two salon chairs. To make an appointment, call 347-909-4004.

3. The owners of Le Paddock in Windsor Terrace also opened the French-themed Parade Cafe last Friday, at 622 Caton Avenue between East 7th Street and Ocean Parkway. Open from 7am to 7pm, the cafe is serving La Columbe coffee and a selection of french-inspired sandwiches on the lunch menu (stay tuned for our full food review tomorrow).

And now, we say our goodbyes.

4. Thanks to neighbor Nicole, who sent us this photo of the shuttered Moondos Grill, 424 Church Avenue at East 5th Street in Kensington. The grill served Latin-American cuisine “making delicious food for ourselves and our neighbors at a reasonable price” according to their website.

Though the listed phone number is already out of service, Yelp lists this business as officially closed.

424 Church Avenue, former home of Connie’s Cafe and Grill, has undergone a lot of turnover in the past 10 years. PropertyShark listed another cafe at the same address open in 2006, Church Avenue Restaurant Cafe Inc., which has forever left its mark on the neighborhood (see the logo lettering outline visible in the building’s front facade, pictured above).

Since this list is just a sampling, we always appreciate more information from neighbors. If you see a business opening or closing nearby, or would like us to profile your favorite local business, take photos and email us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com.