Mets Highlight Minority Owned Businesses
In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Mets are highlighting 42 minority owned businesses.
El Comal Pupuseria Restaurant
148–62 Hillside Ave. Queens, NY 11435
www.elcomalpupuseria.com
The restaurant specializes in The Pupusa. A traditional Salvadoran dish which is handmade and cooked on a griddle. It’s made from a thick corn tortilla that can be stuffed with different things such as beans, cheese, pork, or other fillings. The pupusa is accompanied by a mild tomato salsa and curtido (lightly fermented cabbage salad). Besides their well know Pupusas they offer a variety of delicious home style dishes. The Family owned and operated business has been opened since 1990. Despite the city’s economic hardships Él Comal has been able to thrive with the support of its community. The Reyes Family are very proud of what they have been able to contribute to their queens community.
Heart of Dinner
https://www.heartofdinner.org
Originally a supper club bringing people together around a shared meal and sense of community, the duo quickly evolved their idea as the pandemic hit. Their late-night conversations about the global impact of COVID-19 and the heightened racism towards Asian Americans soon became questions around how to create positive change. Shortly after, Heart of Dinner’s #LovingChinatown relief efforts were born. The all-volunteer non-profit now serves more than 1,500 elders in Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, delivering weekly hot lunches, fresh produce, and bulk ingredients — with a hand-written and illustrated note in Korean or Chinese. Doing more good, Heart of Dinner works with local providers to support small businesses in the COVID-related recovery process.
Pearl River Mart
452 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
https://pearlriver.com
In 1971, Ching Yeh and her husband Ming Yi Chen co-founded Pearl River Mart in Manhattan, the first-ever Chinese American department store. The Taiwanese natives came to New York as graduate students along with a group of political activists. Though trade was technically forbidden between China and the United States at the time, the group opened this “friendship store,” with the hopes of introducing their food and culture to their new neighbors to decrease the mystery surrounding China. For over 45 years, Mrs. Chen was the business brains behind the operation, curating the merchandise and designing store windows, and over time, Pearl River Mart has become an iconic New York stop, with its selection of affordable snacks and Asian-made home goods. Today, the Chens’ daughter-in-law, Joanne Kwong, serves as president of the mart (well, multiple marts, as they’ve since expanded) and continues the mission of promoting Asian American entrepreneurs and artisans.
Many restaurants have been hit hard in New York City amid the pandemic and resulting lockdown. A Taiwanese restaurant, “886,” well-known its delicious cuisine, has turned this challenge into an opportunity to help others, raising money to bring thousands of meal boxes to front line medical workers. The good deeds have received praise online, including from former NBA player Jeremy Lin.
Rooted
https://heyrooted.com
Rooted may have started out of Ryan Lee and Kay Kim’s apartment in Williamsburg in 2018, but it’s soaring now with a greenhouse in Florida, a Brooklyn team and a commitment to doing everything through a lens of sustainability. “We’re adamant about doing things as green as possible, even if it’s much harder for the sake of our environment,” Kim says. Since they opened the business, the duo has opened retail stores in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and most recently, Chinatown, currently closed due to the pandemic. “We’re a proud Asian American-owned business comprised nearly fully of POC so even if you’re not in the market to purchase plants right now, please be proactive about becoming patrons of other AAPI-owned businesses, especially during these difficult times,” Kim says.
Korean K9 Rescue
https://www.koreank9rescue.org
At Korean K9 Rescue in Astoria, the mission is all about building awareness and compassion for dogs, especially those that are rescued from dog meat farms, high kill shelters and puppy mills both here and abroad — something Gina Bohler, executive director and founder has been working on since July 2017 when the organization started up. These days, New Yorkers in all five boroughs — and around the Tristate area — are happy adopters. “We are so thankful to the NYC community for embracing our rescue organization and giving these homeless and mistreated dogs a second chance here,” she says. “We also have a Patreon page where you can get a sneak peek inside our facility in Bundang, South Korea, while supporting our rescue efforts monthly for just a few dollars.”
Lo & Sons
https://www.loandsons.com/
For the past decade, the Lo family (Jan, Derek and their mom Helen) has been designing stylish travel bags from their Dumbo studio and, during the pandemic, pivoted to helping healthcare workers by donating almost 4,000 bags to those on the frontlines. These timeless, thoughtfully designed bags are created with eco-friendly materials and plenty of organizational features and pockets to keep your trip as streamlined and seamless as possible.“As an Asian-American owned business based in the diverse city of NYC, we recognize the importance of supporting and uplifting one another during the turbulent times we continue to face in our communities,” Helen Lo says.
Nguyen Coffee Supply
https://nguyencoffeesupply.com
At Nguyen Coffee Supply, it’s all about the experience of brewing a cup of coffee. This, the first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in the U.S., opened its doors in Fall 2018 and prides itself on importing and roasting single-origin Vietnamese coffee beans. “The most important thing I want New Yorkers to know about small business owners is that everyone is risking their health in some way to continue operating, to keep paychecks flowing for their team and to keep dreams alive,” says Sahra Nguyen, co-owner. “Support small businesses, especially immigrant owned mom-and-pop shops that may not be so social media savvy. We need diversity in businesses, experiences and culture so that our city remains the dynamic place we love.”
The Lit. Bar
131 Alexander Ave, The Bronx, NY 10454
http://www.thelitbar.com/
The Lit. Bar, which opened in 2019, is the only bookstore in the Bronx. The Black-owned store serves the borough’s 1.5 million residents out of its Mott Haven location. Part bookshop, part wine bar. It is owned by Bronx native and resident Noëlle Santos. In October 2014, Ms. Santos joined over 3,000 protesters to save the only existing bookstore in the borough, Barnes & Noble, from displacement (eventually closing its doors in 2016). Ms. Santos recognized an opportunity to create a sustainable, more accessible bookshop, that addresses the shortcomings of big-box stores: reflecting and serving the unique needs of the communities they operate in.
Harlem Hops
2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030
http://www.harlemhops.com
Harlem Hops, which will be celebrating its second anniversary this year, is Manhattan’s first and only Black-owned craft-beer bar. Founded by three HBCU graduates, the bar offers a rotating selection of craft beer along with small plates. The community-focused bar also runs Harlem Hopes, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to offset the cost of college education to native Harlem residents.
Queens Bully
113–30 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
https://www.queensbully.com
This Black-owned spacious hangout offers BBQ dishes with global seasoning and cocktails. Owner Melvin “Boots” Johnson was crowned champion on Food Network’s “Chopped” in 2018, winning a spot in the $50,000 Grill Masters grand finale, beating out three other chefs with his Memphis-style BBQ.
Ethels Club
https://www.ethelsclub.com
A mental health club meant to be a safe space to heal, create a sense of community, and foster important dialogue in Brooklyn and offering virtual membership opportunities.
Nneji
https://nneji.business.site/
The vision of Beatrice Ajaero to bring “Africa. Food. Kindred” to New York, a rising City restaurant a source of West African inspiration and flavor.
All about Special Needs Kids, an organization I have met with about groups which has been very harshly impacted. Run by two outstanding people Lody and Shay.
Hearts of Gold
https://www.heartsofgold.org
Is a small non-profit with a hugely important mission of providing support to homeless Mothers and their children working to “Stabilize, support, and sustain
Staying Driven Fitness
https://www.stayingdrivenlive.com/
Staying Driven Fitness was started by crossfit athlete, Steph “The Hammer” Roach (Hammerman). Coach Steph is the first crossfit level 2 trainer with Cerebral Palsy. Staying Driven Fitness LLC is an online based fitness company for people of all abilities, age, and experience.
Popcorn for the People
https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/
Popcorn for the People is a nonprofit established to create meaningful employment for individuals with Autism and disabilities.
Ethan and the Bean Coffee Shop
https://ethanandthebean.com/
Ethan and the Bean is a non-profit, New Jersey registered 501(c)(3) located in Little Falls, New Jersey. Our goals are simple and from the heart: to increase the employment rate for persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop was started by the Wright family who has 2 children with Down syndrome and one child with Autism. Bitty & Beau’s employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and continues to expand their coffee company throughout the country.
Collettey’s Cookies
https://colletteys.com/
Collettey’s Cookies was founded by Collette Divitto, who has Down syndrome. Collette’s mission in creating her business was to not just sell the best cookies, but to employ people with disabilities. Best known for her “Amazing Cookie”, Collette has sold over 180,000 cookies to date.
Geo Events
357 Scally Place, Westbury, NY 11590
https://geoevents.com/
Geo Events is a preferred vendor for the Mets Events Department and is highly recommended to all of our clients. Geo Events is a full service event planning company that specializes in event activations, decor and entertainment. The company is a minority business and Carl is also a veteran.
Lucky Fin Project
https://luckyfinproject.org
The Lucky Fin Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness and celebrate children and individuals born with symbrachydactyly or other limb differences (upper, lower, congenital, and amputee).
No Limits Cafe
418 Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701
https://www.nolimitscafe.org/
We are a lunch cafe with a major difference. No Limits Cafe, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, will train and employ adults with Intellectual Disabilities. It is our belief that EVERYONE has the ability to be a contributing member of society. Our employees will have a sense of pride and purpose, while serving our customers great food. No Limits Cafe will be an inclusive win-win for our community! Our mission is to EMPOWER adults with intellectual disabilities by providing jobs and job training to help them lead fulfilling lives within our community and to increase awareness of their potential.
Grateful Bites
https://campsite.bio/gratefulbites
Grateful Bites is operated by a NON-PROFIT called Ability2Work. Grateful Bites is an entrepreneurial non-profit that provides supportive, inclusive job sampling, training and employment to the differently-abled. 100% of the proceeds from your purchase support the differently-abled with a whole person model. Social, emotional, conceptual, life skills are all addressed at Ability 2 Work/Grateful Bites.
Miracle League
https://www.miracleleague.com/
Provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their abilities.
Plated
www.Plated.com
Plated is on a mission to use data and technology to create a world where healthy, affordable, and delicious food is available for everyone. Plated delivers everything you need to cook a chef-designed dinner at home in around 30 minutes.
UniteUS
www.UniteUS.com
Unite US revolutionizes the delivery of health, human & social services by designing, building, and deploying best-in-class case management and care coordination technology. The Unite US software empowers public, private, and nonprofit resources within communities across the country to leverage a common platform. From housing, to employment to healthcare, Unite US networks address the social determinants of health by coordinating resources via secure electronic referrals and collaborative case management tools tracking 100% of outcomes.
Elemental Path
www.ElementalPath.com
Elemental Path is the creator of CogniToys, wifi enabled smart toys that learn and grow with kids. Powered by IBM Watson and Elemental Paths patent pending personality engine, CogniToys are able to give kids a fun, educational, speech based play experience without a screen.
Hire Purpose
www.Hirepurpose.com
Hirepurpose provides technology enabled hiring solutions, talent search, and job marketing for employers to hire top military talent. We also provide career coaching and guidance to transitioning service members free of charge. After leaving the service, I saw that many Marines I served with had struggled to transition to the civilian job market, despite having incredible skills and experience that were in high demand.
Lettrs.com
www.Lettrs.com
After living the timeless words of letters in West Point, Italy, and Iraq, I founded lettrs to mobilize a message network that recreates every aspect of timeless words, including FanMail, authenticated autographs and digital FanStamps. Business has powered branded messaging campaigns with Hollywood, the NBA, United Way, and soon three major sports leagues in the US and Europe.
Grayspiration Design, LLC
https://www.instagram.com/grayspiration_design
Grayspiration Design LLC is an interior design consulting firm that helps its clients to think outside the box and to be inspired by all that is around them, to then incorporate that inspiration into their home. Grayspiration Design also finds the right balance of beauty and function in each of its design recommendations.
Miles and Milan
www.milesandmilan.com
Miles and Milan is a brand that provides key basics and fashion items that are playful, effortless, and current. A brand that grows with your child and hopefully removes the fuss in dressing to help you enjoy those precious moments a little more.
Four Season Uniforms
73–19 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights NY
http://fourseasonsuniform.com/
Medical scrubs supplier for first responders and hospital personnel. Korean American owner John Park.
The Nourish Spot
107–05 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11433
https://the-nourish-spot.myshopify.com/
Customize organic fruit & veggies into salads, smoothies, cold pressed juices, sandwich wraps, soup & more. Dawn Kelly, African American woman owner.
The Door
163–07 Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434
https://thedoorrestaurant.nyc/
The most delicious Caribbean and Jamaican food in an elegant atmosphere. Jamaican-American owners Joan Lewis and Christopher Roberts
Goody’s Chicken & BBQ
7018 Amstel Blvd, Arverne, NY 11692
https://www.facebook.com/Goodys-BBQ-Chicken-Ribs-100880453289872/
Restaurant is known for serving delicious Jamaican delicacies and specializes in barbecue preparations. African-American owners Joan & Gary Robinson.
JP West Insurance
44 Wall St 12th Floor, New York, NY 10005
https://www.jpwest.com/
Offering insurance and financial services since our inception in 2000, in 41 markets, with over 45 years of expertise, we are experienced and ready to assist you with your Insurance, Financial Services, Risk Management, and Surety Bonding needs. MWBE business owned by African American woman Eileen Frank.
Casual Home Worldwide
38 William St, Amityville, NY 11701
https://casualhome.com/
Casual Home offers products with user-centric design and lasting materials for families and homes of all sizes to foster community and achieve a more casual tomorrow. Taiwanese American Owner Ming Chiang.
Hopkins Law Group
86–17 Merrick Boulevard, Springfield Gardens, New York 11413
https://hoplaw.net/
Litigation, Real Estate and Corporate legal practice located in Springfield Gardens, NY. African-American Managing Partner Everett Hopkins.
Difference Inc.
574 Middleneck Road 32202, Great Neck, NY 11023
https://www.shopdifference.com/
The Difference provides fine jewelry to make people’s lives better. Indian-American woman owner Malini Shaw.
Karishna
3748 74th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
http://www.karishma.nyc/
Curated by Our Designer Bobby D. Karishma.nyc is the USA’s premier online destination for luxury Indian and International clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Being one of the earliest designer stores in NewYork, Karishma grew exponentially in a quick span of time to become the most sought after luxury ethnic wear destination. Our store is identified by its diverse collection of wedding and trousseau wear, a wide range of luxury jewelry, and accessories. Our carefully curated merchandise is surely bound to bring the loyal and discerning customer back, time, and time again.
Island to Island Brewery
http://islandtoislandbrewery.com/
Indigenous American brews spanning the spectrum of Beer, Cider & Probiotic beverages. Now taking appointments for professional & business development.
