Situated in the heart of Williamsburg, Buddies Coffee Shop is confronting a significant challenge as increased rent threatens its long-standing location. Co-owner Rachel Nieves recently took to social media to express her concerns, leading to an overwhelming wave of community support.

The Story Behind Buddies Coffee Shop

Founded by Rachel Nieves using her personal savings, Buddies Coffee Shop has grown from a coffee cart to a beloved brick-and-mortar establishment in just four years. However, with a neighboring coffee shop opening and rent prices on the rise, the future of Buddies at its current site on Grand Street is uncertain.

Viral Video Sparks Support

In a heartfelt TikTok video that has gone viral, accumulating over 6 million views, Nieves shared her emotional journey and the potential relocation of her business. “In this physical location, I think that we’ve poured our love and everything that we can do at 150 Grand Street,” she said, emphasizing the bond between her coffee shop and the surrounding community.

Community Response

The response to Nieves’ video has been robust, with customers lining up outside Buddies to show their solidarity. Many patrons have expressed that the outpouring of support reflects the strength of New York’s community during challenging times. “It kind of restores your faith in humanity a little bit to come out and see this,” said one supporter, capturing the collective sentiment of many.

The campaign has not only engaged local residents but has also attracted the attention of public figures such as Joe Jonas, who has publicly offered his support for the coffee shop.

Future Prospects

While Buddies Coffee Shop’s lease is set to expire in November, Nieves remains hopeful about the future. “The community showing up for me has just confirmed that no matter where we go, people are going to show up for us,” she articulated, hinting at a resilient spirit as the shop navigates this transitional period.