Daniel Holzman barely has time to spend being executive chef. On a Monday afternoon he finished an interview with the Associated Press before running back to the kitchen, then back to floor to meet with yet more people vying for his attention and wanting to know more about the great success of the Meatball Shop. After opening a month ago, the Meatball Shop has already landed loads of press attention, fantastic reviews from the New York Times to the Regis and Kelly show. While the economy of late has proved disastrous for some, for others it has served as an opportunity to rise up, above and beyond.
The Meatball Shop has fared well through the ups and downs of the economy, although for other's maintaining business has become impossible. According to Zagat’s 2010 survey, 102 restaurants in New York closed and 157 opened last year. Alex Horna, 24, the assistant general manager at ‘Inoteca, an Italian wine bar and restaurant just a couple blocks away from the Meatball Shop, said the reason for what seems to be a successful market for new restaurants is due to the closings of others. He explained that when restaurants don’t make it they have to find someone to fill their lease and license, and fast.
The city may be doing well in general, but some neighborhoods seem to be faring better than others. Matt Krell, 28, a commercial real estate broker in Manhattan said, “The New York market is completely different. We’ve already seen a turn around. Vacancy rates are down. If you walk down the street, there are far less for sale signs in the windows.”
Some neighborhoods haven’t had the popularity and crowds they need to maintain business. When discussing the increased closings and ghost town feel of the Upper East Side, Krell said, “There’s something to be said about the bars and restaurants on the Upper East Side, the neighborhood has cooled down and they’re not attracting people.”
Business on the Lower East Side is especially banging in the summer. Horna from ‘Inoteca said, “It’s a seasonal thing. For uptown restaurants, summer is the worst time. On the Lower East Side, it’s the best," Horna said, "With outdoor seating, people know they have to keep ordering if they want to keep their seat outside.” Horna hopes business will pick up, for such a lack of affects not just the restaurant and its name but all of the staff as well.
While people working in the restaurant industry might be making less, the employment rates have actually been looking up. Tony Pinera, an economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics said, “In February 2010 there were 110,600 employees in the full service restaurant business, up from 104,900 in February 2009.”
Back at the Meatball Shop, the funky, tattoo covered employees look happy to be part of piece of success in this mixed up economy. Holzman and his partner Michael Chernow decided to open the Meatball Shop about six months ago, hitting the scene in mid-February at full force. Located down on the Lower East Side at 84 Stanton, the restaurant offers a mix and match menu of different types of meatballs, sauces, and sides, the average meal ranging from $10-$15.
The restaurant’s website lists the farms where the ingredients come from, adding appeal to those who are concerned about the sources of their food. Meals end gloriously with homemade ice cream sandwiches. Since its opening, the Meatball Shop has been welcomed by critics and customers, and has welcomed the crowds as well.
Holzman said of the late night crowd that often swarms and stumbles down the streets of the Lower East Side, “Sometimes it can be overwhelming, especially late at night with the drunks. But I hope they all come. I love it. I love every single person. I want everybody here.”
In the world of consumption, numbers show that people have been spending more, despite a gain in earnings. Brendan Leary, an economist and specialist on personal consumption at the Bureau of Economic Analysis said, “Consumer spending in February grew 3/10th.” Leary then explained how population growth affects this number, “Population increases 1% a year, so month to month you’re picking up just about a 1/10th of the population growing. If in February consumer spending grew 3/10th, 1/10th is just part of that.”
While the very products people are spending their money on was not stated, on the Lower East Side, it just might be meatballs.
“I think the economy worked in our favor. We had some opportunity to sneak in here as these little guys who are getting a lot of recognition.” Holzman said, and as for the Meatball Shop’s success, “It’s been really great. It’s been overwhelming and much better than I expected.
Title courtesy of Drew Taylor
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