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When she learned that her rent was due to massively increase and a competing coffee shop would be opening next door, Rachel Nieves, the owner of Buddies coffee shop in Brooklyn, turned to social media for support. She shared an emotional video on TikTok, and her sincerity and vulnerability resonated with millions of viewers, sparking an outpouring of support from customers, new and old. Within days, people traveled from across the country to visit her shop and show solidarity, including Joe Jonas, who shared the trip with his 6.5 million followers.
Nieves and her partner, Taylor Nawrocki, opened Buddies in 2020, creating a welcoming space rooted in Puerto Rican culture. Despite having no prior experience in the coffee industry, they built a thriving business that became a staple in Williamsburg, a neighborhood that’s experienced significant gentrification. Nieves’ Puerto Rican heritage is proudly on display in the shop’s decor, music, and menu, highlighting the café’s community hub vibe.
Following the overwhelming support, Nieves and Nawrocki have decided to relocate Buddies to a new location, since their landlord is going through with the rent increase. Nieves is grateful for the movement her story has inspired, and she sees the surge of customers not just as support for her shop but as a broader statement about standing up for small businesses.
Source: TODAY