Woodlawn merchants launch new alliance to boost local business
A newly formed group aimed at promoting and growing local business is pitching in to rebuild The Bronx.
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The Woodlawn Heights Alliance of Merchants — known as WHAM — launched a new effort this week to promote and grow local businesses in the northern Bronx, aiming to show that Woodlawn is more than just its nightlife.
At the Rambling House, a long-standing pub on Katonah Avenue, staff are starting to serve some wintery cocktails for the holidays. The drink may be seasonal, but one part of the experience never changes: the owner greeting as you walk into the door.
“Welcome to Ramblings!”
Manager Tara Carty says her father created the pub to feel like home. Its warm, wooden interior had made it a neighborhood fixture for two decades. With family-friendly games like darts and foosball, she said the Rambling House had always been about bringing people together — especially during the holiday season.
“I think the house implies this is a home for people," Carty said, smiling. “We love what we do because we do have a purpose of creating happy memories for people…”
The Irish pub sits on a stretch of Katonah Avenue that WHAM officials said often felt cut off from the rest of the borough. Executive Director Laura Levine-Pinedo hopes the alliance will change that.
“This is a community that has deep roots," Levine-Pinedo said. "I just want to highlight this and bring everyone together to build a unified commercial corridor.”
WHAM and KRVC recently received a $100,000 grant from NYC Small Business Services to help promote local shops, including using social media to drive foot traffic.
“When you want to get something done, you have to work together. Bringing them together is the first ingredient for success," Levine-Pinedo added.
Local business owners said they had already seen a difference.
“Omg they’ve been amazing!” said Carty. “Everyday you’re just getting thrown in different directions, but KRVC has come in and reminded us that we can realign with our local neighbors and come up with cool opportunities to show off Woodlawn and other areas of the Bronx.”
WHAM says this initiative is a great way to get Bronxites out of the house and in the community during these holiday events across its alliance. The Rambling house is hosting a local Christmas Market Saturday, December 13th. Featuring local vendors and Artisans, Carty says it's the perfect opportunity to bring people together and experience the heart of Woodlawn.
