If you enjoy specialized coffee with a hint of hip-hop flavor, the Boogie Down Grind is the spot to be. And the Hunts Point cafe is open for business. 

The cafe specializes in gourmet coffee, wines, sandwiches and other beverages. 

The neighborhood eatery has been open since early July, but its hours of operations scaled back to adjust to the changes that many small businesses are facing during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Owner Majora Carter says her business has been able to stay afloat largely because of the support of the community, which she says are her investors. 

During its reopening, the cafe held a funding campaign where patrons could invest in the cafe and get a revenue share of the profit. 

 

“It was a great way for people to support us as we reopen and to show they believe in Black-owned businesses, and it really inspired me to make sure we do our best to stay open,” said Carter. 

Carter says that during these troubling financial times, it’s important for people to support small businesses to keep revenue-generating within the community. 

Carter says her customers have been cooperating with city guidelines by wearing masks and keeping 6 feet apart while inside. 

She says her shop is an example that small businesses and communities working together can be a strong partnership. 

“We're hoping that we're going to see a lot more of those small businesses like mine start to realize this is a way it's an alternative investment strategy,” said Carter.