Lenells??? Lost their lease?

I have heard tons of rumors about the wine store losing their lease, and I actually talked to an employee and confirmed this. I am probably not the first to think that this a big loss to Red Hook. But there has to be something here, why would she lose her lease? That is not common in an area like red hook. Store fronts rents are still low. I dont personally know the owner but have heard she is extremely difficult, does anyone know anything? Is there anything we can do to help?

Subject: lenell's lease

she didn't lose her lease. the new building owner is just not renewing her lease. he's going to use the storefront himself when her lease expires.

it sucks.
and sadly rents aren't low anymore in red hook.
apartments are one thing but we need local businesses to thrive.
lenell has put her heart into her business and it shows. it's a joy to shop there. it's as unique as red hook. i hope she finds a way to stay in the neighborhood.

i don't know what can be done. she's got a bit of time. i guess you can always start a petition for the landlord, but if he wants to do his own thing that's his option.

Subject: Good thing

I actually think it is a good thing. Red Hook is too gentrified and that store was one of the first in the process that brought all the people. I live in the neighborhood for 15 years and was just fine with the other liquor store.

Subject: Loss to the neighborhood

Lenell was a great addition to the neighborhood and she will be missed. She fought the ikea, stood up to development, and fought for the little people. I just wish she signed more than a four year lease, she could have used a little business advice i guess. oh well.

Subject: She swears too much

While on the phone at the store she was extremely profrane in front of my children with whoever she was speaking with. I resent that. That must carry through to why the LL wants her out. As a Christian, that is why I believe she is being evicted.

Anonymous wrote: While on the phone at the store she was extremely profrane in front of my children with whoever she was speaking with. I resent that. That must carry through to why the LL wants her out. As a Christian, that is why I believe she is being evicted.

Isn't drinking alcohol also frowned upon by good Christians?

Isn't drinking alcohol also frowned upon by good Christians?

No need to make fun of religion in here. The answer is no, it is not frowned upon by 'Good Christians'. The fact is, she has a nasty mouth, I even read about it in the NYT. No one wants to hear that, not me, my children, or probably the LL that wants her out.

Subject: xtian or no

pmallas,

I'm sure the landlord doesn't care that she curses. It's all about the $$. He bought the building for the storefront so he could use it himself.

I think he's Indian, and therefore probably not a Christian, sorry.

Subject: Not Closing???

There is a sign in the window saying they are not closing, which is misleading, cause they are definitley moving and dont have a new spot yet. I went in and inquired and they dont have anything as of yet. This is second hand, but I did hear the new Landlord and the owner of the wineshop do not get along at all.

Subject: Time to Go

Tonya Lenell is a cancer of Red Hook. The exodus of of her and her wine store will be nothing but a postive for Red Hook. She bought a house near her wine store and sued contractors who are good and decent people. The new and old landlord (building owner) where her wine store is located can not stand her. She is rude and bigoted. The language that comes from her mouth is foul (as noted). Businesses she has tried to partner with or help in Red Hook have subsequently gone out of business (Pioneer Bar, El Hupil). She tried to take advantage of the tragic loss of Lilly's and partner with a Restauranter from Manhattan to move into her space (thankfully she failed). Let's not mourn her loss people, rejoice. Soon someone else will step in....and sell us our booze we need without the tradedy the happens to anything Tonya Lenell touches. Like all cancers, she must be treated and removed.

eh, been to the place a couple times.
But where are all your facts to support your disdain? Who What Where and How. Supporting facts otherwise your rant sounds inconclusive. Like you have a grudge with no conclusive facts. Explain who you are and how you come across this opinion.

Subject: Any News????

New to red hook!

Is there any news if Lenell is staying or if another wine shop is going to open?

Thanks!

"Tonya Lenell is a cancer of Red Hook."

Wow! Strong statement! Someone has a grudge!

Hey! Well if she screwed with you give us some deets! Dirt! Gossip!

BTW - A friend of mine swears by Lenells. Apparently they have the biggest whiskey select in the world (literally?). Her store does attract people to the neighborhood.

Good or bad, what is a lil ol' likker store compared to the behemouth of Ikea? I can't fathom what all the ruckus is about.

Standing up to Ikea is bullshit. The real population of Red Hook will stand to benefit from the hundreds of jobs it will create. The only people who don't like it are the hipsters who moved here thinking it was the next Williamsburg and are ashamed to admit they're living in the new Paramus.

Move or get over it.

Subject: Staying or going?

Does anyone know if lenells is staying? Is there another wine store opening?

I pick up at smith and vine when in carrol gardens...but Red hook needs a wine store that has something other than airplane wine.

Subject: Status of the Store

You've got LeNell here herself. This is the status of the shop straight from the horse's mouth (no matter how foul it is...ha ha).

The current landlord bought the building with the intention of using the storefront for his own use. We are not at odds with each other. I signed a five year lease initially as this was the closest viable space to the coming Fairway. Some might say not a smart business move, but I took the chance in order to get my liquor license and begin business.

I am hoping to stay in Red Hook. I live here and have my heart here in many ways as I have found a real sense of community. I have had many real estate agents from Manhattan contact me but Red Hook is where I really want to be. I am in negotiations on a space and hope to have an announcement soon about the future of the store. The new space we hope will allow us to expand our selections a bit so we can grow a tad.

Regarding all the rumor and nonsense:
No, I have not sued any contractors EVER.
Yes, I do have a foul mouth. I don't have a private office at the store so I am at fault for doing business on the phone with cheeky distributors who hate delivering to Red Hook. Customers can hear my ranting at times as I make a big stink with sales reps and wholesalers at times. I am sorry about that and sure hope the new space has a private office.
Yes, I did take a look at the former Lillie's space as I have been also searching for space to fulfill my bar business plan. The landlords approached me after she was evicted for non payment of rent. I backed out of negotiations on the space.
Yes, I can be very difficult. Part of that is personality flaw...part of that is being a woman in business in a very man's world industry. I worked 7 days a week the first three years of my business and lived in a house with no running water or heat. Makes a gal testy at times. I am what I am. This has nothing to do with my lease not being renewed.

I hope this clears up any questions. Stay posted. We are eager to announce a new location, believe me!

Thanks for coming on board and replying LeNell!
I only got to visit your store once but I loved the selection and was hoping to return You had this very hard to find Gin I was dying to get!!

Please do keep us updated on your new store location.
Eh, what wrong with having a dirty mouth? Screw em!

I've never been in the store, and likely never will. Having said that, I would question anyone that regularly takes their kids in liquor stores. WTF? You want that kind of thing, MOVE TO PARK SLOPE!!!

daver wrote: I've never been in the store, and likely never will. Having said that, I would question anyone that regularly takes their kids in liquor stores. WTF? You want that kind of thing, MOVE TO PARK SLOPE!!!

heh. let's just say I regularly reminded my mother she needed to pick up another 1.5 liter bottle of wine at the liquor store - I knew she'd be cranky if she forgot. clearly why I continue to be fascinated by liquor stores and bottles.

daver wrote: I've never been in the store, and likely never will. Having said that, I would question anyone that regularly takes their kids in liquor stores. WTF? You want that kind of thing, MOVE TO PARK SLOPE!!!

That's what I was going to say...