Day: September 3, 2024

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Brooklynites bid farewell to Crest Hardware last weekend at a gathering reminiscent of the store’s deep roots in the community.

The store, which had occupied its Williamsburg space for 62 years, was emptied of shelving and hardware for the final event, the Crest Farewell Fest, leaving only the front and rear counters.

A diverse lineup of DJs manned the rear counter, keeping the beat going throughout the day. At the front cash wrap, longtime customers lined up to purchase the last of the locally designed T-shirts, hats and prints commissioned by the shop in its final days.

Nearby, a tattoo parlor was set up, and outside in the backyard, Reverend Vince and the Love Choir performed, children danced, and Meat Hook workers served burgers.

Relics such as old aisle signs and swinging wood doors emblazoned with “Crest,” along with artwork from the store’s many years of hosting the Crest Hardware Art Show, adorned the walls. These items were set to be auctioned off on Labor Day.

Crest owner Joe Franquinha and his wife, Liza, hugged visitors, longtime employees chatted in corners, and fans wrote and drew heartfelt messages on a long wall.

“Everyone’s going to miss it; it’s really sad that it’s closing,” Williamsburg resident Jennifer Cameron told Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner at the event.

“We are longtime fans and customers, and it’s always been more than just a hardware store to us,” said customer David Nath. “We love the people, and it’s really kind of a community, so we just came out to pay our respects.”

In July, Franquinha announced that the store, located at 558 Metropolitan Ave. and known for its expert longtime employees, events, and community involvement, had lost its lease and would be closing.

The business owner said he decided to close permanently due to rising commercial rents in the nabe as well as the increasing challenges of running a small business in New York City.

“Plus, the thought of trying to recreate the magic of our wonderful home in a new space simply feels out of reach,” he said. 

The closing announcement came seven years to the day after Manny, Franquinha’s father, passed away.

“He’d certainly be saddened and disappointed by all of this, but in honor of his enduring spirit, we encourage you to stay civic and continue supporting other local businesses,” Franquinha said. “They are what give the fabric of our neighborhoods strength.” 

Additional reporting by Kirstyn Brendlen

A version of this story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner