One day out of the blue I got an email from Gabriel Stulman – the guy behind a few of New York’s smallest and most loved restaurants (Joseph Leonard, et. al.) – inviting me to lunch sometime. If you have ever been to Joseph Leonard you will understand Gabriel and I share an aesthetic, something that was further established for me the first time we met. That was about a year ago and it was near the beginning of the process of planning Gabriel’s newest spot, Jeffery’s Grocery. The concept is oyster bar meets local grocery meets late night drinks-and-a-sandwich. destination. Eventually, our shared appreciation for vintage American aesthetics led to a series of discussions and meetings over the next several months where Gabriel and I would meet to talk about the look and feel for Jeffrey’s. We discussed everything from the colors of the wood that made up the bar, to the beadboard, the employee uniforms (which are from Levi’s, Gitman Bros. Vintage, Kenton Sorenson Leather, Stanley & Sons and The Hill-Side; more on that here soon) and all of the little design details and layout that goes into making a place unique. I’d even see Gabriel and his fiancé Gina up at Brimfield with all sorts of cool old stuff that was destined for Jeffrey’s. It was obvious early on that Jeffrey’s was going to me my type of place.
More than anything I was a sounding board for Gabriel’s creative process – which was really amazing to be a part of. To get to know Gabriel and see Jeffrey’s Grocery come to life over the past year has been such an interesting experience. Especially since since it is a place I want to eat at, and not just enjoy visually. Gabriel and his Gina are such welcoming and generous people, it is a pleasure to see their vision and hard work become a reality.
[Jeffrey’s Grocery | 172 Waverly Place nr. Christopher | New York City]
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Tin. Ceilings. Rock.
in a way, it reminds me of leila’s shop in london. looks great.
Places like this make me miss living in New York. Looks awesome.
Beautiful. That’s just what we need in historic downtown Florence, Alabama.
Just wonderful…!
They should contact me if they’re in need of a sidewalk board or swing signage..
Already gave them your name Kenyan!
Exquisite. Can not wait to visit.
Very cool. My kind of place.
Representing with the Northern California cheeses. Looks great.
Looks amazing. Any info on who made the business cards?
Awesome. Looking forward to visiting up close and personal. I love the business cards too.
It looks like a combination of Marlow & Sons and Marlow & Daughters in Williamsburg
I wish every food store (and restaurant for that matter) looked like this. I had a couple interactions with Gabe a couple years ago and he is a super nice guy.
Used to be a lovely pet hospital/vet’s with cute dogs hanging out in the storefront windows.
Inevitable that neighborhoods change and authentic gets replaced by “authentic”, but still it’s a bit sad. Diversity of places and purposes that give a city its depth and complexity being replaced by, you know, retail and ATM bank lobbies. it’s a cool-looking shop, though, so there’s that.
Visually stunning. I love it. What was this before it was Jeffrey’s?
@jamen answered my q. Need more places like this near me. Let the storefront hunt begin.
This is the kind of place where I wanna buy everything !!! lol … They make me hungry …
@jamen It was a vet but they moved out ages ago. And this corner sat empty and ugly and unused. While I totally agree with you about “authentic” vs true authentic, I’m really happy to see this addition to the neighborhood. It’s clear Gabe cares about his new hood and is trying to serve the needs of the community with what will hopefully become more than a place to grab a quart of milk. I’ll take a fancy grocery over an ATM, or a tattoo or head shop like we have further down Christopher St, any day.
NICE! Reminds me of Belly in Atlanta.
Awesome example of how vintage style groceries should be updated, i.e. not much.
Thoughts on crosshatched flooring over wooden planks, though?
Wow! Everything about thi is really pure perfection. I feel like I could spend hours in there. Aww, one day I’ll start to cook like a responsible adult!
@megnut: good point.
old timey look, new timey prices?
The New Brooklyn aesthetic migrates over to Manhattan! Looks great.
And jack, every food store in Manhattan is ultra-pricey, whether it looks like crap or like this. you have to go out to queens for cheap food.
i’m interested in a close-up of the customized framed signs above what appears to be the computer in the 12th picture.
Amazing post! We are working on a similar project in Athens, TX (Railway Cafe)–old building restored with a vintage/repurposed feel…..and, your photography captured the look perfectly!
Going to NY from Vancouver tuesday oct 12 sounds like lunch.
@darrel – my buddy neil did those: http://neilhubert.com/project/9-joseph-leonard/
good lookin’ out geoff! neil’s got a classy style.
Visited this place last week and loved the vibe and friendly service. It was humming and it had only been open a week or so, I was told. The veggie/cheddar sandwich was fantastic!
Went in there today. A lot of style but not much substance. I think places like this have to happen, I getting kind of sick by their movie set like quality.
Thanks for posting this! Looks great!
I love the look. Wish we had one here. I would go there in a heartbeat if I were anywhere near it. Great job.
@ Elliot and TMH: biz cards were done by Shane Garrett (STG54.com). He has been the graphic designer for all of Gabriel Stulman’s projects.
Hey I just passed by that place this morning and it looks wonderful. I cannot wait to eat there.
Thanks!
An Outfit For Every Season
Had the brisket sandwich here on friday, this place rocks. Friendly staff and great food.