[jacobrobbins]

This is really interesting and seems like a great example of how small businesses are better for their community than chains. When I lived in Fort Greene brooklyn I was surprised by how many barbershops and hair salons there were, like 5 or more on the single little triangular block at fulton and greene. It seemed clear they were providing more of a community function than just the utility of getting a haircut that i was familiar with. On a side note I never got comfortable with making conversation while getting my haircut and eventually settled on just cutting my own hair at home. That said I never tried the barbershop-type places and usually went to pretty generic haircut shops.

[rytor718]

The black community in America has known this forever. We've had to rely on these kinds of businesses, not just as sources of goods and services, but as literal community centers that help people out, sometimes for free. Thats still true, same for salons, corner grocery stores, churches etc. Growing up, these little pieces of community were amazing and still are. While people are of course a little different, I still see these things in the community where I live and they still have the same compassionate professionals most of the time. They dont just sell things. They also give.

[gizmo686]

Isn't McDonalds also well known to be a community center?

[txru]

McDonald's is a place people come with their community. Older folks sit there for hours etc because it's air conditioned/warm. The community doesn't really intersect with the employees though, besides the employees being friendly when the people order.

[imbnwa]

For elderly folk, sure

[djtriptych]

That's Clinton Hill!