Among the most unpleasant parts of the pandemic has been watching local institutions close up shop. Bars, restaurants and music venues have been among the spaces affected; without a second stimulus plan in place from the federal government, numerous beloved small businesses have had to make heartbreaking decisions. Among them was New York’s famed Astor Place Hairstylists, which was set to close at the end of the month.
Emphasis on the “was,” as it turns out. The New York Post reports that a group of wealthy investors has come together to deal with Astor Hair’s pandemic-related financial troubles and ensure a future for the beloved spot.
Among those contributing? Former mayor Michael Bloomberg, former deputy mayor Howard Wolfson and real estate developer Jeff Gural. Gural owns the building where Astor Hair is located; the Post reports that he temporarily waived their rent.
Gural called the process of keeping Astor Hair open a “team effort,” and told the Post that several prominent figures, Bloomberg included, had contacted him about saving the barbershop. The business has endured for 75 years; looks like it’s going to be around for many more to come. Will there be more last-minute saves taking place in the city in the weeks and months to come? Let’s hope so.
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