February 17, 2015 – For one of New York City’s most cherished businesses and thousands of its customers, there is much to celebrate in the New Year.
Jim’s Shoe Repair announced today that it has signed a new lease agreement and will remain in business at its current location at 50 E. 59th Street. The family-owned cobbling business has been at its current location since 1940, but was only weeks away from losing its space and having to vacate the premises.
An in-store celebration is planned for 2 p.m. today.
“Words cannot describe what it means for a small business like ours to defy the odds – and be able to stay in the location we’ve called home for over 70 years,” said Joseph Rocco, Jr. “We are grateful to our attorneys, Duane Reade, Borough President Gale Brewer, SL Green, and the thousands of people who voiced their support of our business. All worked together to make this miracle possible.”
Jim’s fight for survival has become one of the most closely-followed cases of its kind – emblematic of the struggle faced by small businesses swept away in the “corporatization” of New York City. It has been widely reported that Jim’s was losing its 1,000 square-foot shop to accommodate the expansion of Duane Reade, located next door.
The Bickel & Brewer Storefront, the community-service affiliate of Bickel & Brewer law firm, represented Jim’s in the courtroom, pro bono, and engineered a grassroots petition drive to help save the business. The Storefront aided Jim’s in seeking landmark designation, and represented the business in ensuing litigation in New York Supreme Court, in Manhattan, against the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The Storefront also defended Jim’s in eviction proceedings. Jim’s and its landlord, SL Green Realty Corp., have resolved matters regarding the lease agreement and the eviction proceedings have been dismissed. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Jim’s is a business that embodies the American Dream,” says William A. Brewer III, partner at the Storefront and long-time Jim’s customer. “The victory today is for all those who value family-owned businesses in this country. They represent a time when the fabric of our communities were tied to family values.”
Jim’s was founded in 1932 by Italian immigrant Vito Rocco. He named his modest shop “Jim’s” because he believed an American-sounding name would be good for business. At the time, prejudice against Italian immigrants was common. Now in its fourth-generation, Jim’s is steeped in tradition and “Old World” charm.
The shop still utilizes its original gold cash register and antique wooden compartments for customers waiting on shoe repairs. The history of the business has been chronicled by Andy Rooney, Gentleman’s Quarterly, and New York Magazine, to name a few.
The founder’s youngest son, Joseph Rocco Sr., and his two brothers, Giulio and John, ran the business for years before Giulio and John passed away. Today, guests from around the world are still greeted by Rocco Sr., and his son, Rocco Jr. The founder Rocco’s great grandson, Andrew Rocco, 25, is the apprentice – and keeper of the family flame.
“This is a storybook ending for our customers and a business that runs in our blood,” says Andrew. “It feels like we are part of something larger here, giving hope to small businesses in this community and throughout all of New York City. We have achieved the impossible.”
