Opinions & observations: Brooklyn is where it’s at
A few years ago, our family struggled with one of the most difficult decisions yet to confront us. As the fourth generation operators of Brooklyn-based Acme Smoked Fish, our family-run seafood smokehouse, we were faced with the need to build new, efficient facilities; recruit, train, and manage an expanded workforce; and handle the escalating costs of doing business in Brooklyn. Many neighboring manufacturers in our area had already relocated outside of the city, and our business had also expanded to other markets where costs were lower. The question had to be asked: was this the end of Acme’s time in Brooklyn?
As an essential food production business, we have remained fully operational since March. Now, in a post-pandemic New York City, there remains widespread disruption in almost every facet of city life. Businesses across all sectors must step up to help make their communities whole again.
That is why we are doubling down in Brooklyn and expanding our presence with a new, purpose-built manufacturing headquarters in Greenpoint. Like many other strong examples in the business community, we want to see New York’s recovery and we believe in the spirit of New Yorkers. Our family’s long, interconnected partnership with New York City has given more than could have ever been imagined by our ancestors when they first settled here in 1906, and today we refuse to run away.
We are challenging every other business that owes their success to New York to do the same, for the essence of New York City is alive and well.