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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In the ever-evolving landscape of Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods, Avenue U between Coney Island Avenue and McDonald Avenue in the Gravesend section has become a vibrant example of the borough’s dynamic transformation. Once known as a predominantly Italian enclave, the neighborhood has undergone a remarkable cultural shift over the past 50 years. What was once an area filled with family-owned pork stores and working-class establishments serving the needs of Italian immigrants is now a flourishing community predominantly inhabited by Sephardic Jews from across the Middle East and North Africa.
The story of Avenue U is one of both demographic and economic evolution, culminating in the creation of a burgeoning retail hub catering to the modern-day needs and tastes of this affluent and growing community. For those following the retail boom in Brooklyn, this stretch of Avenue U is fast becoming one of its most exciting commercial hotspots.
Historically, those seeking luxury goods and designer brands had no choice but to venture out of the neighborhood, often making the trek to Manhattan’s famed Madison or Fifth Avenue. The travel, however, proved cumbersome. With increasing concerns about subway crime, exorbitant toll fees, and the prohibitive cost of parking in Manhattan, the logic of bringing luxury retail directly to Gravesend became undeniable.
Now, Avenue U has become a beacon of upscale shopping, offering residents a range of high-end products without the need to leave their neighborhood. Luxury boutiques and designer stores now populate the area, providing everything from cutting-edge fashion to bespoke accessories, all within a short walk from home. The convenience and luxury of this newly minted retail district mark a significant shift in how Gravesend residents engage with their community and its amenities.
At the heart of this retail renaissance is the renowned community figure, Dr. Victor Fariwa. His medical offices have become an anchor in this upscale business corridor, standing as a testament to the neighborhood’s commitment to quality, service, and community. Dr. Fariwa, respected for his dedication to his patients and his unmatched medical expertise, is revered not only for his professional contributions but also for his tireless selflessness. He serves as a symbol of the elevated standards of care and attention that characterize the area.
Alongside Dr. Fariwa’s practice, Avenue U is home to a bevy of notable luxury retailers, each contributing to the neighborhood’s economic vibrancy.
One such establishment is Shelley Antebi, located on Avenue U and East 5th Street. This upscale women’s boutique is a prominent luxury fashion store. Specializing in high-end designer clothing for women, Shelley Antebi serves the Sephardic Jewish community, offering carefully curated collections that blend traditional modesty with contemporary fashion trends. The building that houses this chic boutique recently sold for a staggering $3.8 million, illustrating the rising property values in the area and the demand for retail space catering to the affluent.
Bridal Styles Boutique at 905 Avenue U is a must-visit for brides looking for elegant, luxury bridal accessories. The store offers a stunning selection of intricate bridal crowns, tiaras, headpieces, and jewelry. The boutique is renowned for its personalized customer service, helping brides create their dream wedding look with custom-designed pieces. It has become a top destination in Brooklyn for those seeking high-quality bridal accessories.
Also on Avenue U is “Sheer Bliss” which has established itself as a go-to beauty and wellness destination for those seeking top-tier skincare, haircare, and spa treatments. Known for its commitment to luxury and customer satisfaction, Sheer Bliss offers a wide array of services that cater to a diverse clientele, combining modern beauty trends with personalized care. The boutique’s warm ambiance and professional expertise make it a sanctuary for anyone looking to indulge in self-care.
Pearl is yet another standout hair and beauty salon has become a go-to for the latest styles. From haircuts, blowouts, coloring, straightening and more this luxury salon delivers an experience like no other by their team of professional stylists
Adina Eden is a standout jewelry boutique on Avenue U that combines chic design with everyday elegance. Renowned for its affordable luxury jewelry, Adina Eden offers a stunning array of pieces, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking stylish, high-quality accessories that fit seamlessly into modern, fashion-forward lifestyles. Originally known as Adina’s Jewels the store was founded by Adina Eden Kamkhatchi, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for fashion and design.
A long-standing gem of the community continues to shine brightly—David Rudy Jewelers. For years, this local establishment has not only provided residents with beautifully crafted jewelry but also built a reputation that speaks of trust, quality, and enduring elegance. More than just a retail store, David Rudy Jewelers represents a family business steeped in tradition, a testament to Brooklyn’s rich cultural tapestry and the resilience of small businesses in the ever-evolving marketplace.
Since its founding, Shine Jewelers has been guided by a simple philosophy: offering high-quality jewelry that combines beauty, durability, and craftsmanship. What started as a modest local jeweler has blossomed into a well-regarded institution on Avenue U, thanks in large part to its meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to its customers.
Pictured here is a crane which is breaking ground on Avenue U as a mega supermarket will be added to the growing number of businesses
Luxury fashion, however, on Avenue U is not limited to women’s attire. For men with an eye for style, Sasa Milano, a boutique owned by entrepreneur Jack Saideh, offers an impressive array of high-end men’s fashion. Its collection of meticulously crafted garments and accessories elevates the everyday wardrobe, blending opulence with classic style. Jack Saideh’s vision has made Sasa Milano a key destination for men seeking to enhance their look with the finest luxury fashion, all while staying close to home.
Located at 367 Avenue U in Brooklyn, Ziani is yet another high-end men’s clothing store specializing in sophisticated, stylish apparel tailored to the tastes of discerning customers. Known for offering fine Italian menswear, Ziani provides an upscale shopping experience that has attracted a loyal clientele within the local community.
Shopping for children’s attire has become a breeze, as Coquette Kids, located on the bustling corner of Avenue U and East 4th Street stands out among children’s boutiques for its focus on combining high fashion with comfort. The store’s collections feature designer brands and exclusive pieces, often sourced from top children’s fashion houses in Europe and the U.S. From casual everyday outfits to formalwear for special occasions, Coquette Kids provides a diverse range of clothing options that allow parents to dress their children in chic, well-made garments.
Dimples Baby Boutique on Avenue U has become a cherished destination for parents and families seeking high-quality baby products, clothing, and accessories.
Located at 431 Avenue U, The Prime Cut is a well-known kosher butcher that serves Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and beyond. They specialize in premium glatt kosher meats, including beef, veal, lamb, and poultry, adhering to the highest standards of kosher certification. The store has a strong reputation for customer service, offering expert butchering, custom cuts, and deliveries to a variety of areas, including Deal, NJ, and Great Neck. Known for their prime cuts, The Prime Cut is highly regarded by both local and out-of-state customers.
Located at 719 Avenue U, Rosner Kosher Meat is one of the oldest glatt kosher butcher shops in Brooklyn, with deep roots in the Jewish community. Specializing in Beit Yosef certification, which is widely followed by Sephardic Jews, Rosner offers a variety of high-quality meats, carefully aged or custom-prepared to meet customer preferences. Their emphasis on fresh, kosher meats has made them a go-to destination for Orthodox families who rely on Rosner for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Boutique Butcher on Avenue U has quickly gained a reputation as one of the area’s finest destinations for high-quality kosher meats. This shop is more than just a typical butcher; it offers a comprehensive selection of expertly curated meats, from aged steaks to gourmet burgers, all with a commitment to providing the best in taste and quality. The attention to detail and dedication to kosher standards make Boutique Butcher a standout in Brooklyn’s bustling meat market.
Khasky’s is more than just a typical grocery store—it’s a culinary institution on Avenue U that offers a comprehensive selection of kosher goods ranging from fresh produce and pantry staples to an impressive array of cooked and prepared foods. The store’s shelves are stocked with a mix of everyday essentials as well as specialty items that cater to both local and international tastes. What truly sets Khasky’s apart is its dedication to providing fresh, homemade options that bring traditional kosher cuisine to life. The store prides itself on preparing many of its items in-house, ensuring that customers receive the freshest, highest-quality food possible.
Judaicaur is more than just a store on Avenue U; it’s a cultural and spiritual destination for the Jewish community in the Gravesend area and beyond. It also specializes in making high decorative cases for Sifrei Torah.
Bennaton Tile on Avenue U is a premier destination for homeowners, interior designers, and contractors seeking high-quality tiles for residential and commercial spaces. Renowned for its wide selection of materials and commitment to craftsmanship, Bennaton Tile has become a trusted name in the Brooklyn design community, offering a diverse array of tiles that blend style, durability, and affordability.
Parci Parla on Avenue U is home decor & tabletop boutique showcasing some of the best designers in the world.
What was once an Italian funeral home on Avenue U and West Street is now the home of a new school named Yeshivat Magen Avraham. It is more than just an educational institution; it is a pillar of the Sephardic Jewish community in Brooklyn. Through its commitment to Torah learning, academic achievement, and community service, the yeshiva continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Jewish life in the area.
Across the street from the Yeshiva is a 12 unit condominium building and rumor has it that one unit sold for $5.3 million.
The Opal Building on Avenue U in Brooklyn is a modern, upscale residential and commercial complex that has become a landmark. Known for its striking architecture and prime location, the Opal Building serves as a key example of the rapid transformation of this area, which has seen a significant rise in luxury developments in recent years. Combining both residential apartments and retail spaces, the building reflects the neighborhood’s evolution into a hub for modern living while still retaining its cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Mikhash Eliyahu synagogue is located in the 400 Building on Avenue U.
Avenue U stands as a beacon of what is possible when cultural evolution, economic prosperity, and community vision come together. What was once a modest neighborhood has blossomed into a thriving epicenter of luxury and commerce, reflecting the aspirations and values of its residents while maintaining the close-knit community feel that Gravesend has long been known for. The transformation of this stretch of Brooklyn is not only a reflection of changing times but also a testament to the power of adaptability, vision, and investment in the future.
