Coral Aquarium Pet Center
It’s not always easy to become an entrepreneur, especially in today’s economy. But, for some small business owners, it’s not always about monetary gain.
The Coral Aquarium Pet Center has been in business in Jackson Heights since the early 1950s. Owner Anna Paul’s husband, Larry, bought the store in 1969.
“It was very tough in the beginning… it was quite a struggle for a number of years,” said Paul.
To weather the recent economic storm, Paul said that she now has to sell more dog and cat food to appeal to a wider market.
However, Paul enjoys working in Jackson Heights, saying that she meets people of all backgrounds.
“I love the job, and I love working here,” she said. “This area is absolutely diversified, and I get to meet a lot of people from other countries.”
Shopper Helen Thong owns a cat named Jerry, in honor of a fireman who saved the pet. She said she has been shopping at the store for a long time and described why she keeps coming back.
"She [Paul] is a nice lady," she said. "I get what I want here, there’s a lot of variety."
Anna Paul reminisced on the trials the store first experienced, and the hardships it still endures. Paul noted that they often don’t have opportunity for much profit because of overhead.
The store struggles with basic costs like rent, electric bills, taxes and medical insurance coverage for full-time employees.
Paul noted that there used to be five or six other pet stores in the area, but over the years most have left.
“Maybe they got smart,” she said. “But I love the job, that’s the only reason I’m still here, not to be rich.”
The pet store is located in Jackson Heights on Roosevelt Avenue between 75th and 76th Streets.
Sammy’s Halal
The well-known Sammy’s Halal cart, located on a busy 73rd Street and Broadway, won the Vendy Award in 2006.
The vendor serves up the popular chicken or lamb platter with seasoned rice, topped with a creamy white sauce and hot sauce for $4.99.
Firoz Ahmed, 37, who has been working the day shift at the cart for two years, said that the cart has been serving quality food since its founding.
“People like this food, we make good quality food here,” said Ahmed, who hails from Bangladesh. “Jackson Heights is good, this is our community.”
Customer Harmandee Singh came to the cart on Thursday, July 2.
Singh noted simply why he keeps coming back to the cart.
“It’s good, it’s cheap and good,” said Singh. “I’m here every day.”
Ahmed assured that despite the business’s ups and downs, they have been doing well.
“The economy is a problem, but everybody knows that,” said Ahmed. “Sometimes people come here for food, and sometimes we give them food for free, as long as they come back later and give money, no problem.”
