Despite Tough Times, Cafe Keeps on Jammin’

The tropical lime and yellow trimmed windows of Bristen’s Eatery stand out amongst the traffic, coming off of Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. Once inside, reggae artists such as Bob Marley fill the tiny cafe with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. With the economy in a recession, many mom and pop businesses are slowly fading out of existence. Although, this cafe remains open and ready for business. “It gets harder and harder every day to stay on top with bills and supplies. But with the warmer weather coming we’re expecting a heavier flow of customers,” explains Jose Rodriguez, one of the cooks behind the counters in the little cafe. He hopes people coming to see the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park will find their way over. With an array of sandwiches, salads, and hearty breakfast items such as peaches and cream pancakes, Bristen’s Eatery is almost like an oasis away from the heavy traffic coming off of Franklin Ave. And hopefully, if they have their way, they will remain there for many more recessions to come.