Goodbye Big Mac, hello Big Gulp.
Sheepshead Bay Road, once an enclave of quaint delis and diners, is fast becoming a member of the brand name chain gang with the area’s third 7-Eleven opening at the site where a McDonald’s abruptly McBolted over the summer.
The remodeled convenience store will open for business on Dec. 22 at 1509 Sheepshead Bay Rd. between E. 15th and E. 16th streets, said spokeswoman Margaret Chabris, adding that the company was lured to the space by its proximity to other stores and a bustling subway station.
“There’s a lot of opportunity [to attract customers],” she stated, declining to disclose the opening costs. The building’s owner did not returns calls for comment.
Sheepshead Bay Road already has four convenience stores, in addition to a Dunkin’ Donuts and a Subway, but the arrival of another big-brand shop could be an economic boon, say some residents.
“It will generate more business for the neighborhood,” said Gregory Korchin, who was surprised when the Golden Arches were suddenly McGone in September. “I’ve never heard of a McDonald’s closing!”
The closure of a McDonald’s restaurant, while rare, does happen, explained the fast-food Mecca. Last year, 107 Mickey-Ds shut down.
“Our restaurants do close periodically,” said spokeswoman Danya Proud. “Leases end.”
Its replacement is being taken with a large gulp of salt by other residents who hoped for a small grocery store or an independently-owned business to take over the space.
“There are so many chain stores on Sheepshead Bay Road already!” said Ed Eisenberg, who lives across the bay in Manhattan Beach — a Slurpee toss away from the other two 7-Eleven’s: one at the corner of Coney Island Avenue, between Kathleen and Gerald courts, and another on Knapp Street at Voorhies avenue.
Reach reporter Daniel Bush at dbush@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-8310. Follow him at twitter.com/dan_bush.
