Bodegas of New York City
From the outside, it looks like a nothing-special corner grocery store. But a bodega - a real New York City bodega - is so much more.
“Sunday Morning” asked photographer David Katzenstein to do a series of portraits of bodega owners in the Bronx, documenting the diversity of their merchandise while capturing the spirit of the American Dream.
Pictured: Proprietor Carlos Herrera.
Bodegas
Proprietor Jose Soto.
A bodega is a place where you might find ripe avocados right below the jacks and ball set, and where the pantyhose sit next to the glue traps. Confusing to the outsider maybe, but neighborhood folks come here day after day for all of those things, plus a breakfast sandwich, a snack, or a cold beer.
Bodegas
There are more than 10,000 bodegas throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
Bodegas
The thousands of bodegas throughout New York are owned by Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Yemenis and others.
Bodegas
Ignacio Castillo.
Bodegas
Nina Baez, who operates Pamela’s Green Deli. Customers call her “Miss Pamela.”
Bodegas
Proprietor Francisco Martes.
Bodegas
Angie.
Bodegas
Radhames Rodriguez came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1985. He and his two brothers now own 12 bodegas. “I love a bodega because, first of all, I make money,” said Radhames. “And second of all, I like to be with people.”
His 19-year old daughter, Diana, is taking Bio and Pre-Med, and hopes to go to medical school. But, she says, business runs in her blood, and she would like a bodega of her own.
“When you walk into a bodega, you feel like you’re at home,” Diana said. She would know: since she was a child, she lived above a bodega, and started working at one at the age of six.
Bodegas
Proprietor Tony Rodriguez.
Bodegas
Proprietor Bertico Sosa.
Bodegas
Euginio and Miguelina Brito.
Bodegas
Wildalin Araujo.
Bodegas
Roman Rodriguez.
To watch Maria Hinojosa’s report click here.
For more info:
Photographer David Katzenstein
Bodega Association of the United States (ASOBEU)