There are also two prominent and always-busy independent eateries on this block of Bedford avenue: The Bagel Store and Lanonna Pizzeria. The clientele for these shops matches that of the surrounding stores identically, primarily because people eat and shop at these food establishments while they are shopping at the neighboring stores, or en route to or from some destination on Bedford Avenue. The establishments have a decidedly independent feel, yet also maintain very clean and professional looking exteriors, again adding to the mix of certain signs of gentrification existing alongside indicators that Williamsburg is indeed retaining its unique flavor and the characteristic "weirdness" it has long embodied.

A newer arrival on this block of Bedford Avenue is Barking Lizards, the art gallery owned by longtime Williamsburg residents Wanda and Richard Drake.

Definitely catering to the more upscale clientele that traffic this particular block of Williamsburg, Barking Lizards offers framing services and certain supplies as well as serving as a gallery for artistic works, with an emphasis on local artists as possible.

Though independent and with this decidedly local emphasis in both offerings and ownership, this business is also a sign of gentrification -- the fact that Williamsburg might actually be able to support n art gallery in what is already one of the highest rent areas in the neighborhood suggests that the rental rates are set to increase regardless of...

Hough the independent stores might eventually be price out of the neighborhood, the willingness of consumers to pay premiums for their products is ultimately contributing to these higher rents, and is reflective of the higher incomes that exist in the neighborhood. No major changes in the neighborhoods demographics have been observed other than a slight rise in income level that supports these businesses.
http://www.*****/stories/33/46/wb_duanereade_2010_11_12_bk.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/12/new-york-brooklyn-williamsburg-gentrification http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/business/14beer.html?_r=1

http://www.*****/stories/33/46/wb_duanereade_2010_11_12_bk.html

Ibid.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/business/14beer.html?_r=1

Ibid.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/business/14beer.html?_r=1

http://www.*****/stories/33/46/wb_duanereade_2010_11_12_bk.html

http://www.brooklynrail.org/2011/02/local/ruminations-on-duane-reade

Ibid.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/nyc-pet-brooklyn http://www.yelp.com/biz/viceversa-brooklyn http://www.yelp.com/biz/millenium-health-brooklyn http://www.yelp.com/biz/barking-lizards-brooklyn

Ibid.