Bedford cHill

Welcome to Operation: Cold Chillin'!

My name is Allison Stuart and I own Bedford Hill Coffee Bar
located in the neighborhood of Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn, NY. It was designed and built by my boyfriend, Brady Dollarhide. Our cafe is a small, unique corner storefront with large windows. We opened 2.5 years ago and the neighborhood has really taken to us!

The A/C unit that was installed by the previous tenant is unfortunately inadequate, providing little to no relief from the heat generated inside the cafe. Between the staff, customers, and machines, it's always a stifling 10 degrees hotter in the cafe than outside. (And even hotter in the kitchen!) To add to this problem, our 6 large storefront windows cannot be opened.

Due to customer demand, we expanded our menu and added beer and wine in January 2012. However, this aspect of the business did not take off as quickly as we anticipated. There were extensive renovations done to the basement to bring it up to code, accommodate a walk-in cooler, and install the beer tap system. With the rising costs of having a growing business in NYC, the result is that we cannot afford to solve our air conditioning problem this summer. So, we are appealing to the community to help us!

We are looking to install a Mitsubishi ductable split unit system which will bring the temperature down to a comfortable level for everyone. The cost for equipment and installation is $11,000.

We are offering an assortment of prizes at different donation points, including limited edition artist designed t-shirts and a tote bag. Please contribute! A prize awaits you!

If we surpass our goal, we will put the additional money towards installing windows that open.  How exciting would that be?!

Thank you for taking the time to check us out!