Crest Hardware, a Williamsburg institution, is closing after 62 years in business

The news triggered a wave of mourning among neighbors who loved the store as a neighborhood alternative to big box stores

By Brooklyn Magazine Staff

Crest Hardware and Urban Garden Center — the beloved, family-run Williamsburg store that has been operating for six decades is closing — stunning neighbors that helped it become a neighborhood institution.

Crest’s owners made the announcement on Instagram, writing that it’s “facing the same plight as many other small businesses in our community and city,” and that the building’s owners have opted not to renew Crest’s lease in order to sell the land for redevelopment.

Crest’s owner Joseph Franquinha said that the family will not relocate because it “reflects broader trends of increasing commercial rents and the challenges of maintaining a small business in a rapidly changing urban landscape, forcing us to make the difficult decision to permanently close our doors.”

The store opened in 1962 by brothers Manny and Joe Franquinha. Joseph, Manny’s son, is the second generation owner. Over the years, Crest evolved beyond a simple hardware store into a community hub of sorts, hosting pumpkin carving contests, art festivals and, in one instance, a wedding.

“Since the day its doors opened, Crest has proudly stood as a pillar for our community,” Joseph wrote, adding that it has withstood extreme weather events, like Superstorm Sandy, recessions and the global pandemic of Covid-19. “The coming weeks may be shadowed by despair, still we hold our heads high, inspired by all the wonderful memories and long-lasting relationships we have made over the years.”

Distraught reactions came quickly to the post. “Your store is so important for the neighborhood microclimate. There’s not that many authentic businesses left around here,” one person said. “We can’t imagine our neighborhood without you guys. So many of us have literally built our lives and dreams with your help and warmth,” another added.

Crest is closed Wednesday and reopening Thursday for the going out of business sale. It’s slated to shut its doors for good on August 30. But there’s going away party scheduled for August 24 for people to say their final farewells.