Sisters behind local shop say falling sales and rising fears make it hard for business to survive

Flores Spot, a family-run coffee shop and mini-supermarket run by two Mexican sisters, has been open for more than a year and should be settling into its early growth. Instead, the frequent presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the community has fueled fear among residents and sharply reduced customer traffic in recent months. At 274 53rd St., what was once a lively gathering place where neighbors came to talk, eat, and spend time together has become much quieter, leaving the owners worried about the future.

Encouraged by their parents, Isabel and Maria Mendoza decided to open a business of their own. They signed a lease in July 2024 and named the shop after their mother, Martha Flores. But the space was in poor condition and needed nearly a full renovation. From the counter to the storage shelves, much of the work was done by family members by hand. Because of that, the shop did not open until December that year.

Isabel recalled that the early stages of the business were more difficult than expected. She said the family spent long hours researching online, studying lease terms carefully, and trying to figure out how to run a neighborhood store.

The sisters previously worked as social workers at the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), and they wanted to bring that same sense of care and support into the shop. “As a shop, we are constantly adjusting and improving based on needs, adding details because we don’t want it to be just an ordinary store. We want it to feel more like a home,” said Isabel. “If residents encounter problems or troubles at home, they can come here, and we can talk.”

At its busiest, the shop would draw 10 to 15 residents on weekends to dine and chat. Couples stopped in for breakfast and coffee, and Venezuelan customers came specifically for malt drinks. But that energy did not last. Isabel said the shop’s credit card system showed a clear drop in sales starting in November. Business remained weak in December and grew even worse in January. “We haven’t actually received a decent income yet, and the money we’ve earned isn’t even enough to pay the rent, so this has been a bigger blow to us,” she said.

She said frequent immigration enforcement activity in the neighborhood has caused many residents to stay home out of fear. At the same time, some households that once had two incomes are now getting by on one, which has cut into spending power and pushed some families to rely on food banks. “Now customers are more focused on daily necessities,” said Isabel. “They usually just come to buy milk or basic items and then leave. Of course, we can understand their situation.”

A woman who runs a deli at 54th Street and Third Avenue said ICE activity has also taken a toll on business in the area. Many residents are afraid to go out and even call stores to ask whether delivery is available. “I used to have a stable customer base, but now more customers come in using food stamps, or they buy just one or two dollars’ worth of things and leave in a hurry,” the deli owner said.

The situation is especially difficult for parents. “The situation is really bad right now, especially for families with children, who are even more afraid,” said Isabel.

The owners of two nearby Chinese-run laundromats, however, said their overall business had not been hit as hard. Isabel believes that while people may cut back on other spending, they still have to go out to take care of basic tasks. In her view, people can put off coffee or snacks, but they cannot let dirty laundry pile up for too long, which helps keep laundromat business more stable.

Despite the challenges, Isabel has tried to draw people in by organizing community events, including free crochet and embroidery workshops, to give residents a place to relieve stress, connect, and support one another. But she said these efforts have had limited impact because many residents still feel uneasy about going out.

At the same time, Isabel hopes the community will show more understanding and support for small businesses. She said some customers compare Flores Spot’s prices with those at large chain stores, but small shops cannot buy inventory in bulk or cut costs the way chains can, which means prices at mom-and-pop stores are often a little higher.

She pointed to neighborhoods around Sunset Park, including Park Slope and Bay Ridge, where residents often make a conscious effort to support local businesses. “I hope everyone can understand one thing: what you are supporting is not just someone’s dream, but the development of the entire community,” said Isabel.

For now, Flores Spot is still struggling to cover monthly rent and basic expenses. Isabel said that as long as there is still a chance, she will do everything she can to keep the business going. “We believe that where there is a will, there is a way, and we will continue to support this community.”