Disappearing NYC: Saving Westsider Books

As of this moment over 800 people contributed to a GoFundMe campaign to save Westsider Books and it all started because the owner, Dorian Thornley, said flippantly in a local blog that if someone wanted to raise 50K he would take it and keep the store open. Well, the wish was granted.

A Film By Evan Fairbanks and Christopher Ming Ryan With Dorian Thornley, Sally Martell and Bobby Panza Music by ArtList

Originally published by Viewing.nyc, Westside Rag and Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York
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Disappearing NYC: The Last Days at the Shalimar Diner

Since 1974, Shalimar Diner has been serving up comfort food to Rego Park, Queens residents.

There's no such thing as "just a diner." To all the regulars, this was a community. And it wasn't because of the free chickpeas on the table. Knowing that the upcoming rent increase was impossible to afford, this last Thanksgiving weekend, the owners served their last meals.

The neighborhood rushed in, ordered their favorites, and said goodbye with an outpouring of love.
A Disappearing NYC Film
Produced by Evan Fairbanks
Director of Photography - Evan Fairbanks
Editor - Christopher Ming Ryan
Music Licensed through Atomica Music
Originally published by Viewing.nyc.
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Disappearing NYC: Star Struck

How Mom and Pops Stay Open in NYC... You need more than your fingers and toes to count the number independent stores and establishments that closed in 2018 in New York City.

I asked Joe Markus, the owner, how he managed to stay put in one place and thrive for so many decades. His answer was simple. His landlord was a decent man. So you either have to own your building or have the incredible luck of having a landlord with a heart to operate a long-standing store in NYC .

Take a last look at Star Struck.

A Film By Christopher Ming Ryan
Photography By Evan Fairbanks
Music By ArtList
Special Thanks: Wheelhouse Communications