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Columbia's vision for our campus in West Harlem
is not only about academic buildings
and teaching and learning. It's about business.
So when we had the opportunity
to occupy this space and find tenants,
we saw tremendous potential.
And in Dinosaur Barbecue we have an entrepreneur
who also saw the potential of the location
and the neighborhood with a great concept
and a great idea for a community amenity.
And that marriage really made this work.
So around 2007 we started talking to Columbia about moving
and that's how we This was the last spot in the neighborhood
and I absolutely loved it. And I went to Columbia and I asked them
if we could make something happen.
And together we made something happen.
Clearly John business model while he serves lunch and he serves early dinner
he's really here to help make a significant contribution for West Harlem.
Welcome to Dino.
He wanted to make sure Dinosaur Barbecue stayed true to Dinosaur Barbecue
and he really worked hand-in-hand with us to make sure he created
an architectural place that reflected Dinosaur Barbecue.
I like old barn wood We use the original ceiling.
So it's kind of like Harlem industrial meets roadhouse, like a Southern roadshouse.
So people who were used to the old location will walk in and feel at home here
but it's an expanded home. There's space for people to come and
to really listen to live music there is a space for people to come in
and see what's being served It's an absolutely perfect space.
I really appreciate Columbia's effort because I couldn't leave where I was
and go into something new and something that didn't feel like barbecue
so like I said we worked very hard to make this space happen
because this is the perfect space for me.
It is so magnificent because this place is phenomenal.
I sat in different spots yesterday around the restaurant to get a feel of the vibe
and my vibe is... It's a positive spirit here which is a wonderful thing
and I think the people are also are going to feel this spirit when they come in
and then continue to come back.
John is committed to the West Harlem community; has moved his business
only from 131st street to 125th street but in doing that has preserved 100 jobs;
is invested in the local community.
The economics is circulating within our community
and they are also purchasing from many businesses and vendors
in our community. So the dollar keeps circulating
and we are building up an economic base.
By being right up a block on 125th Street by the way which I like the address
even better because 125th resonates with people more than 131st does.
So I was thrilled, thrilled to get this building.
Thrilled to be in another meat packing house
and it just worked out really well.