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Explore Your Neighborhood – John Cho

In the heart of Harlem not far from the pinnacle of 125th street and Malcolm X Blvd, you’ll find staple eateries like Sylvia’s, the famed Red Rooster and iconic Harlem destinations like Apollo Theater and Marcus Garvey Park. Throughout the years the neighborhood has changed, fact. Some locals would argue for better or for worst but small business owners like John Cho, who just opened 9 Tails NY, a cafe located on 126th street can stake a claim that his business brings to the table a place for people to meet, drinks delicious coffee and enjoy freshly baked pastries. Located in what was once the delivery loading dock for the adjacent hardware store, the cafe has a feel of a Japanese kitisan with beautiful utilization of space, light and greenery from the plant section of the hardware store, which you can see into when you order your coffee. John is passionate about coffee but he loves exploring food cuisines originating from different cultures and he would conclude that’s the best part of running your own business.

Tell us about your favorite Spots in your 12 block radius of your 9 Tails?
My favorite stomping grounds are usually food & beverage joints since I’m a glutton and all. I highly recommend ‘Caribbean Star’ right on 124th St. for their West Indian offerings & libations. (In my humble opinion they have the best curry chicken & Ackee & Saltfish in this part of town).
And if I’m in the mood for funk music & a cold one I’ll occupy a stool at Minton’s on 118th St. for a few sets.

Where are you from and what are the biggest differences you find between where the cafe is located?
I was born in Buffalo, NY, raised between Jamaica, Queens & Central Jersey, and studied in Philly for 10 years.
There are no differences between Harlem & Queens, Jersey or Philly. People are the same everywhere. We all want to be seen, heard, and loved. That’s it.

John is wearing the Calden Crew Neck Tee and the Modern Chino

When discovering a new neighborhood, is there something you immediately seek?

I keep an eye out for the local bodega because they’re the true eyes & ears of the block. Forget the city census; if you really want accurate demographics, things to do or the latest neighborhood news then look no further than your corner bodega boys.

What is something that Harlem has that your home neighborhood doesn’t have?

A disproportionate number of methadone clinics.


What influences does your neighborhood have on you?

West Harlem has influenced my level of involvement in the local city government. It has inspired me to get more involved in the local policy-making processes that have a direct effect on the community.
Harlem is known to be rich in history and culture. As someone new to the neighborhood, what does it mean to you on how you want to impact your neighbors? I think as an import I have an obligation to educate myself on the history of events & figures that have come before me, and in turn, impart this history via oral tradition and practice.
Most of my neighbors are similar to myself; millennial transplants that largely moved here for affordable rents. In doing so, we kick-started a level of gentrification that trumps that of Williamsburg or even LIC. I feel that we owe it to the locals to understand and apply this knowledge to the evolving culture of Harlem not out of guilt but out of sheer respect.

John is wearing the Marion Trench (coming soon), Lanier Hoodie and the Calden Crew Neck Tee

Check out more about 9 Tails – here

Photos and words by: Josh Illyas

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