Navigating life in New York City is becoming increasingly challenging, according to Alan Rosen, the esteemed owner of Junior’s Restaurant, a culinary landmark in Gotham. With his hands-on experience running three locations in downtown Brooklyn and Times Square, Rosen offers a unique, ground-level perspective on the city’s escalating difficulties.
“Living in New York City isn’t as simple as enjoying a slice of cheesecake,” Rosen, 55, asserts. “The city itself requires a polish, a smoothing over. It’s in dire need of a little shine.”
Rosen is vocal about the decline he observes in the city’s state, emphasizing the urgent need for a narrative shift and a reality check to enhance the city’s offerings. He expresses particular concern over the lenient stance on crime by local politicians, highlighting the growing issue of shoplifting as a glaring example of the city’s laxity towards criminal activities.
“The notion that shoplifting from a pharmacy is acceptable is baffling. There should be consequences to deter such actions,” Rosen passionately shares in an exclusive interview with The Post.
Safety concerns for his employees and personal experiences of violence, including an assault on his daughter in Bushwick, amplify his apprehension. The decision to adjust Junior’s Restaurant’s operating hours, closing before midnight as opposed to the pre-pandemic early morning hours, is a testament to the unease felt by Rosen and his team.
Rosen’s decision to speak out was spurred by recent events, including an assault on police officers by migrants near his establishments and a subway shooting, alongside alarming survey results from the Citizens Budget Commission indicating a widespread sentiment among New Yorkers that the city’s quality of life has deteriorated.
Addressing the city’s pressing issues, Rosen criticizes the cashless bail law for enabling repeat offenders to roam free and calls for increased support and respect for the police force. He also labels the city’s congestion pricing plan as “insane” and criticizes New York’s sanctuary policies for prioritizing migrants over long-term residents without addressing employment opportunities.
Despite his critiques, Rosen remains a staunch advocate for New York City, highlighting its unparalleled assets like the Broadway theater district. His commitment to the city is unwavering, with significant investments in his three stores. Rosen’s relocation of Junior’s main bakery to New Jersey a decade ago was a strategic move due to space and affordability constraints, yet he considers it an extension of the New York region.
Not one to shy away from political discourse, Rosen reflects on the city’s past leadership, praising the era under Mayor Mike Bloomberg and entertaining the idea of entering politics himself, driven by a desire for pragmatic and honest governance.
Alan Rosen’s call to action is clear: New York City must strive for improvement, addressing its issues head-on with the same efficiency and care as managing a business. His message is a rallying cry for a city that prides itself on resilience and innovation, urging a collective effort to restore its luster.