Vox Pop Closed by Tax Man, Quick Rebound Unlikely

Vox Pop, the previously victimized lefty coffee house in Ditmas Park, was shut down Tuesday for non-payment of back taxes. At the time, the state was demanding $56,000 to remove the locks from Vox Pop's door, but CEO and general manager Debi Ryan tells the Village Voice, "I've been able to negotiate." Now the Man has agreed to let Ryan reopen for $10,000, but that's still beyond her reach. So she's selling "shares" in Vox Pop for $40; with your share you get a copy of the recently published Vox Pop book, which details the cafe's five-year history. Plus free coffee refills!

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By John Del Signore in Food on December 18, 2009 5:50 PM

Comments [rss]

pd2009

They should just shutter that business, and then open a new one nearby.

Huffy6241

I reeeeally want to like Vox Pop too. There is already very little in that hood.

However, "selling shares" once again is akin to another "government bailout" from the community, with no real return on the investment other than a place to chill for the "army" of people with nothing better to do than sit around all day, maybe get a cup of coffee and feel like they are artists living the dream in the LES or Williamsburg. (probably not the type to support government bailouts of businesses)

I find the hype of the place and it's "history" far exceed the actual quality of service and food too. CBGB's or some home of revolutionary thinking the place really ain't. To me, it's just a coffee shop with a somewhat interesting magazine rack.

Technicaly, VP is also in Ditmas Park.

whitecastlerock

Pay your fucking taxes

Stewart

How does one reconcile with being "lefty" and not paying taxes? Seriously?

Darius

Vox Pop is brilliant. It's a community center for the 'hood. I hope she manages to come up with the bread for the man 'cause Kensington would not be the same without VP.

rebelbelle

I want to like Vox Pop. I know Debi inherited a hell of a mess and she's buoyed up the business remarkably well. Still, I'm more inclined to endure the Sirius satellite radio of Connecticut Muffin than get my coffee at VP. It's not that delicious, and the service. Oy, the service. Still, there seems to be a neighborhood VP army. Serious diehards. I guess I don't get it.