The Bieder family has owned and operated Westchester Square Plumbing Supply Co. since 1924, making theirs one of the oldest businesses near Castle Ave. in the Bronx. Ed, Tom and Bob, joined the family business close to thirty years ago and have kept it thriving after the death of their father Robert three years ago. The key to success they say, is maintaining an honest and trusting relationship with their customers. They have a number of loyal customers who continue to stop by despite moving out of the Bronx.
Anita Alicea has worked as a hair stylist in the northern Bronx since 1975. But she became a full-fledged business owner in 1993, when she took over the Hair Shoppe on Bainbridge Ave. The recent economic downturn has slowed the stream of customers stopping by, but Alicea tries to remain hopeful. She adapts her shop to the neighborhood, catering to an ever-changing clientele.
Frank Bees was established on Tremont Ave. in the Bronx in 1957. Since then the former five and dime shop has expanded to include a costume center, school uniform shop, and a carnival center. Their costumes have been featured on the Today Show, David Letterman, and in movies as well. Wayne Baker and his brother Craig, are the second generation to run this enterprise.
