'Sandy Put Us On The Map': Westfield Shop's Storm-Driven Evolution

WESTFIELD, NJ — Bohemian Raspberry, a beloved frozen yogurt shop, first opened in Westfield just days before Superstorm Sandy hit.

Some may say the timing was unfortunate, but owner Barry Goldenberg said the devastating storm is actually what put the store "on the map."

As this week marks the 10 year anniversary of Sandy, it sadly also marks the last week of Bohemian Raspberry in Westfield.

The business that became a Westfield staple in 2012 is now being forced to shutter for good.

A Haven During Sandy

After Superstorm Sandy swept through Westfield on Oct. 28, 2012, many residents and businesses were left without power for nearly a week.

High winds caused trees to fall on power lines, as well as people's home's — deeming many uninhabitable, according to NJ.com.

At the time, PSE&G reported at least 10,000 power outages in Westfield, and residents reported flashes of blue and green in the sky, which was believed to be transformers exploding due to the high winds and intense rain.

The Westfield Fire Department was inundated with urgent calls in the following days, and Westfield Public Schools were closed for two weeks in the aftermath.

Read more: Major Power Outages Throughout Westfield as Hurricane Sandy Hits

When Goldenberg drove by his store the day after the storm, he was amazed that his "grand opening" flags were still standing and waving in the wind.

While he had lost electric in his own home, Goldenberg said Bohemian Raspberry miraculously still had power.

"We became a way station when no one else had power," Goldenberg said.

He recalls that the only other business with power that he knew of was the bagel shop located next door.

As hundreds of residents were without power and heat, Goldenberg opened up the frozen yogurt shop as a charging station and a place for shelter and warmth.

"We were pretty well packed for almost a week after the storm," Goldenberg said. "We would literally have families coming in and just hanging out, getting warm."

For the most part, Goldenberg said people were charging their phones and computers. Some residents were even trying to do work inside the frozen yogurt shop.

"There was one family, the father was in advertising, and he literally did a campaign while sitting on the floor," Goldenberg said.

Goldenberg also gave out bags of ice to residents to help preserve their food that would likely go bad due to the lack of refrigeration at the time.

"One thing I remember very, very distinctly is a real feeling of community," Goldenberg said. "Everybody was in the same boat. Everybody was a little nicer to each other. You'd imagine with all these people and all the kids, screaming babies, people would be unnerved. But everybody was was helpful and very grateful for having a warm place."

Ten Years Later

After surviving a major rough patch during the COVID-19 pandemic, Goldenberg is now forced to permanently close his beloved store due to complications with his landlord.

For the safety of his staff and customers, Goldenberg closed Bohemian Raspberry for seven months during the pandemic. He eventually opened the shop for curbside pick-up only, but he said it was very inefficient and business still wasn't doing well.

In March of this year, Goldenberg fully reopened the shop, and he said business improved tremendously since then.

But when his landlord approached him in May of this year wanting to double his rent, Goldenberg was worried he wouldn't be able to afford. After trying to negotiate, he eventually agreed to a three-year lease with the increased rent.

Soon after this agreement, however, Goldenberg received a fax message from the landlord, ordering him to vacate the property by Nov. 1.

After much negotiation, and Goldenberg even offering to pay the landlord a year's rent in advance, the landlord would not budge and the closing date was final.

"I have no idea what they're going to do with the building," Goldenberg said. "It might be vacant, and they don't have someone else to rent it to at this point as far as I know."

But Goldenberg said the outpouring of support that he has received from customers about the shop has been like something out of "It's A Wonderful Life."

"There's not a day that goes by that people don't come in and make offers to help out financially or to help us move some place," Goldenberg said. "It's kind of heartbreaking. What started out as a lark has really become a huge part of my life."

Goldenberg said he is unsure if he will try to move the business elsewhere, but he said if he found a place with adequate parking he would consider moving. If he does move, he plans to stay in either Westfield, Cranford or Garwood.

"You never think a yogurt shop would have such an impact on people," Goldenberg said. "And I've learned through the years that little things count. Not just yogurt shops, but just the little things in general."

Saturday will be the last day Bohemian Raspberry is open. You can grab a final scoop at 219 South Avenue East in Westfield.