As previously reported in Plaintalker II, the Cardona family took over the longtime business after it was put up for sale three years ago. Brothers Rich and Doug Borchers both passed away after 30 years of serving customers.
The new owners added equipment rentals and were also bilingual, a plus as the city's Latino population had increased 67 percent from 2000 to 2010. But the store itself became cramped as many new items were added. When another longtime family business, Williams Surgical, vacated its store on the same block, the Cardonas decided to take the larger space.
"This is where we come from," he said, explaining that he and his father, Luis Cardona, made Plainfield their home after moving from Colombia.
Jhon Cardona
"We have a set group of customers who are very loyal," he said. "We're starting to see a lot of new faces, which is good."Park Hardware
623-627 Park Ave., Plainfield
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: (908) 754-9137
Glad they are expanding and doing well but I miss Rich and Doug's hardware store it had that old time feel, very friendly and helpful you could walk right in the back door and they were always so helpful. The new store has lost that feeling, it feels commercialized like a home depot or lowes. I still shop there as its local and much easier than heading out to 22
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Park Hardware on the new location and a big "Thank you" to Bernice for reminding us all about this local gem!
ReplyDeleteThis comment was accidentally deleted:
ReplyDeleteOnce we all start going there, and supporting our local business, I am sure it will have the old feel. Nice to have them here!