As the Devil’s Gear Bike Shop opened doors downtown, “yea-sayers” saluted a community hub and a newly vibrant plaza.
Shop owner Matt Feiner (at right in photo, with one of the store managers, Mitch Dubey) cut the ribbon on his new store at 360 State St. during an opening celebration Thursday evening. Feiner moved his shop to the more central location after operating on Chapel Street in Wooster Square for eight years. He built the shop on his own, and opened for business last week.
“This is a dream come true,” he said.
The event drew one pedicab and dozens of cyclists, young and old.
Four-week-old Anna Pearlman (pictured above) sported a Devil’s Gear logo on her chest.
“She’ll be riding soon,” said her mom, Kristen Pearlman.
Jessica Johnson grabbed a piece of bruschetta provided by Romeo and Cesare’s.
Inside, mechanic Sara Kirschner trued a wheel.
Before trying to cut a ribbon with enormous, dull scissors, Mayor John DeStefano reflected on the bike shop’s legacy.
“Being community is being connected to a place, and people where you live,” he said. “There are places like that in New Haven that make us feel connected to one another.” Devil’s Gear has been one of those places, he said.
DeStefano added that he recalled when Pitkin Plaza was built, on Orange between Court and Chapel Streets, besides serving as the city’s “fourth homeless shelter, it was never a lively, vibrant place,” he said. The bike shop will help change that, he said.
Feiner thanked his staff, supporters, and people who don’t “knock New Haven.”
“Thank you for all the yea-sayers,” he said, raising a glass.
He and the mayor proceeded with a two-pronged attack on the ceremonial ribbon.
The opening was a fun event. Congratulations, Devil's Gear.