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Minding the Store: A Big Story about a Small Business
“I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I could go for a second helping!”—Amy Sedaris “Entrepreneurs will learn a thing or two about translating a dream into thoughtful business growth, and everyone will laugh, cry, and nod along with a woman who has chosen to live an extraordinary life amidst many piles of dishes.” —Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, founder of Shake Shack, author of the New York Times bestseller Setting the Table In this charming graphic memoir, the founder of an iconic housewares shop recounts the ups and downs—and ups again—of starting a family business, starting a family, and staying true to one’s path while trying to make it in the Big City. Whether it’s a set of vintage plates from a 1920s steamship, a mug with a New Yorker cartoon on it, a tin of sprinkles designed by Amy Sedaris, or a juice glass from a Jazz Age hotel, Fishs Eddy products are distinctly recognizable. A New York institution, Fishs Eddy also remains a family business whose owners endured the same challenges as many family businesses—and lived to write about it in this tale filled with humorous characterizations of opinionated relatives, nosy neighbors, quirky employees, and above all the eccentric foibles of the founders themselves. Readers come to know author Julie Gaines and her husband, with whom she founded the store, and because this is a family business, the illustrations are all in the family, their son Ben Lenovitz’s drawings bring Fishs Eddy to life with a witty style a la Roz Chast and Ben Katchor. Over the years the store has collaborated with artists and celebrities such as Charley Harper and Todd Oldham, Alan Cumming, and many others to produce original designs that are now found in thousands of stores throughout the country, and Fishs Eddy has garnered a huge amount of media coverage. A great gift for anyone who has ever dreamed of opening a little business—or anyone with any kind of dream—Minding the Store offers wisdom, inspiration, and an exceedingly entertaining story.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
5 people are currently reading
1715 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 29, 2018
I’ll confess I’ve never heard of Fishs Eddy before. But I'm passionately fond of graphic novels, so I decided to check this out. What an utterly charming book!
Julie Gaines, along with her husband Dave, co-founded Fishs Eddy, which the back cover describes as an “iconic housewares shop.” I’ll take their word for it. Never heard of the place, but 1) I don't live in NYC, nor have I ever visited, and 2) housewares aren't really my thing. The book chronicles the growth of their business--which seems to have been fairly smooth and steady, though they may be glossing over some things. Anyway, the focus is on the good times and quirky employees and happy memories. Neither Gaines nor her son, Ben Lenovitz, are graphic novel professionals, but there's definite passion and heart to this book. It reads well, and it will make you happy, or at least that was its effect on me.
This is one of those oddball delights that warms my heart and reminds me of why I’m so fond of the comics medium in the first place. Recommended!
Julie Gaines, along with her husband Dave, co-founded Fishs Eddy, which the back cover describes as an “iconic housewares shop.” I’ll take their word for it. Never heard of the place, but 1) I don't live in NYC, nor have I ever visited, and 2) housewares aren't really my thing. The book chronicles the growth of their business--which seems to have been fairly smooth and steady, though they may be glossing over some things. Anyway, the focus is on the good times and quirky employees and happy memories. Neither Gaines nor her son, Ben Lenovitz, are graphic novel professionals, but there's definite passion and heart to this book. It reads well, and it will make you happy, or at least that was its effect on me.
This is one of those oddball delights that warms my heart and reminds me of why I’m so fond of the comics medium in the first place. Recommended!
January 17, 2019
Thanks to Goodreads and Algonquin books for this ARC.
Even though I don't read graphic novels, or in this case, non-fiction, it's fast reading (finished it in one day).
I was curious about how they came up with the quirky name of their business "Fishs Eddy" and come to find out it was a very small town in Upstate NY that they passed.
I love discovering new places, even in books, even if I never visit the store and this store wasn't just unique in it's selling of the wares, dishes, glassware, etc., but the search for them in basements of old places selling these pieces from old restaurants, hotels and other places that they didn't want them and had them in storage for years and years. Like they say, what's other people's trash is another people's treasure.
It's also a love story about Julie and Dave who meet at his cousin's store where she was looking for drinking glasses. They had their ups and downs in their stores -- buying too many and then closing them but they got smart and got professionals to help them since they knew they couldn't do it on their own. I love the fact that she had the chutzpah to reach out to Caroline Kennedy to help with helping their giving back campaign to public schools and she reached out to various clothes designers to help develop designs for their cups and plates.
Their son Ben did the graphics for this book and they were wonderful. They also have a daughter Susie.
Even though I don't read graphic novels, or in this case, non-fiction, it's fast reading (finished it in one day).
I was curious about how they came up with the quirky name of their business "Fishs Eddy" and come to find out it was a very small town in Upstate NY that they passed.
I love discovering new places, even in books, even if I never visit the store and this store wasn't just unique in it's selling of the wares, dishes, glassware, etc., but the search for them in basements of old places selling these pieces from old restaurants, hotels and other places that they didn't want them and had them in storage for years and years. Like they say, what's other people's trash is another people's treasure.
It's also a love story about Julie and Dave who meet at his cousin's store where she was looking for drinking glasses. They had their ups and downs in their stores -- buying too many and then closing them but they got smart and got professionals to help them since they knew they couldn't do it on their own. I love the fact that she had the chutzpah to reach out to Caroline Kennedy to help with helping their giving back campaign to public schools and she reached out to various clothes designers to help develop designs for their cups and plates.
Their son Ben did the graphics for this book and they were wonderful. They also have a daughter Susie.
December 30, 2018
I'm not sure what the intended audience is for this.
The art is childish and the story is told in a very simplistic manner, but I think children would have no interest in this story about a store selling secondhand dishes in New York City. As an adult, I found it dull and a bit frustrating for all the gaps and unanswered questions about how people so bad at running a business have managed to stay in business.
Ultimately, I guess this vague and self-serving book is a souvenir for fans of the Fishs Eddy store to purchase in the store.
The art is childish and the story is told in a very simplistic manner, but I think children would have no interest in this story about a store selling secondhand dishes in New York City. As an adult, I found it dull and a bit frustrating for all the gaps and unanswered questions about how people so bad at running a business have managed to stay in business.
Ultimately, I guess this vague and self-serving book is a souvenir for fans of the Fishs Eddy store to purchase in the store.
January 27, 2021
This is a winsome memoir, but perhaps it's mostly appealing to a limited audience of those who know and are fond of the store (and New York institution), Fishs Eddy, which is really the main character of the book. The illustrations, by the author's son, are amateurish, but I found this more charming than off-putting. I sure hope the store makes it through the pandemic.
January 22, 2019
This was an interesting look at my favourite NYC store - Fishs Eddy - and how it evolved over the years. I liked the inside look and the art was great, too! This was a quick read, over a lunch hour, and more of a graphic memoir than a business how to (which I didn't mind, that's what I was looking for). Overall, enjoyable especially if you know the store.
November 9, 2018
As the partner of someone who wants her own business, this was an interesting and at times enlightening read. I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss - but I think I want to own a copy too.
June 27, 2018
I loved this illustrated biography chronicling the beginnings of New York's Fishs Eddy.
October 16, 2024
This was sweet and kind of funny, but I think it would have been more meaningful if I had ever heard of this store.
November 25, 2018
I had Minding the Store on my library hold queue for a while, and the BPL delivered it to me this weekend, on Small Business Saturday! How perfect! So I hunkered down in my local (small business) coffee shop and read this fun graphic memoir about the personal and business adventures of the founders of the dish store on Union Sq, Fishs Eddy. Part economic adventure story of new adults in New York and part a personal family story, Minding the Store is certainly full of precious lessons learned, dead pan humor, and two very feisty mothers! From learning how not to expand to learning how to hire and fire, the business aspect of the story is a nice little peek into the world of small, family-owned and -run businesses. Though the mothers really bring in the laughs!
Recommended for those who like airports, the NY skyline, Staten Island(ers), and kitchenware.
Recommended for those who like airports, the NY skyline, Staten Island(ers), and kitchenware.
December 20, 2019
Sometimes I check out graphic novels for their 'ease.' in reading... I have to say this one is a great example of why this format works so well.. not only is it a well written story but the pictures add to the understanding of the plot...
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May 8, 2022I love this book a lot. The artwork is really cool and I would like to visit Fishes Eddy. Theme: Family has ups and downs? I couldn't really find an obvious theme in this book since it's sort of an autobiography but that was one takeaway from it.
May 13, 2019
Loved it! What a great story.
May 28, 2019
As an aspiring entrepreneur, this firsthand account of the ups and downs of starting, growing, nearly losing and ultimately successfully running a small business really spoke to me. I can't wait to visit Fishs Eddy the next time I'm in NYC!
September 19, 2022
Special for me because Julie personally did a walkthrough her journey in the store, plus I have a signed edition!
April 29, 2019
Very cute!
December 7, 2018
I am not familiar with Fish Eddy's and honestly, I am not sure how I came across this book in the first place. In any case, we have a fairly broad overview of Julie and Matt's venture into selling historic and antique dishware to the New York City community as well as some personal notes. It was a good read regarding business and life in NYC, but not so much with personal revelations and artistic direction.
If you want to read about what and how Fish Eddy's came to be, this is a good read - it is a bit incredible how they found out that restaurants were keeping literally thousands of old dishes in their basements and that Julie was able to just scoop them up for a profit. While I am sure there is more to the story of how the business is conducted, it is not laid out in great detail. There is a lot of commentary on how managing a staff as well as CEOs for the business was a challenge in itself, let alone managing several branches and a warehouse. Julie and Matt seemed to have been very business-oriented with a good sense of direction, but it did not seem to apply to their home life.
As for their home life, not a whole lot is revealed. It touches upon both of their mothers, resulting into terrible decisions of having them work the stores. Later on, Julie and Matt have children, which appears to be a mixed response to life satisfaction on both ends. Towards the end, Julie further touches upon some health issues due to a high-stress life, but overall, I did not feel like I knew who Julie and Matt were any better compared to the start of the book.
The art style bugged me more than I expected. I am usually pretty open to all types of art styles and methods, but this just... could have been better. The cover is a bit misleading (although that often is the case of graphic novels), although it is not THAT dramatic of a difference. I am likely nitpicking over this more than necessary - however, I was quite surprised to see what Julie and Matt looked like at the end of the book.
If you want to read about what and how Fish Eddy's came to be, this is a good read - it is a bit incredible how they found out that restaurants were keeping literally thousands of old dishes in their basements and that Julie was able to just scoop them up for a profit. While I am sure there is more to the story of how the business is conducted, it is not laid out in great detail. There is a lot of commentary on how managing a staff as well as CEOs for the business was a challenge in itself, let alone managing several branches and a warehouse. Julie and Matt seemed to have been very business-oriented with a good sense of direction, but it did not seem to apply to their home life.
As for their home life, not a whole lot is revealed. It touches upon both of their mothers, resulting into terrible decisions of having them work the stores. Later on, Julie and Matt have children, which appears to be a mixed response to life satisfaction on both ends. Towards the end, Julie further touches upon some health issues due to a high-stress life, but overall, I did not feel like I knew who Julie and Matt were any better compared to the start of the book.
The art style bugged me more than I expected. I am usually pretty open to all types of art styles and methods, but this just... could have been better. The cover is a bit misleading (although that often is the case of graphic novels), although it is not THAT dramatic of a difference. I am likely nitpicking over this more than necessary - however, I was quite surprised to see what Julie and Matt looked like at the end of the book.
August 7, 2024
This whole book made me so happy. A nice little story, in a nice format, in a nice book. Would recommend to everyone.
September 11, 2018
Loved this sweet and charming story about the trials and tribulations of developing a successful business in Manhattan. I had never heard of Fishs Eddy (yes, that is the correct spelling and non-punctuation) before but it sounds like a fun and appealing place to visit. Most everyone who reads this well-told graphic memoir will want to add the store to their list of "must-visits" when in NYC.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy.
March 25, 2020
Not super gripping in pacing nor did I feel that drawn in to the story. I did like the simple drawing style, but wish we had either focused on one aspect, as it felt very much an overview.
May 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book about a creative couple that decides to start a shop in Gramercy Park in NYC. They are master salvagers/ finders of stuff to sell. Julie's art student eye helps them grab great finds for Fishs Eddy. Ultimately, they focus their efforts on selling dishes. Some of them come from abandoned old speakeasy basements to ultimately ones they design themselves and have other famous artists propose.
However, neither Dave nor Julie come from a business background. So as their business shifts and expands and they add 2 kids in the mix, they confront new challenges. Everything, from having their mothers work in the shop rather unsuccessfully, to encountering nasty expensive business minded executives. They have some great initiatives to give back to the community and manage to collaborate with some lovely people. Some parts are genuinely heartwarming that a couple who is just trying to run and honest business that is a part of the community can make a difference.
The shop ultimately lands its main location right near Union Square. I didn't realize I had been in there, until I was quite a ways through this book. I remember visiting when I went to the famouse Farmer's Market in the park!
Ultimately, they need to find the path that is right for them and their family and is a business model with a heart.
I love that this book is illustrated by their son!
However, neither Dave nor Julie come from a business background. So as their business shifts and expands and they add 2 kids in the mix, they confront new challenges. Everything, from having their mothers work in the shop rather unsuccessfully, to encountering nasty expensive business minded executives. They have some great initiatives to give back to the community and manage to collaborate with some lovely people. Some parts are genuinely heartwarming that a couple who is just trying to run and honest business that is a part of the community can make a difference.
The shop ultimately lands its main location right near Union Square. I didn't realize I had been in there, until I was quite a ways through this book. I remember visiting when I went to the famouse Farmer's Market in the park!
Ultimately, they need to find the path that is right for them and their family and is a business model with a heart.
I love that this book is illustrated by their son!
March 7, 2020
Heartwarming, quirky and fun. Fishs Eddy through and through.
After passing Fishs Eddy every day after work for nearly a year, I finally went in to shop for a 16 year anniversary present for my husband. I knew nothing about its’ history, but found $70 worth of our 2&1/2 years in NYC story-worthy bowls, including a NYC skyline pasta bowl. Having just adopted a three year-old Pittbull
named Clutch, I was intrigued by the artist’s corner in the back where an artist-in-residence, Ben Lenovitz, displayed hit customized pet portraits and artist’s blocks. After a brief introduction, I took one of his postcards and a picture of his gallery to show the hubs. I found Ben on IG and spent some time researching his artwork history over the last three years that led him to his current success. One of his artist events as at Fishs Eddy which led me to find this little gem, noticing that Ben was the illustrator. I bought and read this fabulous graphic novel and will recommend it (and the shop) to anyone and everyone we meet! It’s pure Awesomesauce!
After passing Fishs Eddy every day after work for nearly a year, I finally went in to shop for a 16 year anniversary present for my husband. I knew nothing about its’ history, but found $70 worth of our 2&1/2 years in NYC story-worthy bowls, including a NYC skyline pasta bowl. Having just adopted a three year-old Pittbull
named Clutch, I was intrigued by the artist’s corner in the back where an artist-in-residence, Ben Lenovitz, displayed hit customized pet portraits and artist’s blocks. After a brief introduction, I took one of his postcards and a picture of his gallery to show the hubs. I found Ben on IG and spent some time researching his artwork history over the last three years that led him to his current success. One of his artist events as at Fishs Eddy which led me to find this little gem, noticing that Ben was the illustrator. I bought and read this fabulous graphic novel and will recommend it (and the shop) to anyone and everyone we meet! It’s pure Awesomesauce!
June 27, 2020
This was one of those books I wasn't really looking for but I'm glad I did find. It's an illustrated true story about Fishs Eddy, a NYC store selling vintage dishware and other bric-a-brac.
I enjoyed every bit of this book — Julie Gaines' life before she met her husband Dave Lenovitz and after, their journey to building their own business and family — and all the hiccups along the way.
I found myself chuckling from time to time even at what's supposed to be the sad parts of the story: failed business moves, death of a loved one, and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis that it makes me wonder why Julie didn't make it as a stand-up comedienne.
When I finished this book, I had a stupid smile on my face especially after realizing that the beautiful illustrations were done by their son, Ben.
This book deserves to be read and rated by more than just 286 people here on Goodreads (and outside of it) and definitely receive 5 stars no less.
If you're in the Philippines, go buy it at biblio.ph for only P349.00 — hardback and full color!
I enjoyed every bit of this book — Julie Gaines' life before she met her husband Dave Lenovitz and after, their journey to building their own business and family — and all the hiccups along the way.
I found myself chuckling from time to time even at what's supposed to be the sad parts of the story: failed business moves, death of a loved one, and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis that it makes me wonder why Julie didn't make it as a stand-up comedienne.
When I finished this book, I had a stupid smile on my face especially after realizing that the beautiful illustrations were done by their son, Ben.
This book deserves to be read and rated by more than just 286 people here on Goodreads (and outside of it) and definitely receive 5 stars no less.
If you're in the Philippines, go buy it at biblio.ph for only P349.00 — hardback and full color!
December 17, 2018
Such a great read.
Minding the Store: A Big Story about a Small Business is a quaint and unique way to create a fantastic memoir. Graphic novel form....the story of Fishs Eddy...or rather how it became to be and how it continues to be. A hole in the wall unknown place to the quirky Mecca of eclectic dishes and glassware. Funny little retellings of the ups and downs of starting a small business..witty in it's telling. You just can't read this book and not grow a deeper appreciation for all the "mom and pop" shops of our little world.
Fantastic read. Whimsical...heartwarming...endearing...funny...and the illustrations are wonderful!!
Thanks to author Julie Gaines and to Illustrator Ben Lenovitz and of course to goodreads for my free copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
Minding the Store: A Big Story about a Small Business is a quaint and unique way to create a fantastic memoir. Graphic novel form....the story of Fishs Eddy...or rather how it became to be and how it continues to be. A hole in the wall unknown place to the quirky Mecca of eclectic dishes and glassware. Funny little retellings of the ups and downs of starting a small business..witty in it's telling. You just can't read this book and not grow a deeper appreciation for all the "mom and pop" shops of our little world.
Fantastic read. Whimsical...heartwarming...endearing...funny...and the illustrations are wonderful!!
Thanks to author Julie Gaines and to Illustrator Ben Lenovitz and of course to goodreads for my free copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
March 2, 2020
It had it's interesting moments, but mostly I wondered why this story was made into a graphic novel. I had never heard of of Fishs Eddy, although I guess they're an iconic store in NYC? I found it kind of odd because their moms were horrible at customer service, but apparently took over the running of the store (it didn't explain why). Then it casually drops in that Dave started smoking more pot than ever (the kids even bought him a bong for his bday?!) but it had never mentioned pot before. Then you wonder where Noah the cousin-and-partner went.
The overall take away for me was that Julie and Dave were really bad at business, they had extremely poor judgment in hiring people, and that their kids didn't seem that great. The artwork was so-so for this kind of story, but not really to my taste.
The overall take away for me was that Julie and Dave were really bad at business, they had extremely poor judgment in hiring people, and that their kids didn't seem that great. The artwork was so-so for this kind of story, but not really to my taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2021
I think I discovered a (very niche) genre that I really like: autobiographical graphic novels. After having read this and 'Uncomfortably Happy', by Hong Yeon-sik, I think there's something I really enjoy about them. They aren't autobiographies by any means (they seem to deal with just a certain period, and are obviously non-exhaustive and just give a broad overview), but they help to get a quick feel for what the author experienced, and the graphics help because I don't overlay my own imagery, but see what the author saw and remembers. I'm not sure if that explanation made sense, but suffice it to say that I enjoyed this book a great deal and I look forward to reading more in this niche genre, if I can find any.
I may even visit Fishs Eddy the next time I'm in New York, even though I confess it's not my style of store.
I may even visit Fishs Eddy the next time I'm in New York, even though I confess it's not my style of store.
November 2, 2023
This is an inspiring story of a business started by the author and her husband in NYC in the 1970s. It would be a graphic novel except that it is not a novel but a true story of the challenges and successes and of starting and running a small retail business. Illustrations are by the author's son. The store they create evolves into a china shop, in the best possible way. They find old hotel and discontinued brand china, clean it up and sell it. they even create their own pattern, the New York skyline, which keeps them in business after 9/11 happens. When U. S. companies go out of business, they buy all the old stock and are soon doing much bigger business than they had ever dreamed.
challenges include raising children, hiring the wrong people, expanding too quickly, and the authors' diagnosis of MS. Humorous, interesting and worthwhile read.
challenges include raising children, hiring the wrong people, expanding too quickly, and the authors' diagnosis of MS. Humorous, interesting and worthwhile read.
December 11, 2019
I enjoyed reading the backstory of one of my favorite New York City stores. Made me think about all the small businesses in the city and how they can die as easily as they are born, but they all have stories and people at the heart of them. I also have a lot of respect for anyone who admits to missteps along the way to realizing a passion.
Would anyone be interested in this if they don’t live in NYC? Not sure. Even if you live here, if you’re not a fan of that particular store would you even care? Not sure. Also it’s quite short and glosses over some pivotal moments.
I guess I just wanted a little more, but it’s a charming little graphic diary. It’s so quirky and niche I’m not sure it has broad appeal. Recommended if you like graphic journals/diary style books and NYC store icons.
Would anyone be interested in this if they don’t live in NYC? Not sure. Even if you live here, if you’re not a fan of that particular store would you even care? Not sure. Also it’s quite short and glosses over some pivotal moments.
I guess I just wanted a little more, but it’s a charming little graphic diary. It’s so quirky and niche I’m not sure it has broad appeal. Recommended if you like graphic journals/diary style books and NYC store icons.
July 6, 2018
Julie Gaines reminisces about the experience of starting and running the famous dishes store Fishs Eddy in New York City, along with her partner Dave Lenovitz. Much of the book is light on details and on story arc, with chapters often ending abruptly; it reads almost like an oral history in places. However, Gaines' enjoyable irony and the emotion she put into the business come through admirably. The chapter on the difficulty the business had with its various CEOs is by far the most interesting and the most entertaining. This book will appeal most to fans of Fishs Eddy and to a lesser extent to fans of NYC, especially those who are wanting more after Roz Chast's Going into Town.
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October 25, 2018A unique and entertaining look at the ups and downs of the iconic NY specialty shop Fishs Eddy, told in the style of a short graphic novel illustrated by the founders’ son. The author is candid about the challenges she and her husband faced starting and sustaining their business, and it is fun to find out more about the unique vision that has led to Fishs Eddy’s success.
Please note that I don’t use the star rating system, so this review should not be viewed as a zero.
(For actual advice about running an independent retail store, I’d humbly recommend the new edition of my book, Specialty Shop Retailing: How You Can Succeed in Today’s Market.)
Please note that I don’t use the star rating system, so this review should not be viewed as a zero.
(For actual advice about running an independent retail store, I’d humbly recommend the new edition of my book, Specialty Shop Retailing: How You Can Succeed in Today’s Market.)
March 1, 2019
Okay, I thought this was so sweet! Read in one quick sitting. After looking up a bit about the store, I realized that I must have walked past Fishs Eddy many times, as it's in on street near Union Square that was part of my daily walks when I lived in NYC! How did I miss this place? Regardless, it was so fun to learn about the history of this little shop, which seems like such an unlikely success. I don't know what it was, but the humor of this book really worked for me. The jokes were subtle and often caught me off guard with their snark. Really great quick read with a unique illustration style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews