Bodega rents its storefront for $329 a night on Airbnb

Ever wanted to sleep in the window front of a bodega? Now's your chance! Sort of.

Part performance art piece, part protest against gentrification, Jesse's Deli in Boerum Hill has put its storefront area up for rent on Airbnb for $329 a night, according to Gothamist. The deli is facing a huge rent hike, from $4,000 a month to $10,000 a month, that they're trying to fight in court. They have previously put up posters for "artisanal roach bombs," "hand-fried chicken cutlet sandwiches" and "barnyard scent country deodorant." Now, activists Doug Cameron and Tommy Noonan set up the bodega's window front with a bed charging $329, the exact price it would need daily to stay open under the new rent. 

The Airbnb description reads: "Unique property on Atlantic Avenue in gentrifying section of Brooklyn. The cozy semi-private 7x4 bedroom with lofty 14 ft ceilings is separated from the deli by a Doritos and Lays chip stand and book shelf.... Well-stocked mini-bar, with assorted seasonal craft beers and imports.."

Of course, you can't actually sleep there. The shop is closed between 2am and 6am, and besides, guests can't access the bathroom "which is for employees only. Thankfully, there are many restaurants nearby on 5th street, Brooklyn's 'restaurant row,' which have bathrooms for customers." But, you can take all the selfies your heart desires. 

Any money raised "would go to help Jesse’s with their moving expenses, and then if there is money left over, support further prankster activism aimed at lowering regular citizens' rents in New York," Cameron says. 

Check out photos of the #AirBnBodega:

 

for only $329/night, you too can rent an authentic bodega bedroom in Boerum Hill. on Monday, I was invited to help set up an installation protesting obscene rent hikes on behalf of local business owners in NYC. #AirBnBodega explores how gentrification and the allure of new profit leaves business owners like Jesse, owner of this deli for 25 years, with 2.5x rent increases and no representation. Join the fight. Share their stories. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this @elzorscastle.

A photo posted by rebeccamariejo (@rebeccamariejo) on Sep 23, 2015 at 7:56pm PDT

 

#SleepingBeauty at #Brooklyn / #AirBnBodega against #Hipster #gentrification in #NewYork / #sleepover #otherpeoplesbeds #Nyc

A photo posted by Rodrigo Jardon (@rodrigojardon) on Sep 23, 2015 at 10:12pm PDT

 

From the team that brought you the "gentrification price hike," I present to you you the latest brilliant campaign in the fight to save our corner bodega from their 250% rent increase: AirBnBodgea @airbnbodega #airbnbodega #savejessesdeli #savenyc #doritosglamorshots #sbjsa #jessespricedout

A photo posted by alexis o (@lxsalexis) on Sep 20, 2015 at 6:44pm PDT