Ann Cantrell, Founder of Annie’s Blue Ribbon, Finds the Best Stoop Stuff

She also shares her Park Slope favorites, including an herby, cheesy Greek salad, hair salon, and fun magazine for girls.

Hi, I’m Kelley MacDonald, and each week, I interview a fun Park Sloper about their life and favorite things to see, eat, and do around the neighborhood. If you'd like to read these interviews, please upgrade to paid. If you stick with a free subscription, you'll get my monthly emails and occasional free emails. Thank you so much for being here!

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Hi! Did you feel the earthquake this morning?! I was doing some last-minute edits and all of a sudden our building was swaying and squeaking — it was wild! Our relatives all over New England felt it too.

Today, I’m excited to share my interview with Ann Cantrell, owner of Park Slope’s beloved Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store. Ann opened her store in 2007 in Boerum Hill before moving to Park Slope a few years later. “As soon as I moved here, it felt so community-oriented,” says Ann.

In this week’s issue, Ann shares what makes her store stand out, some amazing stoop finds, and a bunch of her favorite Park Slope businesses. Ann had so many great recommendations, and I didn’t want to leave any out, so this email is long and may get cut off in your inbox. Make sure to click “view entire message” when you reach the bottom...

“We all have personalized Santa hats from our Holiday party a few years ago.”

Kelley MacDonald: Hi Ann! I’m a big fan of Annie’s Blue Ribbon, so chatting with you one-on-one is exciting! While researching for your interview, I noticed that you go by Ann — not Annie. Why did you use “Annie” in the name of your shop?

Ann Cantrell: So my maiden name was Lopatin. All my close friends call me Annie Loo; if you're one of my buds, you call me Annie Loo. But my husband calls me Ann. You can call me Ann. 

Aw, such a sweet sentiment! So one thing I learned recently about Annie’s Blue Ribbon is that it was originally in Boerum Hill. What made you move it to Park Slope?

Right, I started my shop in Boerum Hill. I was living in Brooklyn Heights at the time, right near where my dad worked. He loved that neighborhood. I lived there for 13 years. Then, I moved the shop to Park Slope. The owners of a store that was here, Scaredy Kat, were moving to North Carolina, and they wanted to find another small business that they thought would be a complement to the neighborhood. So, through a mutual business friend, we were put in touch.

Ann and her buyer, Val Paolini, celebrating at Bar Vinazio.

When did you and your family move to Park Slope?

We’ve been in Park Slope for seven years now, but this area was a big part of my life growing up. My dad worked for the MTA in Brooklyn, and my grandmother lived in Coney Island. And my aunt lived on Fourth Avenue and 15th Street. She would send me out for a slice of pizza, Italian ice, and Barbie doll clothes from a store on Fifth Avenue. So, I used to come here a lot when I was a little kid, like 45/50 years ago. When I was in eighth grade or so, I would go to the PS 321 Flea Market to go thrifting. 

That’s so cool that you have that connection to PS 321, especially since your daughter went there.

I know — it’s crazy!

Annie’s sponsors the Jaguars, a local softball team. Ann is pictured with the team’s MVP Melanie Hope (L) and fellow sponsor and owner of Dirty Precious Katipai Richardson-Wilson (R). “They gave me a team jersey,” says Ann.

What do you love the most about living in Park Slope?

Oh, the community, absolutely. I love our neighbors. I love to walk out the door and say hi to all my neighbors. When I lived in Brooklyn Heights, I knew people at the deli and my dry cleaner, but I didn't know my neighbors as well and definitely not people on the street.

I love the connection we have through stoop stuff. I know it’s like...