A new partnership is taking root in central Brooklyn, as the Tompkins Avenue Merchant Association (TAMA) teams up with local shop owners to bring renewed energy, and economic opportunity, to the community.

The collaborative initiative aims to spotlight the neighborhood’s vibrant small-business scene while encouraging residents to support the establishments that give Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights their unique character.

From barbershops to cocktail lounges, participating businesses are inviting locals to experience the best of the borough through a festive “Shop and Dine Holiday Crawl.” The event highlights the area’s diverse mix of merchants, offering everything from fresh cuts to handcrafted drinks, all linked together for an interactive neighborhood experience.

“This crawl will basically bring a lot of awareness to the corridor, because it strengthens small businesses and it helps to keep the money in the community,” said Beatrice Oscar, owner of Hatch.

The effort marks a significant moment for the newly formed Tompkins Avenue Merchant Association, which business owners say has helped unify storefronts along the corridor. “Now that TAMA was formed, it's a good way to bring all the businesses together and the neighborhood has grown exponentially,” said Rotimi Akinnuoye, owner of Bed-Vyne Wine.

Residents can use special TAMA Crawl Maps to guide themselves through participating shops, making it easy to eat, drink, and browse while supporting local entrepreneurs. For many owners, the crawl represents more than just foot traffic, it’s a chance to strengthen the mutual relationship between businesses and the community.

“When the good people of the community support us, we're giving to them and they're giving to us, and we're keeping the yin and yang flowing,” said Mark Daniel of Locale Barber Shop.

For organizers, the event is also about reminding residents that they don’t need to look far to find what they need.

“Everything that we are looking for is in our neighborhood—let's support our small business. It's keeping the dollar in our community,” said Oma Holloway, founder and chief strategist of Adena Consulting Group.

The Shop and Dine Holiday Crawl will take place on December