EaterWire: Checkers Opens, Billy's Bakery Freebies

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS— Brownstoner reports that NYC's first location of Checker's is now open at 111 Court St. [Brownstoner]

LOWER EAST SIDE—While residents continue to bitch and moan about the Thompson LES and its bars, owner Jason Pomeranc sticks to his guns: "Part of the process is to ingratiate the neighborhood and realize that the hotel, the pool, the restaurant, the bar are actually an asset and do make for a better, safer, cleaner neighborhood that creates more jobs and creates more energy and ultimately has a positive ripple effect for residents, for merchants, for everyone around it." [GS]

TRIBECA— Billy's Bakery opens a new location at 75 Franklin on Saturday. How to get freebies: "To start the day bright-eyed, we’ll provide a complimentary small coffee with every purchase from the store’s opening at 7AM until 11AM. And with every purchase from 7AM to 10PM, or while supplies last, we’ll include a coupon for a free cupcake. All day long we invite you to try free samples of our entire product line—from cupcakes and cakes to cookies, bars, pies, and cheesecakes." [EaterWire]