Opening as a music venue
In 1999, Andy McDowell, a former film and television set designer, leased the storefront from building owner Jerry Trotta. McDowell, who had moved to Williamsburg in 1990, was drawn to the location's relative isolation at the time, describing the area between Frost and Richardson Streets as "like the Bermuda Triangle" where few people walked. [1] McDowell opened Pete's Candy Store on December 1, 1999, with co-founder Juliana Nash serving as general manager and music booker. British singer Beth Orton performed the venue's first show before the back room was even fully completed. Nash established many of the venue's early residencies, booking acts including the Howard Fishman Quartet, Reverend Vince Anderson and his Love Choir, and Greg Garing. [2]
The venue quickly became a center of the emerging Williamsburg music scene. The intimate back room, which reviewers have compared to a train car, became known for hosting artists before they achieved wider recognition. Norah Jones performed there in the early 2000s, and bands including Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Dirty Projectors, The Walkmen, and Joanna Newsom played the venue in their early years. [2] [1] In 2019, British pop singer Dua Lipa filmed portions of her music video for "Don't Start Now" at the venue. [1] The venue celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2019 with a week-long festival featuring returning artists and former staff members. [2] In December 2024, Pete's celebrated its 25th anniversary. McDowell, who now owns the building after purchasing it from Trotta, has stated his intention to keep the venue unchanged. [1]
