Outliers, since 1975

We've always been known for doing things a little differently.

There was a tiny shop on Astoria Boulevard, that sat ready for its re-birth. Inside, seated around dusty chairs and an empty storefront, sat a belly dancer, a bouzouki player, and an ex-banker, strategizing on how they were going to build a business they knew nothing about.

So, in proper 70s fashion, the misfit trio went out into their social circles to spread the word, quietly rattling the calm of the neighborhood. They circulated the news at the local coffee shop, shifted conversations at the barber, phoned new and old friends—quickly, but gently, Queens, NY caught on.

There’s a new spot off 21st Street, and it’s called Parma Tile.

Business took off. The first generation intuitively approached business differently—they opened locations in unusual parts of town, they sourced tile from outside of the US, they made work a casual affair. They were in the business of people, after all.

Contractors popping in for a quick cup of coffee, to customers bringing their native delicacies, the original team was heavily fueled by their community. And, eventually, Parma Tile built its own community, amongst tile, coffee—lots of fresh pots of black coffee—and genuine, real personability.

What happened next?

Much to the surprise of the first generation, an unexpected second generation emerged. In incremental stages, one-by-one, we, the second generation, slowly joined the original team. Rule-breakers, artists, challengers, came together to preserve the mission that propelled Parma Tile forward—a shift in perspective.

Yes, we envisioned a certain modernization, but, parallel to this, we've been met with a chance to push their concept, their mission statement, further.

And, above all, we’re curious. A team, driven by curiosity, to redefine what coverings ought to be.