3 questions for… Doug E. Fresh

1. You’ve been in Harlem your whole life. Why open two new restaurants now, with the escalating rents and changing demographics?

A lot of new restaurants have been opening in Harlem, but they just don’t have that Harlem flavor. With Doug E.’s Fresh Chicken and Waffles, we’re next to Wells, which is where chicken and waffles originated. I wanted to pay tribute to that piece of Harlem history and advance it a little—with fish. For the Hot Pot, the Caribbean spot I’m opening in December, I wanted a late-night feel. Harlem’s always been known for its late-night style.

2. You’ve just hosted Amateur Night at the Apollo and Harlem Day. You’re practically the mayor of Harlem. Any plans to run for office?

Down the line. Right now, I just want the people to know I’m here for them. It’s even more important now because of all the changes happening in the community. I want the kids to know what Harlem represents around the world. I’m in Tokyo right now, and they’ve got a Cotton Club here.

3. You’ve been running with American Idol’s Blake Lewis lately. Does America need a beat-boxing pop star?

Honestly, a lot of pop records have beat-boxing. Timbaland beat-boxes on his tracks. Justin Timberlake beat-boxes. So I think Blake will do well. A long time ago, people told me this was a novelty. I’m doing a concert tonight in front of 800 people in Japan. They want to see me beat-box. I don’t know how much of a novelty that is.

Doug E.’s Fresh Chicken and Waffles (2245 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd at 132nd St) opens this week.