"But the grandfather died two years ago," Mr. Mevo said, referring to the property's owner.

Steele kept referring back to the shop's owner, an African-American woman, as an exemplar of what might be possible in the future.

The name refers to its original owner, a French merchant in 1665, and the original structure has remained largely intact.

"I talked to Mr. Sterling once or twice two or three years ago," he said, referring to the Clippers' owner.

"Bob Lurie is pretty unusual in sports," Dodge said, referring to the Giants' owner.

"Mickey Arison is one of the people who pays the commissioner's salary," Riley added, referring to the Heat's owner.

"Leon Hess had it changed to neutral colors," a Giants official explained, referring to the Jets' owner.

"I've never met Woody Johnson," Philbin said, referring to the Jets' owner.

Spurrier added, "Dan Snyder recruited them well," referring to the Redskins' owner.

"We have a great relationship with Jerry Colangelo," said Grinker, referring to the Suns' owner.