There are so many important people keeping New York City running day after day. 

Usually the Fire Department of New York, Police Department, and the MTA workers come to mind; but there are a lot of others who are just as crucial to NYC.

Specifically, we're talking about bodegueros, or your bodega guy. 

You know, the guy who seemingly works 24 hours/day. 

You've never seen him outside the bodega because it's like he's literally glued to the floor, keeping an eye on everything while yelling at some random through a Bluetooth headset.

But seriously-- never, ever underestimate the importance of your bodega guy. 

If you utilize your bodega to its fullest potential, your bodega guy knows you better than you might think. 

If you go in there often enough, he knows what you buy, who you're with, when you're coming and going, and all that. 

Now let's look at 7 reasons why your bodeguero is the man. Literally. 

Without him, your life wouldn't be as good as it is right now, and you know it. If you don't, we're about to open your eyes to a whole new world. Get ready. 

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1. He knows how you like your sandwich

Unless you're one of those New Yorkers who don't buy bodega sandwiches. If you are one of those people, then you understand the importance of your bodega guy knowing how to you take your sandwich.

The bottom line is, he might know how you like to eat better than your mom does. Extra tomato? No lettuce? Oil & vinegar? Adobo? Swiss not American? You got it. 

Your bodega guy knows the answers to all of these.

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2. He extends you store credit

Some of the most common poorly/misspelled bodega signage is in reference to credit, or rather the lack thereof. 99.999% of bodegas will not give you credit. They wouldn't extend the President himself credit. 

But if the bodega guy is your boy, he might let an Arizona Iced Tea go unpaid until tomorrow. But the more you ask for (and the more often you ask for it), the less likely it is that he'll grant it. 

Best case scenario, you're downstairs, need something real quick, but didn't bring your wallet. But fear not. 

Your boy behind the counter is like, "Alright man, I got chu." Then you actually come back and pay him. 

Like, tomorrow.  

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3. At 3 a.m., he knows what you need without you having to ask

If you've ever entered your bodega twisted in the middle of the night, your man at the register will already have a good idea of what you're looking for.

What if you come through after work lookin' mad worn out? He knows how many loosies you get, on the regular, on your way home.

What about coming in with a lady on the late night? 

He already knows what brand of you-know-what you buy; seriously, you won't even have to ask. He'll give you a look and you just nod yes or no. 

The bodega dude will do what he can to make it smooth.

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4. Doesn't blow up your spot

Just like in the point above, your bodeguero will usually do what he can to keep it smooth and wingman you. 

If you're coming in with a date and it's not too busy in there, he'll probably be very respectful towards her and try make you look like the big man on the block. 

If you're a lady in your bodega with a guy you're seeing, your bodega guy may play a protective role. The bodega guy is always keeping an eye on things, including his favorite people and best customers.

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5. Won't give you up to people in the hood

Furthermore, he won't give you up to other people in the hood who might be asking about you. 

Unless you're really messin' up out there on the streets, he won't throw shade if other people start to go there. He'll either chuckle, or simply stand up for you.

Even if you were just in the shop just five minutes ago, if someone comes in aggressively looking for you-- your man's got you.

6. Reorders drinks/deli meats you like because you asked him to

The top notch bodegueros understand that the customers buy what they like. 

If you've gotten used to buying a certain niche drink and you notice they're out of it for a while, chances are your bodega guy will order some more for you if you just ask him.

Same goes for deli meats. In the same way the bodega guys know how you like your sandwich, they know what you like in it. 

If there's a certain type of cold cut that they have once in a while that you really like, definitely ask for them to reorder it. Usually, if it's available, they will.

7. Neighborhood price/won't charge you for random extra stuff sometimes

"Neighborhood price" is the secret price he'll let you pay for things, but only if you live or work around the way. Outsiders pay absurd prices. 

It's easy to forget how much things actually cost in your bodega until someone from out of town comes through.

Plus, sometimes he'll just give you stuff. He'll give you an extra Snickers now and again. An extra loosie. He'll give your little cousin an extra pack of Gushers, or a hard candy free of charge. 

It's just the bodega dude's way of letting you know that he values your business, and that you're down enough to deserve it.

So good lookin' out, bodega guys across New York City. You're the ones keeping it real and keeping us going on our schedule, and for that, we appreciate you. 

You know, because if "America Runs on Dunkin'," then this city definitely runs on bodegas...

Check out 21 of the Greatest Essentials You'll Ever Find at a NYC Bodega. 

[Feature Image Courtesy: Instagram]