Billy of Billy's Antiques Is an Energy Drink-Commercial Star

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Bill Leroy, owner of Billy's Antiques, is a pretty busy man. Not too long ago, he duked it out with the pesky MTA over subway signs they alleged were stolen, then stuck it to them by proceeding to rightfully "splash them" outside of his shop. He's also the unofficial mayor of Houston Street and spends some of his time Bowery mayor and has spent some time talking to the Bowery ghosts. In short, they don't make 'em like Billy no more.

To prove it further, he recently starred in a commercial for XL energy drink, where he can be seen dusting off a gator (or crocodile?, or dinosaur?) skull and smoking a cig on the sidewalk in white loafers and burgundy socks. He also warns all ye Bowery competitors (he's lookin' at you, Rag and Bone): "I'm not on Facebook, but I will be soon."
· At Long Last, Subway Signs Return to Billy's Antiques [Racked NY]
· Rag & Bone Nolita Taunts Billy's Antiques with Subway Signage [Racked NY]
· Billy's Antiques [Official Site]