[EVG photo from May]
As far as we know, at least three different applicants have kicked the tires on the former Odessa Cafe & Bar, which closed Aug. 31, 2013.
However, we hear a deal is in place for a new operator to take over the space at 117 Avenue A between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.
The applicant was on the August CB3/SLA agenda, but the item was not heard before the committee (meaning the public didn't have a say in the matter). Paperwork on file with CB3 points to a corporate change, with a Robert C. Payne as the new partner.
As we understand it, applicants who opt for a corporate change instead of a new license then inherit any debt, outstanding issues, etc. (if any) by assuming this corporation. However, it also means that this is a way around any hearing, ensuring the new applicant a license and the old owner a key fee. (State Authority Liquor records show that the license is currently inactive.)
At this point, we don't know who Robert C. Payne is. There was a Robert Payne who was part of the ownership prepared to open a Latin-themed restaurant at 106 Rivington St. (Neighbors vehemently opposed this restaurant, which they feared would just be a club. The State Liquor Authority ultimately denied the group a full liquor license in April 2013.)
Meanwhile, in recent weeks, workers have started to dismantle the former Odessa Cafe and Bar...
And on Friday, the gutting got serious, as workers were hauling out parts of the former kitchen, as these photos by EVG regular peter radley show...
We hope to have more information soon about what is taking over the former Odessa Cafe and Bar. The Odessa restaurant, of course, continues to operate next door at 119 Avenue A.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Building that houses Odessa Cafe and Bar for sale on Avenue A
Former GM from Tribeca's Tiny's & the Bar Upstairs part of team to buy the Odessa Cafe
Reader report: Odessa Cafe and Bar will remain open through Sept. 6
Former Odessa Cafe and Bar will serve comfort food specializing in Nashville Hot Chicken
Now what for the Odessa Cafe and Bar?
3 comments:
I talked to the dude working on it - he said he's opening soon and he's "just making a bar, none of this overly fancy shit" He seemed like a cool guy
From the looks of it they are creating the scariest Halloween spook house in history.
Sorry to be a pessimist but the spring break make over of Ave A is in full swing, expect another heinous loud bar or gastro-pub.
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