Showing posts with label Odessa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Odessa. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Classic Odessa Restaurant signage gone for now on Avenue A; 'It's in a safe place'

Several readers noted over the weekend that the classic Odessa Restaurant signage — • Seafood • Steaks • Chops • Cocktails — has been removed (or covered!) at 117 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

As you probably know, Superiority Burger is moving into the space... with an anticipated opening one of these days. 

Brooks Headley, owner of the all-vegetarian quick-serve spot that was on Ninth Street, told Grub Street in August 2021 how much he loved Odessa's interior. "I find it completely beautiful — the soda counter, the satellite bar, the cash register station. I don't plan to change it at all." 

We asked SB what became of the old sign. Perhaps it will be refurbished and returned? (After all, the Seafood and Steaks lettering was peeling off.) The response via Instagram: "Don't worry. It's in a safe place!"

Odessa Restaurant opened in this space in April 1995 before a July 2020 closure. The original Odessa, the longtime favorite that dated to the mid-1960s, closed next door at 115 Avenue in August 2013.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Superiority Burger's summer salad interlude ends; full speed ahead on Avenue A

Superiority Burger's greenmarket-friendly twice-weekly pop-up (with ice cream!) has ended at 430 E. Ninth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. 

Monday was the last day for Salads Days, which launched in late May

Per the SB Instagram account on Monday night: 
Fun little summer interlude. Got to buy killer shit from all of our favorite farmers and sell it to you, the coolest customers. Mission accomplished. Our next step is speeding along at top speed so keep yer eyes peeled. See you on Avenue A very soon. Thank you. Thank you.
To quickly recap: Superiority Burger closed the Ninth Street HQ (but held onto it for things like Salads Days) last November ahead of a move to a larger space at 119 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place — the former Odessa.

Work is coming along inside the former diner, as you can see in this pic from Monday by Stacie Joy...        
As previously reported by Grub Street, owner Brooks Headley, who called the Odessa his "dream space," will start with a dinner service and then open for lunch and breakfast ... once the place is open, yes.

SB was recently hiring "a couple more folks to round out the kitchen, bar, dining room, gelateria, and bakery."

The popular all-vegetarian quick-serve spot opened in the East Village in June 
2015

Top photo by Steven from June

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Where are they now? Catching up with Willie from Odessa

Text and photos by Stacie Joy 

After Odessa’s closed in July 2020 at 119 Avenue A, several EVG readers wrote in asking about longtime waiter Willie Forero.

Thanks to a tip from Bobby Lesko, we found him working at old-school diner Zafi’s Luncheonette at 500 Grand St. (between Willett and Columbia) on the Lower East Side.

I recently dropped by to see how he’s doing, and I’m greeted like family at the unpretentious no-frills luncheonette. Zafi’s is owned by brothers Mike and Gerry Kekatos ... and today I find Mike behind the counter of the 46-year-old business.
Willie seems pretty happy at Zafi’s, where he started in late 2021, telling me that his role here is an “everything job,” including waiting tables, cleaning up and cooking “if I have to.” 

He recommends the “grilled chicken con mayo” and confides he tries something different on the menu each day.
If you’d like to drop by and say hi, he works every day except Tuesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. He says he’s happy to see regulars and meet new regulars too!

Monday, October 4, 2021

Superiority Burger vying for liquor license for new Avenue A space

Community Board 3 just released its schedule of meetings for October ... including the SLA & DCA Licensing Committee, taking place on Oct. 18. 

Among the items on that agenda — a new liquor license for 119 Avenue A... where Superiority Burger is taking over the Odessa space (which also had a full liquor license here) ... the public notices went on the storefront over the weekend... 
Looks as if they'll be vying for some sidewalk seating as well (sidewalk cafe is circled on the above document). We'll explore this and other applications as they are posted online. 

As you may know, Superiority Burger signed a lease for the address here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, first reported by Grub Street in August.

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Brown paper on the windows at the former Odessa on Avenue A

Photo by Steven

Former Odessa Watchers™ noted the arrival yesterday of brown paper on the front windows at the old diner at 119 Avenue A. 

As you may know, Superiority Burger has signed a lease for the address here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, first reported by Grub Street last month.

Brooks Headley, the owner of the all-vegetarian quick-serve spot on Ninth Street, told Grub Street's Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld that he's not changing a thing:
"Odessa has always kinda been my dream space," he says. What's so dreamy about it is that besides being big, it comes completely furnished and ready to go. "It's not old and dusty and gross and needing upgrades," he says. "I find it completely beautiful — the soda counter, the satellite bar, the cash register station. I don't plan to change it at all."
So the paper on the windows is likely to provide a little privacy and keep the Former Odessa Watchers™from obsessing over every little detail. (Sample: That pen was not on the table yesterday. Also, we forgot to report that the Sanity Inspection Grade, an A, and assorted signage were removed from the front windows several weeks ago. Hopefully, all this is in the Diner Hall of Fame.)

Headley previously said that the move from Ninth Street will be several months down the road. (Given the current supply-chain issues, it may take longer for any new kitchen equipment to arrive.)

Once the new home of Superiority Burger is up and running, they'll first launch a dinner service before opening it up later for lunch and breakfast.

In July 2020, longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos said that Odessa was shutting down after a prolonged slump in business due to the pandemic. (Odessa Restaurant opened in this space in April 1995. The original Odessa, the longtime favorite that dated to the mid-1960s, closed next door in August 2013.)

However, closer to the last dayco-owner Steve Helios told Gothamist that Odessa was only closing temporarily, that the space would be renovated. The building's landlord is Odessa partner Mike Skulikidis. The closing turned out to be more than temporary.

Superiority Burger opened in the East Village in June 2015

Monday, August 30, 2021

Monday's parting archival shot

Facebook reminded me of this grainy photo posted on the evening of Aug. 30, 2013.

I took this on the second-to-last night of the old Odessa, 117 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. This space dated to the mid-1960s. 

The Odessa Restaurant next door (circa 1995) remained open until July 2020. Superiority Burger is taking over that space.

Friday, August 20, 2021

Report: Superiority Burger moving into the former Odessa space on Avenue A

Photo yesterday by Stacie Joy

The former Odessa space at 119 Avenue A has a new tenant. 

Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld at Grub Street report that Superiority Burger has signed a lease for the former diner between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

For starters, Brooks Headley, owner of the all-vegetarian quick-serve spot, tells the outlet that he's not changing a thing:
"Odessa has always kinda been my dream space," he says. What's so dreamy about it is that besides being big, it comes completely furnished and ready to go. "It's not old and dusty and gross and needing upgrades," he says. "I find it completely beautiful — the soda counter, the satellite bar, the cash register station. I don't plan to change it at all."

Superiority will be making the short move around the corner from Ninth Street in the months ahead: 

Headley says that he'll need to order some new kitchen equipment and anticipates that it will take at least five months — probably more, what with supply-chain issues — until the new Superiority opens its doors. The plan is to launch dinner service first and then open for lunch and breakfast (yes, breakfast!). He will likely surrender the ancillary kitchen space he leases on 9th Street but keep the original store for purposes yet to be determined. 
In July 2020, longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos said that Odessa was shutting down after a prolonged slump in business due to the pandemic. (Odessa Restaurant opened in this space in April 1995. The original Odessa, the longtime favorite that dated to the mid-1960s, closed next door in August 2013.)

However, closer to the last dayco-owner Steve Helios told Gothamist that Odessa was only closing temporarily, that the space would be renovated. (The building's landlord is Odessa partner Mike Skulikidis.) 

The space has sat untouched since then. 

Earlier in the summer, Louis Skibar, whose Toloache Restaurant Group revived the classic UWS diner Old John's Luncheonette, which dates to the 1950s, was said to be eyeing Odessa.

Superiority opened in the East Village in June 2015

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Report: Diner reviver Louis Skibar eyeing Odessa

There looks to be a potential new suitor for the currently closed Odessa on Avenue A.

According to Jennifer Gould at the Post this week, Louis Skibar, whose Toloache Restaurant Group revived the classic UWS diner Old John's Luncheonette, which dates to the 1950s, is now eyeing Odessa, 119 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.
"The Odessa is next on the list," Skibar told Side Dish. "It reminds me of Old John's. They both had an outpouring of support from the neighborhood when it closed. Diners are part of the city. If we can do something to preserve them — me or someone else — then we should. It's a great thing."
As EVG first reported earlier last month, Odessa was up for sale on Craigslist — a listing that is no longer available, which might mean a deal is already in the works with Skibar, who started his restaurant career 37 years ago making deliveries and cooking at Old John's. 

And what might he do with a property like Odessa? Per the Post:
Over at Old John's, Skibar has worked hard to maintain its old world charm while sprucing things up around the edges. 
"I think it's unfortunate that so many diners are closing, but a lot are mediocre and maybe that's why. The feeling of nostalgia is there, but diners still have to deliver quality and provide really good food. We are very aware of this," he said. 
He's also updated the diner's look. He's kept classic touches like the black-and-white mosaic marble floor, the tin ceiling and the Art Deco lighting. But he gave the outdated entranceway a clean new look, replacing the faded deep red vestibule that once greeted customers with a simple glass door.
You can read more about the new Old John's at Eater and Gothamist. West Side Rag first reported on Old John's return.

In July 2020, longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos said that Odessa, which dates to the 1960s, was shutting down after a prolonged slump in business due to the pandemic.

However, closer to the last dayco-owner Steve Helios told Gothamist that Odessa was only closing temporarily, that the space would be renovated. (The building's landlord is Odessa partner Mike Skulikidis.) Few people bought this story, though. 

And for these last 11-plus months, Odessa has sat frozen in disco-fries time, without any noticeable activity inside.

H/T Upper West Sider!

Friday, June 4, 2021

You can own the shuttered Avenue A diner Odessa, now for sale on Craigslist

Odessa has been closed for nearly 11 months at 119 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

Last July, longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos said that Odessa, which dates to the 1960s, was shutting down after a prolonged slump in business due to the pandemic.

However, closer to the last dayco-owner Steve Helios told Gothamist that Odessa was only closing temporarily, that the space would be renovated. (The building's landlord is Odessa partner Mike Skulikidis.) Few people bought this story, though. 

And for these last 11 months, Odessa has sat frozen in disco-fries time, without any noticeable activity inside.

However, an EVG reader (thanks, Bobby!) noticed that the diner was recently put up for sale on Craigslist... 
Per the ad:
Odessa Diner for Sale — Large Diner/Restaurant is a neighborhood staple for 44 years. Bustling business is located on a very busy street across from Tompkins Square Park and draws crowds with 24/7 service. It comprises over 2,000 SF on the ground level and 2,000 SF in the basement. Most of the business is walk-in with a significant possibility for growth by creating a large take-out business. Great casual and quick dining options for a densely populated area. Significant growth & expansion opportunities. 

Alternatively, it can easily be converted to other dining concepts with full bar. The location is ideal. Seats 100 in the restaurant and 9 at the counter. Kitchen is fully equipped and in excellent condition. Full basement with walk-in boxes and freezers. Full liquor license. Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night menu. New lease will be given to buyer. The owner requires that buyers provide Proof of funds. First time offered. Great opportunity.
Asking price: $400,000.

Who's in?

Friday, March 12, 2021

Phony Express serving up an 'Odessa' special

The pandemic-era local band Phony Express (read the backstory here) is back with a new single in honor of a longtime friend on Avenue A ... here's "Odessa" ...

Monday, February 8, 2021

Our dwindling number of diners

Back on Friday, we reported that the Lower East Side Coffee Shop, which opened in 2008, is now in the legal possession of the landlord here on 14th Street just west of Avenue A. 

Gov. Cuomo's moratorium on commercial evictions expired on Jan. 31 The posted eviction notice is dated Feb. 4...
Cuomo is advancing legislation to extend the statewide moratorium to May 1. 

News of the closure prompted conversations about the dwindling number of diners left in the neighborhood. While the Lower East Side Coffee Shop was on the new-ish side, it had an old-school vibe, thanks in part to the neon signage that was a welcome sight alongside the Domino's, Trader Joe's and Target.

Elsewhere: Little Poland, which opened in 1985 at 200 Second Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street, has been closed since last March. 

At the start of the year, the diner's Instagram account posted a New Year's wish... with a note saying: "We ... hope we get to see all your beautiful faces soon!"

The storefront remains frozen in March 2020 time...
Meanwhile, as you know, Odessa, which dates to the mid-1960s on Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, closed in July. Longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos said that Odessa was shutting down after a prolonged slump in business due to COVID-19.

Closer to the last day, however, co-owner Steve Helios told Gothamist that Odessa was only closing temporarily, that the space would be renovated. (The building's landlord is Odessa partner Mike Skulikidis.)

To date, seven months later, no work has been done on the space... here's a look from this past weekend...
As for what remains open. Two institutions, Veselka, 144 Second Ave. at Ninth Street, and B&H Diary, 127 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, are doing their best under trying circumstances. (Noting: Some purists will say that Veselka is more of a restaurant than a diner, having evolved from its 1950s and 1960s roots, and that B&H is more of a lunch counter. You can debate that in the comments.)

Kitchen Sink, a (slightly) more upscale diner, remains open at 88 Second Ave. at Fifth Street...
The former Moonstruck Diner (as of October 2015) turned off a few die-hards with the arrival at the time of flat-screen TVs and drinks served in mason jars. (Pandemic aside, operating a diner in NYC is always a tough business with rising costs and changing tastes.)

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Updated: Adding Remedy (b. 2007) here over at 245 E. Houston St. at Norfolk.

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And not too far away, there's the Famous Cozy Soup 'n' Burger at 739 Broadway near Astor Place... (this photo is from last summer when they reopened after a five-month hiatus) ...
The diner is struggling to afloat with the downturn in activity (students, tourists, office workers) along this corridor. Manager John Stratidis, who has worked here since age 9, was featured on NY1 back in the fall. His father and uncle opened the diner in 1972. 

Cozy fan Adam Sandler gave them a nice shout-out on Instagram in late December, but the hits keep on coming. Last week, the blizzard wiped out their outdoor dining section. 

Their crowdfunding campaign continues. 

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

A Thanksgiving without Odessa

This is the first time in nearly 13 years of EVG history where we haven't hyped up the Thanksgiving special at Odessa five or 10 times by this date in November. (Please see the link farm at the end of the post.)

As you know, the diner, dating to the mid-1960s here on Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, closed in July. Longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos said that Odessa was shutting down after a prolonged slump in business due to COVID-19.

Closer to the last day, however, co-owner Steve Helios told Gothamist that Odessa was only closing temporarily, that the space would be renovated. (The building's landlord is Odessa partner Mike Skulikidis.)

To date, four months later, no work has been done on the space... here's a look inside this week...
As for Thanksgiving... through the years they stuck with a winning offering — glass of wine, cup of cream of turkey soup, etc. And pricing — and signage! — for the Complete Dinner remained unchanged since 2014, when management bumped the meal from $15.95 to $18.95.
We are thankful for all the meals that we enjoyed at Odessa through the years. Perhaps we'll see another Odessa bounty next year.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Odessa is closed for now, but will it reopen?


[Photo yesterday by Stacie Joy]

As expected, Odessa Restaurant, 119 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, closed after service late Sunday night.

Three "Sorry We're Closed" signs arrived outside on Monday afternoon.


[Photo by Steven]

After hearing rumors on Facebook (one post was shared more than 1,100 times) the weekend of July 10 that Odessa was going to close, EVG correspondent Stacie Joy received in-person confirmation on July 12 from longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos, who shared that the diner was shutting down on July 19 after a prolonged slump in business due to COVID-19. He also said at the time that there wasn't any truth that the space was closing for renovations.

The news brought out some remembrances of a diner that has had a presence on the block since the mid-1960s.

By this past Friday afternoon, however, the story had changed. As Gothamist reported, co-owner Steve Helios stated that Odessa was only shutting down temporarily. "We'll be back," he said in the post, eyeing a return some time in 2021. The super for the building, owned by Odessa partner Mike Skulikidis, also confirmed the renovation to Gothamist.

This news took the staff by surprise. None of the employees on Friday evening were aware of these plans. In a conversation with Stacie, Vassilatos maintained that Odessa was closing, that he hadn't heard from ownership yet about any other arrangements.

Stacie asked if it was possible that she'd see him in the same spot this time next year and he said, "anything's possible in life, but don't count on it."

Since Sunday, we've heard from several longtime Odessa regulars about what is happening moving forward. Many of them are surprised and confused — and hopeful. On Sunday, one longtime customer who stopped by for a last meal to go was told by staff that Odessa might be back in five or six months, or else the owners might just rent out the prime space to another restaurant.

There are several theories that regulars are floating, including:

  • The owners had been planning on a renovation and never told staff.
  • The owners changed their minds after the uptick in business on what was to be their last week, opting to close for renovations to ride out the pandemic and reopen in 2021.
  • The Odessa has closed for good, and the renovations narrative was simply to ease the pain of the closure.

So for now, Odessa is closed. There aren't any signs on the door stating a renovation. We didn't spot anyone inside the space either Monday or yesterday. And given that Odessa lacks a social media presence, there isn't any unified message about the future to customers.


[Photo by Stacie Joy]

Odessa Restaurant opened in this space in April 1995. The original Odessa closed next door in August 2013

Previously on EV Grieve:
A Visit to Odessa Restaurant

Last call for the Odessa Cafe and Bar tonight

Monday, July 13, 2020

[Updated] This is the last week for Odessa on Avenue A



Updated 7/17
Gothamist now reports that the owners will just be closing for renovations. Longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos told Stacie Joy last Sunday that they were closing for good, not remodeling. Gothamist also got confirmation of the closure on Sunday.

This is the last week for Odessa Restaurant, 119 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

EVG correspondent Stacie Joy spoke yesterday with longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos, who started at the diner in 1990 when it was next door. He confirmed that Odessa was closing after service on Sunday, July 19.



He says that Odessa is shutting down solely due to the significant loss of business during the COVID-19 crisis. (Odessa reopened for takeout and delivery in early April.)

Mike Skulikidis has been an Odessa co-owner since 1980 (along with Steve Helios). Skulikidis is also the landlord of the building, so there isn't an issue with a rent increase. And about the rumors that Odessa would be closed for remodeling: The place is shutting down for good, not reopening.

Vassilatos had been planning to retire to his native Greece in the months ahead... now he says he'll be doing it sooner than anticipated. While he's not a fan of long goodbyes, he knows that regulars are going to be understandably upset by the closing news.

As one reader said to us yesterday: "Odessa was supposed to be there forever."

Here are a few scenes from yesterday...









Odessa Restaurant opened in this space in April 1995. The original Odessa, which dated to the mid-1960s, closed next door in August 2013

Previously on EV Grieve:
A Visit to Odessa Restaurant

Last call for the Odessa Cafe and Bar tonight

Friday, April 3, 2020

Odessa is back open for takeout and delivery



Text and photos by Stacie Joy

Like me, maybe you panicked a bit when you saw that the Odessa Restaurant at 119 Avenue A was closed in recent days.

Luckily, it was only a temporary staffing issue and longtime manager Dennis Vassilatos says they hope to stay open as long as they can get delivery people in. The affordable diner is down to one delivery person, with new hires starting soon.



Dennis says they’re going to take things day by day and hope to stay open. Hours now are 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. until 5 a.m. weekends, but he cautions some days they might not open until 5 p.m., so call first.



"Times are difficult, and uncertainty is part of our lives. People are afraid. I hope everything works out and we are all healthy," he says before showing me a fresh Boston cream pie, available for $5 a slice.



Previously on EV Grieve:
A Visit to Odessa Restaurant

Thursday, February 20, 2020

A Visit to Odessa Restaurant



Text and photos by Stacie Joy

When Dennis Vassilatos and I set a date and time for me to interview him and take pictures at Odessa Restaurant, 119 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, the nighttime manager figures that after 9 on a chilly Tuesday will work. He expected this to be a quiet time, which would give him a chance to talk for a few minutes.

However, when I arrive, the phone keeps ringing, the fax machine keeps spewing out orders, and the Seamless app tablet pings on the regular.

I listen as customers phone in specific orders: two Odessa burgers delivered, must be well-done, with extra ketchup. This person calls back to remind Dennis that they need extra ketchup. There's a Turkey Club to stay, plus a newspaper to pass the time. Dennis searches behind the counter for suitable reading material. One order of mashed potatoes with brown gravy and a side of broccoli to go, which Dennis wraps up with a smile.





Dennis, 64, loves the neighborhood and speaks with appreciation about his customers, saying he’s never had an argument, that he can “get along with the stones.” He likes his regulars especially. “They order the same food each time and value consistency.”



Dennis thinks of them like family. “The guys in the kitchen, they already know what to make when they see a regular coming. Makes things easy! The new, young people mostly come in on the weekend... They are not demanding and pretty easy-going with minimal problems.”







After one more order comes in — waffle fries with hot sauce — Dennis has a moment to talk about his time at Odessa, an Avenue A mainstay since the 1960s.



How long have you worked here?

Almost 30 years now — since 1990.

How did you come to work at Odessa?

I came to America almost 45 years ago, in 1976. I was born on a Greek island called Kefalonia, and I had been studying economics, but when I took the college tests I scored only good enough to become a bookkeeper.

I came here on an F1 visa and studied at the New York Institute of Technology for three and a half years ... but I needed money so I answered an ad in a Greek newspaper for a summer job, and never went back to school. I worked as a manager in a West Village restaurant called Tiffany, which is now a bank. Then another place uptown before coming here to Odessa. Been here ever since.

I work nights, so I am not sure I’d be called a manager. Managers are daytime people, to make orders for food and supplies. Daytime stuff. But I assume all the responsibilities of a manager.

How long has the “new” Odessa been open?

It opened in April 1995.

When did the first Odessa open next door? (The original location closed in August 2013.)

In the 1960s, although it got a new owner in 1980 or so.

What is the most-popular item or items on the menu?

By far the Odessa Combination Dinner — pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa with sauerkraut and potato pancake. Eastern European foods. Our Greek food like spinach pie with Greek salad is also popular. And in American foods the familiar breakfast stuff like challah French toast, pancakes. Also, people like burgers.











Do you have any archival photos of Odessa somewhere in an office or drawer?

No! I wish I did. Back then people didn’t carry cameras everywhere. I am always asking customers if they have photos but no one ever does. I would like to see them.