[Image via Facebook]
Podunk — the American Tearoom, the family-run cafe on East Fifth Street between Second Avenue and Cooper Square, will be closing after service this coming Mother's Day, May 8.
Until then, the 14-year old Podunk is posting a daily countdown "of favorite pics, recipes, ideas, thoughts and lists till the day we go" on their Instagram and Facebook accounts.
So far, no word on a new location... or the reason for the move.
The building that houses Podunk at 231 E. Fifth St. was part of the portfolio that Raphael Toledano’s Brookhill Properties purchased last fall.
What other reason do you need than that they were bought by that slumlord Toledano?
ReplyDeleteI live a couple of doors away and always wondered how they could manage to pay what must be a pretty steep rent. The only time I saw more than a handful of customers was Saturday and Sunday afternoons. I wish them the best of luck.
ReplyDeletenoooo! fantastic tea shop, best treats, kindest people! i will follow them wherever they go! and not just for the delicious cheese biscuits!
ReplyDeleteAnd for what?
ReplyDeleteNot a high traffic block, and some competition from the coffee shop a few doors closer to 2nd Ave. To where would they relocate?
ReplyDeleteBill, fan of larger coffee/tea shops with bigger windows (e.g. The Bean)
This is a terrible loss, especially on the heels of losing Ballaro. Both were places that were comfortable, neighborly places with kind and supportive staff as well as great food and treats.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful family business. They've put in countless hours every week without outside help. I've often wondered how they do it without burnout. Where is there an affordable place for Podunk to move to in the neighborhood?
There will never be another place to replace Podunk.
I've been a customer since the beginning. They were kind and caring with enjoyable food, and thankfully did not suffer fools gladly. I will definitely miss having them here, I hope their next chapter will be a great one.
ReplyDeleteugh,podunk is freaking awesome!!!! please don't go!!!
ReplyDeleteHave only discovered Podunk recently (due to a friend's recommendation) and they are great. I'm sorry to hear they have to leave this charming space, and I really hope they can find somewhere else that's affordable.
ReplyDeleteTheir food is wonderful, and they are the quirky-in-the-best-sense kind of place that Manhattan is rapidly running out of.
Will very much miss Podunk moving from my block. I hope they can find another EV venue.
ReplyDeleteMay 7 is my birthday. I know where I will celebrate - a farewell tea @ Podunk...
We were regulars and are sorry to see them go! Apparently, the landlord is putting them out and turning their space into an apartment. They'd like to stay in the neighborhood but are also considering other areas like the Upper East Side. We used to live in Hell's Kitchen and traveled to the East Village for Podunk, so will make the trek to the UES if they end up there.
ReplyDeleteOne of the many Toledano Tenants being displaced .So much for making the EV a better place .
ReplyDelete