Porto Rico Importing Co. on St. Mark's Place near Second Avenue is temporarily closing tomorrow for what the owners, the Longo family, describe as a "much-needed facelift."
EVG regular Lola Sáenz shared these photos, including this shot of the sign for customers...
Per the sign: "We will be reshelfing, fixing the floor, moving the ice machine, and adding a better drip brewer."
The coffee-and-tea purveyors will return on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
The Longo family has owned the business, with four locations now, since 1958. Peter Longo took over the business in 1976 after the death of his father, Angelo.
I hope they don't change too much of the facade or interior, I've always loved this place as much for the ambiance and history as for the coffee. I love the aroma, I love the layout, I love the workers, I love the unique characteristics of the space that can only come with age and use of the shop over many years. All things that can only be earned.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best-smelling business in the hood.
ReplyDeleteLove this place! Stoked to hear they're upgrading the drip brewer. Such a fantastic coffee shop.
ReplyDeleteGood beans, good prices. It seems like a tough place to work, cramped and dusty...
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 11:50, I asked yesterday whether they were keeping the tin ceiling, and was told they were; I think they know how much their old-timey feel means to their customers.
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