Monday, November 19, 2018

New ventures proposed for 85 Avenue A, 50 Avenue B


[EVG file photo of the downstairs space at 85 Avenue A]

In August, applicants who are family members of the previous Webster Hall ownership were to appear before CB3's SLA committee for a new liquor license for 50 Avenue B and 238 E. Fourth St., the former spaces of Lovecraft and Johnny Favorite's pizzeria.

However, the applicants, including Stephen and Adam Ballinger, ended up not leasing the space. Now, the same group is eyeing the downstairs storefront at 85 Avenue A between Fifth Street and Sixth Street, which last housed Elvis Guesthouse.

The questionnaire on file at the CB3 website doesn't have a lot of details, such as the proposed name of the establishment. The paperwork shows that the unnamed restaurant will be serving "American comfort tapas" with daily hours of 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Elvis Guesthouse opened in early 2015 with a slate of bands and DJs ... and by November 2015 had drawn complaints from neighbors who say the owners didn't do enough to mitigate the noise from the space. At that time they were said to cut back on the number of shows in the space. Elvis left the building at the end of 2016.


[EVG file photo of 50 Avenue B]

Meanwhile, the space that the Ballingers passed on at 50 Avenue B and 238 E. Fourth St. has a new suitor. The applicants of the unnamed operation are seeking to open a bar-lounge serving "American fare and pizza," with proposed hours of 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends.

The questionnaire (PDF at this link) also notes that "there will be monthly performances, such as music, art, poetry."

Lovecraft, which was inspired by horror writer H. P. Lovecraft, closed in early 2018 after three-and-a-half years in business. Johnny Favorite's shuttered in August 2017 after debuting in April 2015.

CB3's SLA committee meeting starts at 6:30 tonight at the Public Hotel, 17th Floor, Sophia Room, 215 Chrystie St. between Houston and Stanton.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Elvis Guesthouse officially ready for occupancy tonight

Report: Live music ends for now at Elvis Underground

Elvis Guesthouse space for rent at 85 Avenue A

Webster Hall alum proposing new venture for former Lovecraft space on Avenue B

2 comments:

Neighbor said...

Dear prospective operators at 50 Avenue B, WE DO NOT NEED MORE PIZZA!!! Between Stanton and 4th on Clinton/B there are already at least 3 good pizza spots covering a wide range of types of pizza with another coming in at Houston and Clinton already!!!

Gojira said...

@Neighbor - Don't worry, "American fare and pizza" is basically just a front for "booze". Because apparently we can never have too much of that in the EV/LES.