Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
After 22 years at 111 Stanton St., San Loco is closing its location here between Ludlow and Essex.
The lease is up, and according to owners Jill and Kimo Hing, they are at an impasse with the landlord.
"It's time to move on," says Jill.
Kimo adds, "The pandemic changed the business, the neighborhood has changed, and our customers have changed. The cost of business has increased, with inflation and product costs rising."
Monday is the last day for business on Stanton Street.
San Loco's outpost on Avenue C will remain in service.
"We're trying to look at the positive; we'll be here at Avenue C, and we're now able to expand our menu," Jill says. "Kimo and I will be back in the kitchen."
The family-run business will keep the same delivery range, down to Grand Street (FDR to Third Avenue and up to Stuy Town). They hope their customers will show up to support the business before it closes and to say goodbye. They mention having final bills to pay and wanting to see their longtime customers. And for those who want to help: "If you know of a place in the neighborhood with affordable and reasonable rent, let us know!"
San Loco has a longtime presence in the East Village, starting in 1986 on Second Avenue before later moving across the street to 124 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. That outpost closed in June 2017 due to a rent increase that was unsustainable. The Avenue A San Loco closed in 2014 after 15 years in business.
5 comments:
San Loco fed me affordably for 25 years. When I was 22 and stumbling between Tile Bar, Sophie's and The Library, all those catfish Queso Locos kept me on my feet for cheap late at night. I'm sad to see the brutal economics of small business in NYC hurting yet another fantastic family operation. If I were back in NYC I'd go order about 20 ballpark nacho plates to keep in my freezer. Next time I'm in town I'll be sure to hit up Avenue C.
Feel terrible for the employees, many thanks to San Loco and their great delivery people for bringing affordable food to me over the past couple of decades.
I am sorry to hear this; I hope things go well. Please bring back your superb dried shredded beef (carne seca), Mrs Hing! We miss it!
Love San Loco so much! Wish them only great things and hope they can continue to grow. Nicest employees and amazing food
Before renewing their lease at this location, they were facing the same shit from their landlord. When he heard that they had found another spot a few doors away for less rent and were prepared to move there, their landlord begged them to stay. NOW the bastard thinks he can get more money from a new tenant. Good luck with that, dope.
All he will get is an EMPTY storefront for several years before he is forced to offer a new tenant a rent for LESS than what San Loco pays currently.
Just watch and see....
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