As the week went on, EVG reader Kevin Frech pointed out that the landlord posted a Notice of Petition of Non-Payment on the cafe.
The legal notice states that the tenant owes nearly $177,000 back rent. Perhaps an agreement can be reached between the two sides, but that is a lot of avocado toast.
This sister cafe to the one on Third Avenue in Gramercy Park opened in May with a brunch-friendly menu, though they were not open in the evenings.
Sunflower is owned and operated by the same folks as the previous tenant here, Eros, the Greek restaurant that quietly closed in August 2022. Eros took over for their diner concept, The Kitchen Sink, in September 2021.
Another one bites the dust. Too bad. Good food and cheery decor.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a bigger issue than just a floundered opening. I wonder if this back rent is from the pandemic when the place was closed, then shuttered and revived as Eros (which also flopped). Seems like there's been so steady stream of business here in years now. Shame as it's a great spot and the neighborhood could use a place with simple diner-like food.
ReplyDeleteToo bad. I wanted to have brunch here
ReplyDeleteI allocated over 20 years in NYC restaurants as a waiter & bartender. Unfortunately, there is more cash in larger corporate restaurant groups because they can afford rent, salaries, inventory, taxes, etc. Think Danny Meyers and Keith McNally. I was employed by both and learned a lot even though they weren't the nicest bosses to work under. Most of their restaurants which are supported by silent investors, have surpassed decades in Manhattan during recessions, terror attacks, blackouts, lock downs, and hurricanes. Their acumen and model just works. Unless a private business owner is independently wealthy to outweigh the lack of customers during uncertain times, it's no wonder so many are closing their doors. Who can afford it? Too much of a risk in today's financial climate.
4 months... $177,000. How much was their rent???
ReplyDeleteSurely you can do the math on that one
DeleteI don't understand why any merchant would sign on the dotted line knowing the monthly rent is over 40K. Just how many wraps and omelets can one sell? Landlords need to be more realistic. Business owners need to do their homework before investing in a venture like this. That is an obscene amount of money for such a moderate space.
ReplyDelete