Yummy Hive post mortem

The abrupt closure of Yummy Hive last week drew a surprisingly robust EVG reader reaction. It was surprising for a relatively standard corner market that hadn't been open for a year. 

Here's a quick recap of what happened on the SW corner of Second Avenue and 10th Street: Yummy Hive management started closing the shop last Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday, it was shuttered, and all the appliances, groceries, snacks, etc., had been quickly removed. (The timing struck some as unusual mid-month.)

The interior's disarray led several readers-patrons to think looters had ransacked the business. In addition, someone tagged the windows late Wednesday night. (Interior photos by Steven.)

One reader via Instagram said he went in on Wednesday as workers were taking apart the shelves. The cashier did not charge him for his purchases. Another reader stopped by later on Wednesday and was told Yummy Hive was now closed. When asked what happened, a worker said they were "moving uptown."

Several "flash sale" signs were posted on the storefront, but there was no mention of a pending closure.

We heard from readers who were regulars here and are disappointed that they closed. We also heard from readers who found the place unsettling, including its name — which felt like the product of a ChatGPT prompt designed to create a vaguely suggestive business name. Another reader wondered why a standard corner market sold products like Sea Moss Gel.

Someone also previously created a fake Yummy Hive Instagram account: "Here to bring you expired, unhealthy, and nasty food, smoothies, and coffee! Hope to see you soon."

As of yesterday, Yummy Hive was still open per Google, Yelp, and the various delivery apps, where they accepted delivery and pickup orders. 

The prime corner space had been vacant for five years, with the last tenant being Capital One®. 

At one time, the corner space was home to Rectangles, which served Israeli-Yemenite cuisine.