At the last night of Minca

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Minca closed for good on Monday night after 21 years in service at 536 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

As we reported, owner Shigeto Kamada, who's in his 70s, plans to retire. 

News of the Tokyo-style ramen parlor shutting down rallied its regulars. There was a line that started at 3 p.m., and the place sold out by 8 p.m.

Locals packed into the tiny ramen shop for one last bowl. Diners even braved the rain, with one couple opting to sit outside under an umbrella since all the seats inside were taken.

The neighborhood came together in small, memorable ways. 

One resident, who lives on Avenue A, brought her son for dinner but saw how overwhelmed the staff were. So she grabbed an apron and pitched in.

Kyoko (below left) — a server who has been at Minca for more than 15 years — was in tears and spent much of the evening receiving hugs.

There were countless "cheers to the kitchen" and heartfelt toasts.

One longtime customer shared, "Their broth is the best! Always nourishing, and tasted like it was made with love. In the wintertime, it was a staple. The ramen is nourishing and restorative." 

Despite the sadness of the moment, the atmosphere brimmed with gratitude.