Punjabi Grocery and Deli hasn't been open in weeks, and people are starting to worry

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

When we stopped by Punjabi Grocery and Deli at 114 E. First St. (between Avenue A and First Avenue) on Friday, the longtime East Village fixture was still closed — like it has been for more than two weeks. 

There's no signage about a temporary closure... and Google still lists them as open.

We checked in with Bite & Sip, the neighboring business, and they told us they haven't seen anyone come or go during that time and don't know what's going on at the no-frills counter-service spot for vegetarian Indian food. They expressed concern. 

While we were outside Punjabi, two taxi drivers pulled up, clearly surprised to find the place shuttered. When we asked if it might be a vacation, they were doubtful. "No, no — a business like this doesn't shut down for two weeks and make no money," one said. "Not good." 

There have been concerns about Punjabi's future over the years. The East Houston Reconstruction Project, which finally wrapped up at the end of 2018 — about six years behind schedule — made it nearly impossible for cab drivers to stop by for almost nine years. 

Parking disappeared, tickets loomed, and the rise of Uber and Lyft further reduced Punjabi's core customer base. 

Then there was the nearly seven-year construction saga next door, from sidewalk bridge to demolition to the eventual rise of the nine-story condoplex at 118 E. First St., adding yet another long stretch of disruption. 

Punjabi Grocery and Deli is owned by Kulwinder Singh, who bought the space just west of Avenue A in 1994. 

One note that may be unrelated: the building next door has reportedly been without heat or hot water for months, relying on a portable boiler. Residents there told us the issues have been ongoing and that they’re due in housing court this week — but stressed they don't believe it's connected to Punjabi's closure. 

At this point, we don't have direct contact with ownership. If anyone has reliable information — or sees the shop reopen — please let us know. We'll update as soon as we learn more. 

 

Previously on EV Grieve:

• How you can help Punjabi Grocery & Deli stay in business

• Never-ending construction continues to hurt Punjabi Grocery & Deli

• Taxi Relief Stand arrives on Avenue A; Punjabi Grocery & Deli relieved

• Concern again for Punjabi Grocery & Deli on 1st Street

• At long last, a taxi relief stand for East Houston and 1st Street outside Punjabi Grocery & Deli