First signs of life at the former 7-Eleven on Avenue A

Photo Friday by Stacie Joy 

There's ongoing activity at 170 Avenue A and 11th Street, the former 7-Eleven slated to become a café and bookstore. 

Work permits approved in March call for interior renovations to prepare the space for a new retail tenant. The applicant was approved for a beer-and-wine license back in December. And someone recently cleared the tags/graffiti from the storefront — the most visible sign of movement here in a while. 

As previously reported, plans on file with Community Board 3 describe a European-style book café — a gathering space for readings, book clubs and conversations around literature and current events. 

The proposed setup included 34 seats (tables and a bar), a light café menu (pastries, sandwiches, charcuterie, desserts), and background music with occasional acoustic performances. 

Owner Marianna Vaidman Stone has said she's aiming to create a welcoming neighborhood spot. No timeline for an opening.

The 7-Eleven closed in November 2024 after 11 years. The owner told EVG's Stacie Joy that rampant theft was the cause of the closure. 

 Previously on EV Grieve: 

• A new chapter on Avenue A: Café-bookstore proposed for the former 7-Eleven