Photos by Stacie Joy
And then there was one.
The Broadway location of the Bean at Ninth Street has closed, following the May shuttering of the café's Third Avenue outpost.
A 14-day eviction notice is on the front window over the closure notice...
This closure leaves just one remaining East Village location: 54 Second Ave. at Third Street.
At one point, the brand had five NYC locations.
Many others, myself included, have cut back on small everyday purchases like coffee drinks because the cost of living has risen so much. Rent, utilities, metro card, and groceries are significantly more expensive than they were just a few years ago, and it's clear that many businesses are feeling the pressure as well.
ReplyDeleteStarbucks once occupied this location, but it ultimately closed due to the company's financial restructuring. Regardless of the reasons behind this closure of Beans, it's unfortunate that employees lost their positions during this terrible job market in such an awful economic climate. I hope they're able to find new opportunities soon.
I'm a regular at the 2nd and 3rd location, but I went to the Broadway location a few months ago and the service was super slow, and the whole vibe felt like it was nearing the end.
ReplyDeleteThere are just so many coffee shops now in the EV - I don't know how they all survive, esp. since most produce mediocre coffee.
It makes one wonder if there will ever be a merchant who can afford the astronomical rent in this space. As far has coffee is concerned, I stopped purchasing it entirely at cafes in 2021 because it was just too much money wasted down the drain. Wish the staff the best in securing new jobs.
ReplyDeleteI went there a few months back, did have a “last legs” kinda vibe.
ReplyDeleteWas there Saturday with a friend. The music was so loud we couldn't have conversation. I asked the barista to lower the volume. It sounded louder when I got back to my friend. We left. Worst place for service and coffee. The snowflakes at Starbucks are easier to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice alternative to Starbucks, but they really should have put a time limit on each table. People set up shop with their laptops and work the entire day there, taking up all the seats.
ReplyDeleteI echo the experiences of 6:11 PM. I visited during the spring and was taken aback with the jarring, loud music not to mention the lack of seating and surly attitudes of staff members. Not surprised this location closed.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that of late that location has been slow and dead. The staff weren't rude or anything but seemed like they didn't want to be there whereas the remaining location is usually relatively lively. I imagine it's pretty hard for a coffee shop to cover rent in a larger place these days. You either need massive foot traffic or higher-priced items (like alcohol). If you don't have those, you're better off as a coffee shop with a small footprint.
ReplyDeleteI never really liked food or drink at The Bean but it was a comforting place to go when I was stranded in the city very late. Now there’s nowhere to sit where yo don’t need to buy a $20 drink in EV that feels accessible.
ReplyDeleteAffordability is all we hear. Try making your coffee at home. Drinking two or three cups a day at the coffeehouse @$4 or more a cup, minimally $8-12 a day
ReplyDeleteDrinking coffee in a local place gets you out of the house, maybe see a friend and feel a part of a local community. Sure affordability but you make it sound like a punishment you deserve. I miss having a relationship with a barista. Or just seeing locals.
DeleteI am a caffeine addict who would easily spend 100 or so a week at cafes. I stopped completely one day and began making caffeinated beverages at home. In just two years, I saved over 10k. I love to support local businesses like the bean, but in today's economy, going out for coffee now seems indulgent and unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteTrying desperately to stop getting coffee since, like so many here, it is too expensive but since I work at home it a chance to get out. We need more third spaces. Nice plazas with benches around all these "luxury" condos, more hours for community gardens would be nice but they do not get enough volunteers to do that.
ReplyDelete