Signage alert: Kebabishq on 2nd Avenue

Photos by Steven 

Signage is up for the incoming tenant at 128 Second Ave. — Kebabishq.

The logo features the words "Bold," "Skewered," and "Indian." We were unable to find any information about the business.

There have been solid quick serve places here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, but, unfortunately, no one has had great success over the past nine years: 

• Seasoned Vegan Real Quick, 20 months (closed April 2025) 

• Tony's Pizza, 20 months (closed April 2023)

• Nolita Pizza, 12 months, (relocated to Kenmare Street in June 2020) 

• Kati Roll Company, 29 months (closed in April 2019) 

The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2016 following an ongoing legal/eviction battle with landlord Icon Realty. 

Icon bought the building in the fall of 2013 for $7.5 million.

Seasoned Vegan Real Quick has closed on 2nd Avenue

Photo by William Klayer 

After nearly 20 months in business, Seasoned Vegan Real Quick closed after service on Tuesday at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

Per an Instagram post announcing the closure: 

Chef B poured her heart into every plate, every smile, every moment — and today, she shares her deepest gratitude with you all. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in us, for every dollar you donated, and for showing SO much love 💜💚 This is not the end. It’s the beginning of something even greater. We love you. Stay tuned for all updates… 

The restaurant was a new vegan concept from mother-and-son restaurateurs Brenda "Chef B" Beener and Aaron Beener, who closed their Harlem restaurant, Seasoned Vegan, in the spring of 2023 after nine years in service. According to a restaurant representative, they decided to relaunch as a quick-service takeout and delivery option, offering a few of their most popular dishes as sandwiches. 

Seasoned Vegan Real Quick had its share of fans. Unfortunately, this has been a tough spot to make work in recent years. Tony's Pizza, Nolita Pizza and Kati Roll Company have been the post-Stage tenants. The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2016 following an ongoing legal/eviction battle with landlord Icon Realty.

Openings: Seasoned Vegan Real Quick on 2nd Avenue

Seasoned Vegan Real Quick opens today at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (First mentioned here.) 

The spot is a new vegan concept from mother and son restaurateurs Brenda "Chef B" Beener and Aaron Beener, who closed their Harlem restaurant Seasoned Vegan this spring after nine years in service.

According to a restaurant rep, they decided to relaunch as quick service takeout and delivery with a few of their most popular dishes offered as sandwiches.

Per the rep: 

The offerings draw on the family's New Orleans roots and feature three sandwiches, including two made with their unique signature grilled burdock root "crawfish" — Craw Pretzel Boy with remoulade sauce, a vegan take on the crawfish po-boy on a pretzel bun, and BBQ Craw Sandwich in bayou BBQ sauce. 

SV Nugget Sandwich and Lemon Crusted Nuggets (soy protein) will be available as well, along with fries tossed with Cajun seasoning and housemade organic desserts: Raw Cheesecake made from cashews, walnuts and dates; Salted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies and cupcakes. Beverages include fair trade Maine Root organic sodas. 

You can find the menu and more info here. Hours are daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. You can follow them on Instagram here. 

Photo courtesy of  Seasoned Vegan Real Quick

Updated: 

Several readers noted that the previous business signage for Tony's Pizza remains up temporarily ... with an important addition — the NOT ... (thanks to Steven for the photo!)

Thursday's parting shots

Photos by Steven 

As seen outside 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place... ground level by the front door — tile art showing a former tenant, Stage Restaurant (RIP March 30, 2015)

There are a few more of these around other now-closed longtime businesses. Not sure who the artist is at the moment.

As for 128 Second Ave., Tony's Pizza, went dark earlier this year after a June 2021 debut. Seasoned Vegan is next for the space.

Seasoned Vegan coming to the East Village

A family-owned vegan restaurant based in Harlem is opening a new outpost in the East Village. 

Seasoned Vegan will debut later this spring as a mostly take-out spot at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, EVG contributor Steven reports. 

Here's more about the business: 

Seasoned Vegan is ... owned and operated by mother and son, Brenda and Aaron Beener. We pride ourselves on being loyal to our vegan/vegetarian customers by maintaining an organic, 100% vegan menu while creating meals that are delicious enough to satisfy the most skeptical omnivore. 

Our restaurant specializes in preparing a very unique type of cuisine: gourmet vegan soul food. We use the term "soul food" loosely because we are not referring exclusively to the typical cuisine of the Southern region of the United States.

For us, soul food is any meal prepared by a chef who not only includes flavorful ingredients but also infuses tender love and care. With that as a founding theme, Seasoned Vegan gives typical Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and American dishes a vegan, home-cooked, soulful twist. 

You can find a menu here. 

The previous tenant, Tony's Pizza, went dark in recent weeks after a June 2021 debut.

Tony's Pizza debuts on 2nd Avenue

The outpost of Tony's Pizza is up and slinging slices now at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place... Steven stopped by yesterday for these photos...

You can check out the menu here. We're told that this pizzeria is affiliated with Antonio's Pizza Cafe on Court Street in Brooklyn. (Their description of a Fugheddaboudit Pizza matches exactly with the one at the Court Street location.) Antonio's owner (and Brooklyn native) Sal Casaccio also operated Tony's Famous Pizzeria.

This is the first of two Tony's for the East Village. Signage is up now for a Tony's Pizza at 231 First Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street — the former Vinny Vincenz, which closed in April.

Previously

H/T Steven and Upper West Sider!

Tony's Pizza signage arrives on 2nd Avenue

The signage is up now for the new tenant at 128 Second Ave. — Tony's Pizza. 

We reported last month that a pizzeria is in the works for this space between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place that previously housed Nolita Pizza ... which left last June after a year for a newer outpost down on Kenmare Street.

Not sure at the moment if this Tony is related to any other Tony's Pizza places, like the one out on Graham Avenue in East Williamsburg. 

Previously here: Kati Roll Company bowed out in April 2019 after just under three years in business. The longtime previous tenant at the address, The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2016 following an ongoing legal/eviction battle with Icon Realty, who had taken over as the landlord.

Pizzeria primed for 128 2nd Ave. space

For the Coming Soon Department... a pizzeria is in the works for 128 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Seventh Street. The @TradedNY account reported that the new leaseholder is Antonio's Pizza.

Not sure at the moment if they are related to Antonio's Pizza on Flatbush Avenue.
 

The space is already fitted for a pizzeria: Nolita Pizza left last June after a year for a newer outpost down on Kenmare Street.

Before that: Kati Roll Company bowed out here in April 2019 after just under three years in business.

The longtime previous tenant at the address, The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2016. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with Icon Realty, who had taken over as the landlord.

H/T Upper West Sider!

Village Dream Tattoo & Piercing shop has apparently closed

A tipster shared that the Village Dream Tattoo & Piercing shop has closed at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. Workers were seen removing the fixtures this past Thursday.

No word on if the business moved... or simply closed.

Village Dream was a holdover from the previous landlord, and lasted a surprisingly long time after Icon Realty bought the building in the fall of 2013. (As we've seen, existing businesses don't always stick around too long after Icon takes over.)

The other longtime previous tenant at the address, The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2016. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with Icon Realty. More recently. Nolita Pizza closed here last June.

Photo by Steven

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Tenants rally for better living conditions at 128 2nd Ave.; file contempt of court motion vs. landlord Icon Realty

Nolita Pizza leaves 2nd Avenue

After nearly a year serving up some solid slices, Nolita Pizza has left its East Village outpost at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

Saturday was the last day in business for the pizzeria, which is now operating from a newer outpost down on Kenmare Street. (H/T Lola Sáenz!)


[Photo yesterday by Steven]

We reached out to owner Tony Salihaj for comment. Unofficially, we heard that it was a combination of the COVID-19-related slowdown in business bumping up against the high rent for the space.

Kati Roll Company bowed out here in April 2019 after just under three years in business.

The longtime previous tenant at the address, The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2016. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with Icon Realty, who had taken over as the landlord.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Stage Restaurant will not be reopening

Nolita Pizza debuts on 2nd Avenue

Nolita Pizza debuted over the weekend at 128 Second Ave. here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

EVG regular Lola Sáenz shared these photos from Saturday...



We're told that Tony Salihaj (far left), one of the owners here, was also an owner of the well-regarded Bleecker Street Pizza. (He made headlines in September 2015 for creating a papal pizza ahead of the Pope's visit to NYC.)

In an email, Salihaj said that Bleecker Street Pizza was sold, and that he was very happy now to be in the East Village.

Aside from pizza, they offer dishes such as baked ziti and chicken parm and a variety of salads. You can find their website here with more menu items. (The website lists a Kenmare Street location as well.)

Kati Roll Company closed here in April after two-plus years selling Indian street food.

The longtime previous tenant at the address, The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2015. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with Icon Realty, who took over as the landlord. (You can read that background here.)

Updated 7/26

The signage has arrived...


[Photo by Steven]

Kati Roll Company now open on 2nd Avenue

The Kati Roll Company opened its doors yesterday for business at 128 Second Ave. near St. Mark's Place.



Here's a look at the menu... (thanks to Vinny & O for the photos)...



As Gothamist noted, the Kati crew will be offering free chicken and aloo rolls (while supplies last) tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The late, great Stage slated to become the Kati Roll Company on 2nd Avenue

A look inside the Kati Roll Company on 2nd Avenue

The plywood came down yesterday at 128 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Seventh Street... providing a look at the new Kati Roll Company... EVG correspondent Derek Berg looked inside, where some workers were celebrating the near-completion of the space...









Kati Roll Company is expected to be open next week. This will be the fourth location in the city.


[EVG photo]

The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed here on March 30, 2015. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with landlord Icon Realty. (You can read that background here.)

Previously on EV Grieve:
A few more details about the Kati Roll Company coming to 2nd Avenue

Swiss Institute moving into the former Chase branch on 2nd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

[Photo from December by Steven]

Looks as if the former Chase branch on Second Avenue at St. Mark's Place won't be torn down after all.

Back in February, landlord Icon Realty filed demolition permits for the address, 130 Second Ave.

At the time, there apparently weren't any takers for the space, which had been on the market since last summer with an asking price of $72,000 a month, per the listing. The address was being marketed for use as retail, a restaurants/bar, office space or a gym.

Now comes word that the Swiss Institute, a non-profit cultural center currently located on Wooster Street, has signed a lease for the space. Here is part of the news release:

Swiss Institute (SI) announced that it will be relocating to a new long-term home in New York City’s East Village, moving into a building at the corner of St. Marks Place and Second Avenue. The organization has selected Selldorf Architects to design the renovation of the 7,500 square foot building, due to open in the Spring of 2017.

Swiss Institute has hired Selldorf Architects to oversee the transformation of its new building. The 7,500 square foot space features four levels – basement, ground, second floor, and roof. The design for the building will create spaces for exhibitions, projects and public programs, a library, a bookstore, and a usable rooftop.



SI’s new home is located within half a mile of several prominent cultural and educational institutions including Anthology Film Archives, Cooper Union, Danspace Project, ICP, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, New Museum, New York University, The Poetry Project, and The Public Theater.

“This new building offers tremendous opportunities to expand upon our mission and serve a growing audience, to whom we will continue to offer forward-looking exhibitions and public programs, always free of charge”, said Swiss Institute Director Simon Castets. “We look forward to joining and contributing to the diverse community of cultural organizations and artists that have called the East Village home for many years.”

SI had lost their home in Soho to Jeffrey Deitch, per ARTnews.

As for the Chase branch, which merged with the one two blocks to the north, there were rumors galore about what Icon Realty was going to do to the space. Leasing to an arts organization was not among the predictions. In reporting on this move, ARTnews floated the following:

A rumor going around was that there would be a biergarten up top, which would befit a Swiss art concern, but at this time that tidbit is unconfirmed...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Chase space on 2nd Avenue and St. Mark's Place is for rent

2 East Village Chase Bank branches are closing for good on Nov. 12

Chase branch on 2nd Avenue at St. Mark's Place has the potential to get 4x larger with new owner

The East Village is down 2 Chase branches

Icon wraps former Chase branch at St. Mark's Place with retail ribbon

'Good riddance' Chase, and — a development to watch in 2016

A few more details about the Kati Roll Company coming to 2nd Avenue

[Photo from Saturday]

As you may recall, the owners of the Kati Roll Company are opening their fourth Manhattan location at 128 Second Ave., former home of the Stage.

The Kati crew is on the CB3 SLA committee docket this month for a beer-wine license at the space between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (Kati withdrew from the July meeting.)

According to the questionnaire (PDF!) on file at the CB3 website ahead of tonight's meeting, Kati plans to be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, until 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (The questionnaire states that they will stop serving beer-wine at 4 a.m.)

In addition, the small space will have six tables seating 14 people.

And here's more about the restaurant via their website:

The signature dish of The Kati Roll Company, Kati Rolls, are made by wrapping warm paratha, a type of Indian flat bread, around a variety of meats, vegetables and cheese. Each ingredient is marinated in a proprietary blend of Indian spices, creating a distinctive taste available nowhere else. Rolls can also be wrapped with a whole wheat roti for a healthier option.

Diners may choose from a select few fillings like beef, chicken, lamb, egg, shrimp, mixed veggie patty, chana masala, paneer cheese or potatoes. The finished Kati Roll is wrapped in either a paratha or a whole wheat roti and served hot, making it a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed virtually anywhere.

Tonight's CB3-SLA meeting is at 6:30 in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed on March 30, 2015. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with landlord Icon Realty. (You can read that background here.)

Kati Roll Company still coming to 128 2nd Ave.

As we reported on July 1, the owners of the Kati Roll Company have designs on opening their fourth Manhattan location at 128 Second Ave., former home of the Stage. According to paperwork filed ahead of this month's CB3-SLA committee meeting, they are seeking a beer-wine license here.

However, a look at tonight's meeting docket at the CB3 website shows that Kati is now a scratch...



A cancellation is a fairly frequent occurrence. As CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer said, "It is generally because information or paperwork is not finalized or negotiations with the landlord are not finalized to point where the applicant is ready to appear."

We asked Chris Coffey, a spokesperson for landlord Icon Realty, if Kati Roll was still coming to the space here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

"Kati Roll is moving forward with the space at 128 Second Avenue and we are excited to have them," he said via email.

While the liquor license paperwork is finalized, the former diner was gutted last week, as these photos via EVG correspondent Steven show...









Workers were also able to finally scrub off the spray-painted call for a boycott of this space...


[Photo from July 4]



The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed March 30, 2015. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with Icon. (You can read that background here.)

Updated 4:30 p.m.

Per Steven, the Stage signage came down today as workers put up the plywood for continued gut renovations...

Noted

As we reported back on Friday, the owners of the Kati Roll Company are looking to open their fourth Manhattan location at 128 Second Ave., former home of the Stage, according to preliminary paperwork filed ahead of this month's CB3-SLA committee meeting.

This spray-painted message arrived overnight here between St. Mark's Place and Seventh Street...





The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed March 30, 2015. Stage owner Roman Diakun had been involved in an ongoing legal/eviction battle with landlord Icon Realty. (You can read that background here.)

Reps for the the well-liked Kati Roll Company will be seeking a beer-wine license during the CB3-SLA committee meeting next Monday, July 11.

For rent sign arrives at the Stage

We first reported last Wednesday that the 35-year-old diner at 128 Second Ave. was for rent.

EVG correspondent Steven noted that the actual for rent sign has just arrived on the space between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

The asking rent for the space is $15,000. The listing at Icon Realty notes that the space is "perfect for a restaurant, cafe, or all general retail uses."

Previously on EV Grieve:
The possibility that the Stage won't reopen on 2nd Avenue

[Updated] Report: Icon Realty serves the Stage an eviction notice

Stage owner Roman Diakun responds to allegations of illegally siphoning gas

Petition to help reopen the Stage

[Updated] The Stage is giving away its bulk food and supplies to charity

Report: The Stage is suing landlord Icon Realty to halt eviction process

The Stage is now crowdfunding to help in its legal fight with Icon Realty

The Stage Restaurant will not be reopening

'Gentrification in Progress' tape arrives at former Trash & Vaudeville and Stage Restaurant spaces

Asking rent for the former Stage Restaurant — $15,000 a month

Asking rent for the former Stage Restaurant — $15,000 a month

[Image via Icon Realty]

Last Wednesday, Stage Restaurant owner Roman Diakun announced that he was permanently closing his 35-year-old diner at 128 Second Ave. between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (You may read more about it here. As we understand it, he had four years left on his lease.)

Now landlord Icon Realty, who had been trying to oust the Stage in court, has listed the 600-square-foot space (with another 600 feet in the basement).


[Click to go big]

The listing notes that the space is "perfect for a restaurant, cafe, or all general retail uses." The asking rent is $15,000 a month.

The Stage gate has been up since Feb. 29. Despite being closed for nearly a year (March 30), it looks ready for business...


[EVG photo from Sunday]

Previously on EV Grieve:
An appreciation: Breakfast at Stage

Troubling talk about 128 Second Ave, and the long-term future of the Stage

The possibility that the Stage won't reopen on 2nd Avenue

[Updated] Report: Icon Realty serves the Stage an eviction notice

Stage owner Roman Diakun responds to allegations of illegally siphoning gas

Petition to help reopen the Stage

[Updated] The Stage is giving away its bulk food and supplies to charity

Report: The Stage is suing landlord Icon Realty to halt eviction process

The Stage is now crowdfunding to help in its legal fight with Icon Realty

The Stage Restaurant will not be reopening

'Gentrification in Progress' tape arrives at former Trash & Vaudeville and Stage Restaurant spaces

A partially opened gate at the Stage on 2nd Avenue

[Photo today by Steven]

There hasn't been much information about the status of the Stage at 128 Second Ave. The 35-year-old diner has been closed since March 30 here between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place during an ongoing legal tussle with landlord Icon Reality.

Today, though, several EVG readers noted that the gate was partially open, and a group of workers (one observer said they were wearing T-shirts for a plumbing company) were milling about out front. Another reader noted that the interior looked mostly cleared out, though the napkin holders and salt-and-pepper shakers remained on the counter.

Despite the possibly encouraging sight of an open gate, EVG correspondent Steven spotted owner Roman Diakun, who shook his head and said that there weren't any updates on the Stage's status.

In the aftermath of the deadly explosion across Second Avenue on March 26, Icon Realty accused the Stage of illegally siphoning gas, which was the basis for an eviction notice in April. Diakun has strongly denied the accusations, and sued the landlord to stop the eviction process... al the while, the diner has been shuttered.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The possibility that the Stage won't reopen on 2nd Avenue

City serves stop work order on Icon Realty-owned building for installing gas pipe without permit across from deadly 2nd Avenue blast zone (48 comments)

Petition to help reopen the Stage

Tenants at 128 2nd Ave. file suit against Icon Realty in housing court

Troubling talk about 128 Second Ave, and the long-term future of the Stage

[Updated] Report: Icon Realty serves the Stage an eviction notice

Stage owner Roman Diakun responds to allegations of illegally siphoning gas

Petition to help reopen the Stage

[Updated] The Stage is giving away its bulk food and supplies to charity

Report: The Stage is suing landlord Icon Realty to halt eviction process

The Stage is now crowdfunding to help in its legal fight with Icon Realty