East Village cafe AO Bowl closes, owner blames Sen. Schumer

Updated: See the comments for more from Zach the owner.

The Japanese health-food cafe AO Bowl has closed at 82 St. Mark's Place on the southwest corner of First Avenue. 

The quick-serve establishment, which offered a variety of bowls, smoothies and juices, opened in early 2021 (after a few delays). 

In a goodbye letter left on the door for patrons, ownership puts the blame on Sen. Charles Schumer...

The letter reads in part: 

Sen. Schumer stabbed us in the back after first promising and then failing to replenish the SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This would have reimbursed us for costs we had to bear from the government-mandated closures. Many large restaurant chains got millions from the RRF while small businesses like us got nothing, even after being approved... 

Over the last year of hanging on, Sen. Schumer continues to use as as a bargaining chip and recently attempted to kill RRF replishment by taking it out of the budget to secure other projects. Small businesses and restaurants should not be political pawns. Business owners should not have to incur tons of debt and get thrown into bankruptcy territory because of government negligence and mismangement.

You can read the latest on the RRF funds here.

We first mentioned AO's arrival in July 2019 (previously going as 

Eiyō Bowl). The AO Instagram account listed an October 2020 opening, though that was pushed back several months. According to an announcement about AO, this was the "first-ever cafe in the U.S. to use vacuum blenders to create vacuum-pressed smoothies and juice on premise."

In 2019, workers gutted this single-level structure on the corner ... and divided the storefront into several retail spaces. The other new tenant here is the Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.

The former occupant, Foot Gear Plus, closed in July 2018 after nearly 40 years in business.

AO Bowl softly opens on St. Mark's Place

The Japanese health-food cafe AO Bowl is expected to (softly) open today at 82 St. Mark's Place on the southwest corner of First Avenue. 

A rep for the quick-serve establishment says that this is the "first-ever cafe in the U.S. to use vacuum blenders to create vacuum-pressed smoothies and juice on premise."

And more via the EVG inbox...

Using Blendtec technology, which prevents the oxidation of fruits and vegetables, AO Bowl juices retain over 90 percent juice compared to about 60-70 percent in standard juicing. Vacuum blending removes the air from ingredients within the blender, allowing juices to retain the majority of their original vitamin and mineral content. 

A fully plant-based menu with keto and paleo-friendly options features locally sourced or homegrown items including oat milk, bean sprouts, acai, granola, and market bowls like Adzuki Rice with Kombu and Grilled Pineapple Yams.

Workers gutted this single-level structure on the corner ... dividing the storefront into several spaces. The other new tenant here will be the Brooklyn Dumpling Shop one of these days.

The previous single occupant, Foot Gear Plus, closed in July 2018 after 40 years in business.

Smoothie images via AO Bowl

AO Bowl signage arrives on St. Mark's Place

Workers put up the signage yesterday for AO Bowl, a quick-serve, plant-based Japanese restaurant specializing in acai and rice bowls and smoothies here at 131 First Ave. (aka 82 St. Mark's Place).

We first mentioned this arrival in July 2019 (previously going as 

Eiyō Bowl). The AO Instagram account lists an October 2020 opening.

Workers have gutted this single-level structure on the corner ... and dividing the storefront into three retail spaces. The other new tenant here will be the Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.

The previous occupant, Foot Gear Plus, closed in July 2018 at this time after nearly 40 years in business.

Thanks to Steven for the photo!

Previously on EV Grieve:
• After nearly 40 years, Foot Gear Plus is closing on 1st Avenue and St. Mark's Place

• What's next for 131 1st Ave., the former Foot Gear Plus space?

• A look at 131 1st Ave., currently being divided into 3 retail spaces