SLA temporary suspends the liquor license at Black Emperor

Gov. Cuomo recently announced that the liquor licenses of 33 more NY State bars and restaurants have been temporarily suspended for what he has termed "egregious violations of coronavirus-related regulations."

Of those 33, one was in the East Village —Black Emperor at 197 Second Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street.

Here's what the SLA said in its statement:

On August 31, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed in excess of eight patrons standing, drinking and congregating in front of the licensed premises. Inside, investigators observed three patrons sitting and drinking at the bar and one patron standing inside with a drink in his hand, all in flagrant violation of the Governor's Executive Order in place since March 16, 2020.

Updated 11 a.m.: Several readers have noted that Black Emperor had previously announced plans to temporarily close the bar after service on Aug. 31. 

Meanwhile, two other East Village bars-restaurants that had their licenses suspended by the SLA last month are back in service.

Maiden Lane on 10th Street and Avenue B resumed service with alcohol and expanded food offerings on Sept. 10. (They did reopen after their license was suspended in early August for food orders and a non-alcoholic drink menu.)

The Hairy Lemon, 28-30 Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street, also had its license reinstated after nearly six weeks of closure. 

The Black Emperor has arrived on 2nd Avenue

An EVG reader shared this shot... showing the exterior of the incoming Black Emperor at 197 Second Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street.

We wrote about this incoming bar-restaurant back in October when the applicants were to appear before CB3 for a new liquor license.

The Three Kings Restaurant Group, whose résumé includes bars and restaurants in the Bowery Hotel and Arlo NoMad Hotel, among other establishments, was behind this venture.

However, as Eater reported in early January, partners Dale Talde, David Massoni and John Bush dissolved Three Kings, with each of them going off on his own for new projects.

No word yet who is running Black Emperor ... or if they will be sticking with the "Asian fusion tapas" menu pitched to CB3.

Shoolbred's closed here in June 2017 after nearly 10 years in business. This address was Jade Mountain, home of the great Chow Mein sign, until 2007.

Black Emperor slated for 2nd Avenue

A group of applicants whose résumé includes bars and restaurants in the Bowery Hotel and Arlo NoMad Hotel are looking to open Black Emperor at 197 Second Ave.

The applicants, including David Massoni and John Bush, will appear before CB3's SLA committee tonight for a new liquor license for the former Schoolbred's space between 12th Street and 13th Street.

According to the detailed application at the CB3 website, Black Emperor would include nine table for 35 patrons as well as a 10-seat bar and a four-table sidewalk cafe. (Shoolbred's was also licensed to operate on the sidewalk.)

The food is described as "Asian fusion tapas," and here's a look a the menu via the application...



Black Emperor would open at 5 p.m., with a closing time of 2 a.m. Monday through Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. (And 1 a.m. Sunday.)

Massoni and Bush have opened several establishments via their Three Kings Restaurant Group, starting with Thistle Hill Tavern in Park Slope as well as the above-mentioned hotel spots. (East Village residents may know Bush from his days bartending at 2A and Niagara.)

Shoolbred's closed in June 2017 after nearly 10 years in business.

Tonight's SLA committee meeting takes place starting at 6:30 in the Public Hotel, 17th Floor, Sophia Room, 215 Chrystie St. between Houston and Stanton.