A transformation for the Ugly Duckling on 3rd Avenue and 13th Street

The Ugly Duckling closed earlier this month so the owners can rebrand the multi-level space on the NW corner of Third Avenue and 13th Street. (H/T EVG reader John!)

A rep for the Dream Hospitality Group confirmed the closure... and the new concept — a French-themed establishment.

The Ugly Duckling, which offered a Saturday special called "Boujee Brunch," debuted in late 2021... taking over the space from the Brazen Fox (same owners), which closed during the pandemic after nearly seven years in business.

The Brazen Fox becomes the Ugly Duckling

Signage for the Ugly Duckling has arrived on the NW corner of Third Avenue and 13th Street (thanks to Doug for the top pic!) ...

In April, we reported that hospitality veteran Curt Heugel's Host Restaurants, whose portfolio includes concepts such as Bill's Townhouse, Campagnola and Printers Alley, was behind a new unnamed venture... which was to be the previous tenant — the Brazen Fox.

Anyway, they rethought that decision... and the two-level sports bar is now going as the Ugly Duckling (same ownership).

The Brazen Fox closed during the pandemic after nearly seven years in business.

Brazen Fox returning to the Brazen Fox space

On Monday, we reported that hospitality veteran Curt Heugel's Host Restaurants, whose portfolio includes concepts such as Bill's Townhouse, Campagnola and Printers Alley, was behind a new unnamed venture for 106 Third Ave. at 13th Street — the former Brazen Fox.

Turns out the venture will be ... the Brazen Fox. The bar-restaurant announced its reopening yesterday on Instagram... stating that they've "reached an agreement" to return...

Brazen Fox closed during the pandemic after nearly seven years in business.

Closings: Brazen Fox, the Nugget Spot, Hu Kitchen, Mancora and Apna Masala

• Brazen Fox, 106 Third Ave. at 13th St.

The two-level bar-restaurant abruptly shuttered last week. They had been open for takeout and curbside service. A rep confirmed the closure.

This outpost of the  White Plains-based Brazen Fox opened in the fall of 2013.

• The Nugget Spot, 230 E. 14th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

Ownership recently announced a closure, though they did leave the door open for a return in an Instagram message:

"It's with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our 14th Street location. For 7 years we called this home, making friends from all over the world that share the same love for NUGS. We're not throwing in the towel just yet, but in order for us to return in the future we have to take these necessary actions now. "

The Nugget spot, which opened here in October 2013, had been in service for takeout and delivery for part of the summer.

• Hu Kitchen, 78 Fifth Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street.

A for-rent sign now hangs in the front window of the quick-serve, health-focused restaurant that served made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes and well as fresh-pressed juices and other grocery items. (H/T ADJG!) This location opened in October 2012. Their online operation is still in business.

• Mancora and Apna Masala, 97 First Ave. at Sixth Street.

Mancora, which served Peruvian cuisine, moved here from across Sixth Street in June 2017. Both Mancora and Apna, which shared part of the space, have been closed since the March PAUSE. OpenTable list both restaurants as closed.

And a reader recently spotted what was believed to be equipment from Mancora discarded on Avenue A and Sixth Street...

Brazen Fox owners looking to open a bar-restaurant across the street

There's an application on file with CB3 for a new liquor license at 104 Third Ave. on the southwest corner of 13th Street.

According to paperwork (PDF) at the CB3 website and in the window of the empty storefront...





... the applicants are Declan Rainsford and Rory Dolan, who are partners in several establishments in White Plains as well as the two-level Brazen Fox directly across 13th Street.

The questionnaire with more information about the proposed bar-restaurant hasn't been posted just yet. However, the notification in the window shows that the two are seeking a full liquor license and a sidewalk cafe.

The empty storefront was home until last June to Gothic Cabinet Craft shop. The family-owned custom wood furniture shop had been on this corner since 1969.

It will be interesting to see the response to a new liquor license in a saturated area in a storefront that previously wasn't licensed.

The CB3 SLA committee meeting is April 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the CB3 office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

Crime scene tape remains on 3rd Avenue and East 13th Street

Several readers noted the presence of crime-scene tape outside the Brazen Fox on Third Avenue and East 13th Street early this morning.

Per one reader who was on a pre-dawn walk: "the sidewalk was blocked off, at least on the 13th Street side, and there was a patrol car parked there at the corner of 3rd Ave with lights flashing."

We don't have any information about what may have happened.

Droplets of blood remain on the sidewalk.