So long Dean & Deluca

From over at Broadway and Prince earlier this afternoon ... EVG reader Robert Miner shared this photo showing the auction sign up at the flagship location (circa 1988) of Dean & Deluca.

As we first noted earlier this month, the financially strapped high-end grocer and cafe had put up a "temporarily closed" sign here that no one really believed. The company was up to its green tea truffles in debt.

And this afternoon, the once-grand brand auctioned off all that remained inside the shop.

As of now, only two U.S. locations — both in Hawaii — are believed to be in existence. The Dean & Deluca website has also expired.

Elsewhere nearby: the flagship Dean & Deluca is closed for now on Broadway and Prince

From outside the usual EVG coverage zone over at Broadway and Prince... EVG reader Robert Miner shared this photo from yesterday. The flagship location (circa 1988) of Dean & Deluca is now temporarily closed.

There have been reports of empty shelves here in recent months (see Gothamist and Eater).

Per Eater on Aug. 20:

Despite its dreary appearance, floor manager Mohammed Rahman says the store isn’t closing but rather undergoing renovations. Several signs that read “Please pardon our appearance as we prepare for renovations” are now strung about the store, located at 560 Broadway at Prince Street. Rahman says he hasn’t been told much about the renovations or when they’re supposed to start.

There isn't any mention of a renovation on the above-sign for patrons — just some "deep regret" about the temporary closing.

As you've been reading in recent months, Dean & Deluca, the iconic gourmet grocer, is on the brink of financial collapse. Complete collapse may be imminent. As of now, only two locations — both in Honolulu — are listed on the Dean & Deluca website.