Updated: Cheers Cut bringing Taiwanese fast food to St. Mark's Place

Renovations have been ongoing behind the brown-papered front windows at 36 St. Mark's Place.

A worker there recently told EVG correspondent Steven that the new business will be selling fried chicken... and a sign noting "fried chicken and seafood" recently arrived on the front door...


[Photo by Steven]

Something deep fried makes sense given that the previous tenant here between Second Avenue and Third Avenue was Friterie Belgian Fries, which closed back in January after nearly 18 months in operation.

The previous tenant, Fasta ("Pasta Your Way"), lasted less than six weeks in business. Before that, it was the $1.50 branch of 2 Bros. Pizza, which closed in February 2015.

Updated 9 a.m.

Thanks to @NameCantBe for passing along that this will be a Cheers Cut location.

Here's their official description:

Our Taiwanese-inspired cuisine features flavorful, fresh dishes that deliver an unforgettable experience to your taste buds. We revolve our business around the goal of providing our customers with quality food and service. The menu features a variety of selections, including our famous crispy fried chicken and seafood dishes cooked to perfection, as well as other recipes ranging from bento boxes to noodles. Made with fresh, local ingredients and carefully hand selected and tested, our food will guarantee quality to provide our customers with the best experience possible.

Eater named it as a top spot for fried chicken in NYC:

The monster fillet at this new Elmhurst Taiwanese fast food chain that specializes in chicken and squid has been heavily crumbed and fried to perfection, and is delivered in its entirety — so bring a pocket knife. Crowds line up to get these fillets, and four sweet dipping sauces are offered. The cartoon superhero motif is an added plus.

Did Friterie Belgian Fries close on St. Mark's Place?

The gate was down during business hours yesterday afternoon at Friterie Belgian Fries, 36 St. Mark's Place.

A man putting a lock on the gate told EVG correspondent Steven that the business was done. Calls to the shop between Second Avenue and Third Avenue are directed to a message noting that this customer hasn't set up a voicemail box.

Meanwhile, the business that shares the address, Topoo Village Gifts (Best Head Shop in 2012 per the Voice) cleared out back in the summer. That space now has a for rent sign...



Friterie Belgian Fries opened in June 2015 ... in an attempt to fill the void after Pommes Frites was lost in the deadly Second Avenue gas explosion on March 26, 2015. (Pommes Frites reopened last May on MacDougal Street.)

The previous tenant here, Fasta ("Pasta Your Way"), lasted less than six weeks in business.

And before that, it was the $1.50 branch of 2 Bros. Pizza, which closed in February 2015.