Space where Momofuku got its start is for rent on 1st Avenue

163 First Ave. just north of 10th Street is now on the rental market.

The space is notable to some local food aficionados for being where David Chang's Momofuku empire got is start .... first as the home of Noodle Bar (2004) before it moved a few storefronts away... later becoming Momofuku Ko for six years (2008-2014), which is now open in a larger space on Extra Place ... and then the first outpost of his Fuku fried chicken sandwich chain (2015-2018).

There was speculation that Chang would hold on to the space, as Eater noted after Fuku closed: 

The space, near and dear to Momofuku as the location that kicked off Chang’s empire, will continue to serve as an incubator — though what else the company has up its sleeves is TBD.

Not much info on the retail listing, except that the space is vented for cooking, though all uses are considered. 

Photo by Steven with assistance from EV Arrow

P.S.

Bring back Wraparama!

Report: Original Fuku is closing on 1st Avenue

Momofuku founder David Chang is closing his first Fuku branch at 163 First Ave. near 10th Street at the end of the month.

Eater brought the news yesterday:

The fast-casual chicken chain will close its original location in the East Village space that Chang has historically used as a concept incubator. It’s outgrown the tiny space...

Fuku opened to long lines in June 2015...


[The line on East 10th Street around noon on June 12, 2015]

Since then Fuku has opened outposts in other NYC neighborhoods ... and in other cities.

The last day is April 30 for this Fuku.

Expect something else from Chang at No. 163.

Back to Eater:

The space, near and dear to Momofuku as the location that kicked off Chang’s empire, will continue to serve as an incubator — though what else the company has up its sleeves is TBD.

The wait for the Fuku fried chicken sandwich

[The line on East 10th Street around noon today]

EVG reader Chad Solomon stopped by the hyped-up Fuku, the new quick-serve fried chicken sandwich place from Momofuku's David Chang that opened Wednesday at 163 First Ave. just north of East 10th Street.

Here's what he had to say:

"Line was around the corner — took us about 35 minutes to get inside to order but then another 45 to wait for the food, so an hour and 20 minutes total. But my God was it worth it — crispy and flavorful on the outside, nice and juicy inside."

Fuku is currently only open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.