iSouvlaki Greek Grill on tap for 139 E. 12th St.

[Photo by EVG reader Laura]

There has been activity in recent weeks inside the vacant storefront at 139 E. 12th St. at Third Avenue... and late last week the sign arrived for the new tenant — the iSouvlaki Greek Grill, which looks to fall into the "fast casual" category.

The owners are said to be from Merakia on West 21st Street, the same proprietors who were behind the previous venture here — Greekito, which featured Greek tacos, beer and wine, and coffee.

Greekito closed in November 2018 shortly after changing up concepts from the Wayside, a cafe-coffee shop that lasted six years.

Greekito tragedy: The back rent is due at this 12th Street cafe

Last month, the owners of the Wayside on 12th Street near Third Avenue switched from one cafe concept to another with the introduction of Greekito, featuring Greek tacos, beer and wine, and coffee.

Now, however, a Three Day Rent Demand has appeared on the gate (thanks to food writer Nick Solares for these photos!) ... the document shows that the owners owe nearly $60,000 in back rent (dating to April), late fees and returned check charges...



Perhaps the owners, who also run Merakia: Greek MountainThief Spithouse + Steak on West 21st Street, will get all the finances straightened out here and continue on.

The Wayside, a coffee shop with a variety of pleasant cafe fare, opened in July 2013.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Merakia owners swap out the Wayside for Greekito on 12th Street

Merakia owners swap out the Wayside for Greekito on 12th Street

[Photo Saturday night by Christopher Pelham]

On 12th Street at Third Avenue, the Wayside has gone by the wayside... and the owners have turned the space into Greekito (Greek 'n'Roll), a cafe serving Greek tacos, beer and wine, and coffee...


[Photo Saturday by EVG reader Laura]

The sign notes that this is Greekito by Merakia... last fall, these owners opened Merakia: Greek MountainThief Spithouse + Steak on West 21st Street that Eater described as a "stone-cold-stunner of a space."

The Wayside, a coffee shop with a variety of pleasant cafe fare, opened in July 2013.