On 2nd Avenue, renovations turn into a seizure by the Marshal at Hot Box

[Photo from April]

Hot Box has not been open in recent months over at 77 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.

A handwritten note on the door stated that they were "closed for 'renovations'"...



During that time, there wasn't much, if any, activity inside the space...



And now that renovations sign has been removed... and there's a notice stating that the Marshal has taken legal possession of the space and turned it back over to the landlord...



The restaurant opened in May 2018, offering a quick-serve interpretation on traditional Chinese hot pot with a "signature burner system" for the table.

There isn't any word of a closure – temporary or otherwise — on the Hot Box website and social media properties.

Tough restaurant times at this address in the past two years. Ciala, which briefly served Georgian cuisine before switching to French food, had an inauspicious five-month tenure here.

Openings and closings on this block of 2nd Avenue

ZaabVer Thai remains closed at 75 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street... a sign on the front door notes a renovation...



... but all other signs (disconnected phone, Google notice, etc.) point to a permanent closure. (Several people who didn't care for the food here referred to it as "ZaabwhateVer.")

In more positive news next door, Hot Box is now open at 77 Second Ave. (as of May 20) ...



Hot Box combines East Asian broth, noodles and meats and vegetables in their "signature burner system."

A post shared by Hot Box Restaurants (@hotboxnyc) on Jun 11, 2018 at 4:45pm PDT

Head to the restaurant's website for the menu.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Hot Box looking ready to debut on 2nd Avenue

Hot Box looking ready to debut on 2nd Avenue

The coming soon signs are up in the windows at 77 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street... the home of Hot Box.

Here's the About via the restaurant's Facebook page:

Blending together a mix of East Asian broth, noodles and topped with the freshest ingredients, Hot Box serves deeply flavorful combinations on a signature burner system for a longer-lasting "fresh off the stove" taste.

And here's their menu from the recent soft opening...



And via Instagram...

A post shared by Hot Box Restaurants (@hotboxnyc) on Apr 26, 2018 at 9:19am PDT

A post shared by Hot Box Restaurants (@hotboxnyc) on Apr 11, 2018 at 7:17pm PDT

The restaurant's owners are on tonight's CB3-SLA committee meeting agenda for a new beer-wine license. However, this item will not be heard at the meeting.

Ciala, which briefly served Georgian cuisine before switching to French food, had an inauspicious five-month tenure at the address. Before Ciala, Ballaro had a seven-year run, closing in February 2016.

Hot Box bringing soup noodles to 2nd Avenue

An EVG reader shared this photo, noting that the signage has arrived for Hot Box at 77 Second Ave.

There's a website for the restaurant that states: "The finest soup noodles in NYC." The site remains under construction — as does the space here between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.

Ciala, which briefly served Georgian cuisine before switching to French food, had an inauspicious five-month tenure at the address. Before Ciala, Ballaro had a seven-year run, closing in February 2016.