[Updated] Reader report: CB3 votes down Friedman-Bloomfield cafe concept for Avenue A

[Photo from February]

The CB3/SLA Liquor Licensing Committee voted 6-1 tonight to deny high-profile restaurateurs Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield a license to open a cafe in the former San Loco space at 151 Avenue A.

According to a reader at the meeting, CB3 member Ariel Palitz cast the lone vote of support. (Also, we hear that Friedman and Bloomfield were not in attendance.)

Of course, all final decisions are up to the State Liquor Authority, so the two could take their case there. However, as Eater previously noted, Friedman and Bloomfield dropped plans for a wine bar on Bleecker Street in April 2012 after encountering some resistance from residents in Community Board 2's jurisdiction.

And some residents had concerns about their Avenue A proposal.



Updated 6:09 a.m.

BoweryBoogie has a report from the meeting here. Per BB: "There was staunch opposition to this application for fear of a bait-and-switch. There’s no kitchen and the food offered is a “light menu.” San Loco, in contrast, never 'celebrated' its drink offerings."

Updated 10:09 a.m.

Friedman tells Eater that they will not pursue the space any further.

We love the East Village and specifically Avenue A. But if we aren't wanted there, we get it. Unfortunately for those who think they've done a great thing by preventing another restaurant or bar from opening there, they will discover that the rent is too high for a barber shop or frozen yogurt store, so a bar or another taco shop will most likely take this space.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield eyeing the former San Loco space on Avenue A

More details about the new Avenue A project from Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield

More details about the new Avenue A project from Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield

[Photo from February]

As we first reported yesterday, high-profile restaurateurs Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield are hoping to open a cafe-bar concept in the former San Loco space at 151 Avenue A.

The paperwork (PDF!) filed ahead of this month's CB3/SLA committee meeting on May 12 offers a few more details on the concept. The documents at the CB3 website show a cafe/bar with five tables seating 10-12 people, and a bar with a 7-person capacity.

Here is the diagram that accompanies the paperwork…



Meanwhile, the proposed kitchen hours are 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. And here is the sample menu…


[Click on image to enlarge]

Although nothing on file at the CB3 website has Friedman and Bloomfield's name attached to it, multiple people have told us they are behind this project … perhaps they will even make an appearance tonight to discuss their plans with the North Avenue A Neighborhood Association…



Updated 10:04 a.m.

Eater offers some Friedman-Bloomfield history this morning:

It's also worth noting that in the past, they have gone through the process of applying for liquor licenses many times without actually committing to the spaces they were eyeing.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield eyeing the former San Loco space on Avenue A

Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield eyeing the former San Loco space on Avenue A

[Photo from February]

San Loco closed on Feb. 16 after 15 years at 151 Avenue A, as we first reported here.

Word is now that high-profile restaurateurs Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield are eyeing the former San Loco location for a cafe-bar concept that would be open early for breakfast … and late night for cocktails (with lunch and dinner in between). The place would curate a specific coffee, wine and cocktail program.

This application is on the May CB3/SLA agenda released yesterday (though their names aren't on it just yet).

Friedman and Bloomfield own such places as high-profile places like The Spotted Pig, The Breslin and The John Dory Oyster Bar … while Friedman has teamed with the likes of Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter at The Monkey Bar and Taavo Somer at The Rusty Knot.

Avenue A looks to be going even more upscale in a hurry … with projects such as this, the all-new 7A and Alex Stupak's new Mexican restaurant at the former Sushi Lounge space.