A look inside Sunflower Cafe, which remains closed for a 'restructure'

The Sunflower East Village, located on the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Fifth Street, announced a closure for a "restructure" last fall, roughly four months after it opened following a lengthy renovation.

We haven't seen anyone inside since then, until last week, when someone removed all the tables and chairs...

... and even a kitchen sink...

Perhaps we have entered the restructuring phase? Google still lists the business, the sibling to the Sunflower Cafe in Gramercy, as "temporarily closed." (A legal notice on the front door last November stated that the tenant owed nearly $177,000 back rent.)

Sunflower is owned and operated by the same individuals as the previous tenant, Eros, the Greek restaurant that quietly closed in August 2022. Eros took over for their diner concept, The Kitchen Sink, in September 2021. 

Several readers have wondered how the place can remain closed for such long periods between concepts. 

A bad sign at the Sunflower East Village on 2nd Street

Last week, we noted that Sunflower East Village had closed for a "restructure" after four-plus months in business at 88 Second Ave. at Fifth Street. 

As the week went on, EVG reader Kevin Frech pointed out that the landlord posted a Notice of Petition of Non-Payment on the cafe.

The legal notice states that the tenant owes nearly $177,000 back rent. Perhaps an agreement can be reached between the two sides, but that is a lot of avocado toast. 

This sister cafe to the one on Third Avenue in Gramercy Park opened in May with a brunch-friendly menu, though they were not open in the evenings. 

Sunflower is owned and operated by the same folks as the previous tenant here, Eros, the Greek restaurant that quietly closed in August 2022. Eros took over for their diner concept, The Kitchen Sink, in September 2021.

2 recently opened restaurants close for renovations on 2nd Avenue

Sunday Dreamin is apparently taking a power nap.

The restaurant at 80 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street is closed for renovations.

Per an Instagram post: "We will be temporarily closed for the time being as we go through some changes here at #SundayDreamin. Give us a follow so you can stay up to date for when we reopen!"

Sunday Dreamin opened in May, and we mostly heard positive things about the food. 

Meanwhile, one block to the north, the Sunflower East Village has also announced a closure for a "restructure" (photo by Steven)...

This sister cafe to the one on Third Avenue in Gramercy Park (with the Instagram slogan "Let’s Brunch baby!") also opened in May. It's not known what a restructure entails, but there was a very long build-out ahead of the grand opening. 

Sunflower is owned and operated by the same folks as the previous tenant here, Eros, the Greek restaurant that quietly closed in August 2022. Eros took over for their diner concept, The Kitchen Sink, in September 2021. 

Unfortunately, in recent months, neither Sunday Dreamin nor the Sunflower seemed all that busy.

Openings: Sunflower Cafe on 2nd Avenue

Photo by Stacie Joy 

Sunflower debuted last week at 88 Second Ave. at Fifth Street. 

This is a sibling to the cafe of the same name on Third Avenue in Gramercy Park with the Instagram slogan "Let’s Brunch baby!" 

They serve some breakfast staples, lunch, and various coffee and drinks (menu here). 

Daily hours for now: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunflower is owned and operated by the same folks as the previous tenant here, Eros, the Greek restaurant that quietly closed in August 2022. Eros took over for their diner concept, The Kitchen Sink, in September 2021.

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