Renovating 82 2nd Ave. for the arrival of Kebabwala from the Unapologetic Foods team

Storefront renovations are underway at 82 Second Ave., where the Unapologetic Foods team is opening the fast-casual Indian kebab house Kebabwala between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. 

News of this arrival dates back three summers. However, Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar have been plenty busy with the arrival of Rowdy Rooster on First Avenue and Naks a few blocks to the north. (The two are also opening a branch of their Adda Indian Canteen in the former Huertas space at 107 First Ave.) 

As for Kebabwala, Mazumdar told Eater the small space (10 indoor seats) is inspired by street grills around India and describes it as "a shot in the arm of a Delhi night market, with kebabs, bread, and the whole nine yards." 

No. 82 has been vacant for years and last housed restaurants including 7 Spices and Reyna Exotic Turkish Cuisine.

Unapologetic Foods looking at the former Huertas spot on 1st Avenue

The team at Unapologetic Foods — owner Roni Mazumdar and Chef Chintan Pandya — has an application in for a liquor license at 107 First Ave. between Sixth Street and Seventh Street ... the former Huertas space. 

According to public records and posted notices, reps for the hospitality group (they're behind Dhamaka in the Essex Market and Adda Indian Canteen in Long Island City) will appear before Community Board 3's SLA committee next Monday, July 15. (Questionnaire PDF here.)

The application for the unnamed Indian concept shows proposed daily hours of noon to 2 a.m., with plans for a small sidewalk cafe and several tables on a back patio within the property line. 

Unapologetic also operates the fried-chicken outpost, Rowdy Rooster, at 149 First Ave. at Ninth Street, and the Filipino restaurant Naks, 201 First Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street. 

Huertas closed last August after 10 years in service. The building had a new landlord, and chef Jonah Miller said he could not agree to "suitable terms" for a new lease. 

Reps for Paulie Gee's Slice Shop looked at this space late last year, though those plans didn't move forward.

The July 15 SLA meeting starts at 6:30. Find the Zoom link at this link.

This is a hybrid meeting, and there is limited seating available for the public — the first 15 people who show up at the Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.