Sweetgreen opening in former University Diner space

Stepping away from the neighborhood for a moment... signage is up on the corner of University Place and 12th Street for another NYC location of Sweetgreen, the healthy quick-serve restaurant that offers various custom salads and grain bowls, etc.

This corner was home for 60 years to the University Diner, which closed in 2012 over a reported hefty rent increase. Gunz Fine European Food — an upscale chocolate shop and market — arrived in 2013 and left a few years later.

Report: Former University Diner space home soon to Gunz Fine European Food

[Jeremiah's Vanishing New York]

Just about a year ago, the University Diner closed for good after 60 years of business on University Place at East 12th Street... (Read more about that closing at Jeremiah's Vanishing New York and Flaming Pablum.)

At the time, Eater reported that the landlord was seeking a big rent hike — upwards of $40,000 a month. The subsequent "save our neighborhood diner" campaign wasn't able to help.

Early last month, Jeremiah got word that "some kind of international cookie place" was taking over.

And here we are. Yesterday, Andrea Swalec at DNAinfo reported that the new tenant will be Gunz Fine European Food, which "will sell cookies, snacks and other fine foods imported from across Europe."

Per the article: "Based in Mäder, Austria, Gunz ships packaged foods to 80 countries, and in 2012 boasted revenue of more than $116 million."

The campaign to 'Save our Neighborhood Diner' on University Place

As you may have read at Jeremiah's Vanishing New York and Flaming Pablum, University Diner on University Place at East 12th Street shuttered after 60 years of continuous service. The diner closed yesterday for good at 4 p.m.

Eater noted that the landlord is seeking $40,000 a month in rent.

Regardless, some fed up neighbors are petitioning the landlord "to only consider renting to a similar diner/restaurant: One that is low-key (soft lighting), affordable, with the same welcoming, friendly feeling."

And "NO! to franchises, bank fronts, noisy bars, phone stores..."

[Thanks to EVG reader Scott for the photo]