Here's what's coming to the former Zum Schneider space on 7th Street and Avenue C

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Ayat, a Palestinian bistro with several Brooklyn outposts, including the original in Bay Ridge, is opening its first Manhattan outpost on the NW corner of Seventh Street and Avenue C later this year. 

EVG contributor Stacie Joy met owners Akram Nassir (left) and Abdul Elenani outside the space, where interior renovations are underway...

Elenani and his team have been busy expanding in the five boroughs, with multiple new locations and concepts in the works, as Eater previously reported. 

The East Village location will offer Middle Eastern/Palestinian food — and no alcohol.

Zum Schneider, the popular biergarten and restaurant, closed here after 20 years in late February 2020. 

In November 2020, a jokester attached a fake sign to the storefront stating that a McDonald's was opening here. 

Former Zum Schneider space now for lease on 7th Street and Avenue C

A for-lease sign recently arrived on the storefront on the northwest corner of Avenue C and Seventh Street — the former Zum Schneider. 

The EVG reader who shared this photo said this is the first time the space has been on the market these past 20-plus months. The posted sign doesn't list any details about the type of tenant desired. (The space is vented for cooking.)

Zum Schneider, the popular biergarten and restaurant, closed here after 20 years in late February 2020. According to Zum Schneider owner Sylvester Schneider at the time, the co-op's lawyer stated that the building had no intention to renew the lease. (Zum Schneider continues to host various pop-up events in Brooklyn and NYC.)

In November 2020, a jokester attached a fake sign to the storefront stating that a McDonald's was opening here in January 2021. 

Zum Schneider popping up in Williamsburg for the UEFA European Championship

Anyone who misses Zum Schneider, which held forth on Avenue C and Seventh Street for 20 years, can head over to Williamsburg, where the Biergarten and restaurant is popping up to show Germany's matches during the UEFA European Championship.

The Zum resurrection, as they put it, is taking place starting today at the former BIBA space at 110 Kent Ave. at North Eighth St. (And perhaps a test run for a full-time location?)

The schedule for now: 

• Tuesday, June 15 

2-11 p.m. 

Germany v. France, 3 p.m. 

• Saturday, June 19 

11 a.m.-11 p.m. 

Germany v. Portugal, noon 

• Wednesday, June 23 

2-11 p.m. 

Germany v. Hungary, 3 p.m. 

Visit this link for details about the food, drink and music.

Zum Schneider closed at 107 Avenue C in late February 2020 after 20 years in business. According to Zum Schneider owner Sylvester Schneider at the time, the co-op's lawyer stated that the building had no intention to renew the lease.

No. 107's storefront remains vacant, though there was that McDonald's gag.

That fake McDonald's sign is no longer on the Zum Schneider space

A quick follow-up to the post from Friday ... in which a coming soon (January 2021!) sign for McDonald's appeared on the door of the former Zum Schneider space on Avenue C at Seventh Street. The sign is now gone — apparently someone was not — yuk! yuk! —lovin' this hoax...

By all accounts, the sign, which looked Photoshopped in the daylight and suspiciously appeared outside the door, was a fake.

Anyway, so we'll see what might be next for real here. Zum Schneider, the popular biergarten and restaurant, closed here after 20 years in late February. The co-op board reportedly would not renew the lease.

Is a McDonald's opening in the former Zum Schneider space on Avenue C?

Updated 1:30 p.m.

Several readers who got a closer look at the sign say it's a fake — it looks Photoshopped and it's taped to the outside of the door, which is suspicious.

Updated 11/22

The sign has been removed.

This just in... a reader (thanks Ryan!) shares these photos from the former Zum Schneider space on Avenue C at Seventh Street ... where there is now a coming soon sign for McDonald's...

The sign, with the McDonald's logo, reads: "We're Lovin' It! Coming January 2021. Open 24 hours."

At this very moment, we're not sure it this is legit or not — possibly someone trying to be funny. (Still thinking of the Hooters hoax at the former 2nd Ave Deli site way back in 2006.) We'll look to get verification on this.

Zum Schneider, the popular biergarten and restaurant, closed here after 20 years in late February. According to Zum Schneider owner Sylvester Schneider at the time, the co-op's lawyer here on Seventh Street stated that the building had no intention to renew the lease.

If this is true, then it will mark the third McDonald's in the neighborhood, joining the one on First Avenue at 14th Street and on First Avenue near Sixth Street. (The outpost on Third Avenue closed in June 2017.)

The new-look 107 Avenue C

Workers recently painted over the Zum Schneider murals on the rolldown gates here on Avenue C and Seventh Street, as these photos by Steven show...



The Zum lettering came down on Feb. 27.

Local mural legend Chico created the gate art here back in August 2016...


[Photo from 2016 by Daniel Root]

The biergarten closed at the end of February after 20 years at 107 Avenue C. The co-op board here reportedly didn't offer the Zum team a lease renewal. Owner Sylvester Schneider has said he will reopen elsewhere in NYC.

No word on a new tenant for the space at No. 107, but someone always likes to say Starbucks.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Last Christmas for Zum Schneider on Avenue C: Biergarten on the move in 2020

• More details about Zum Schneider's February closing date on Avenue C

Cover letters: Signage comes down at the now-closed Zum Schneider on Avenue C

As you likely know, Zum Schneider wrapped up 20 years of business on Avenue C and Seventh Street on Tuesday night (more like early Wednesday morning).

This afternoon, a worker was spotted removing the biergarten's letters from the exterior (thanks to @michaelfrias27 for the photos!)



Presumably that's someone affiliated with Zum Schneider removing those letters for use in their new location. Owner Sylvester Schneider has said he will find a new NYC outpost for his bar-restaurant.

Previously on EV Grieve:
More details about Zum Schneider's February closing date on Avenue C

Zum Schneider ends its 20-year run tonight on Avenue C

As we first reported in December, Zum Schneider was leaving its home of 20 years on Avenue C and Seventh Street at the end of February.

And we've reached the end: Tonight (Feb. 25) marks the biergarten's finale as it concludes its six-night Karneval Final. The hours are 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. (In case you were going to drop by, the invite says that Karneval costumes are mandatory.)

The landlord, listed as 229 East 7th Street HFDC, reportedly decided not to renew the retail lease.

Zum Schneider opened on Avenue C in August 2000, and soon became a destination for World Cup and Euro Cup matches as well as events such as Karneval and Oktoberfest.

Owner Sylvester Schneider is searching for a new NYC home "with a landlord who appreciates our tenancy." He has already announced that Zum Schneider will host its annual Oktoberfest tent along the East River this fall.



Previously on EV Grieve:
• Last Christmas for Zum Schneider on Avenue C: Biergarten on the move in 2020

• More details about Zum Schneider's February closing date on Avenue C

Spätzle alert: Zum Schneider's kitchen will be open for a few weeks longer

[EVG file photo]

As we first reported last month, Zum Schneider is leaving its home of 20 years on Avenue C and Seventh Street at the end of February.

The landlord, listed as 229 East 7th Street HFDC, would reportedly not renew the biergarten's lease.

Feb. 25 is the last day they're open to the public. This coming Sunday, Feb. 2, was previously listed as the date for closing their food service.

However! Zum Schenier announced yesterday that their kitchen is now open until Feb. 16. Via the EVG inbox:

We have some good news. We managed to make some arrangements for the kitchen to stay open for an additional 2 weeks. Yes, more Haxen, Reiberdatschi, Spätzle and sausages. Last day for our kitchen will now be Feb. 16. Until Feb. 9 we'll have the full menu and after following with a limited menu until Feb. 16.

We will then close the place for three days to get ready for the last hurrah KARNEVAL FINAL where some snacks will be available such as warm sausages, Obazda, Leberkäs, bread and more.

We're excited and look forward to serve you our Bavarian specialties for a bit longer.

Prost und an guadn!

Zum Schneider is searching for a new NYC home "with a landlord who appreciates our tenancy." They've already announced that they will once again host their Oktoberfest tent along the East River this fall.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Last Christmas for Zum Schneider on Avenue C: Biergarten on the move in 2020

• More details about Zum Schneider's February closing date on Avenue C

More details about Zum Schneider's February closing date on Avenue C

As we first reported on Dec. 23, Zum Schneider is leaving its home of 20 years on Avenue C and Seventh Street next month.

The landlord, listed as 229 East 7th Street HFDC, did not renew their lease.

Owners of the popular biergarten and restaurant offered up more details about the pending closure in an email to customers late last week. (Thanks to all the EVG readers who shared this!)

The email reads in part:

It is now very clear and final that Zum Schneider, the way you know it on Ave C and East 7th Street, is coming to an end on Feb. 29, 2020. You deserve to know what happened, so here comes a short explanation.

Exactly one year ago we wrote to our landlord, 229 East 7th Street HDFC, a letter requesting an extension of the lease for the store where Zum Schneider is located, because we were just about to enter the last year on our lease that we signed in February 2000.

After we did not hear from the co-op, we contacted them again. After the third reminder they confirmed reception of our letter but nothing more. Then, months and months of following up on our letter went by with no result or reply whatsoever. We had no other choice but to set the deadline of Aug. 31. We explained that not just the restaurant owner and management need to know where the future lies, but the crew of 25 part-time and full-time employees deserve to know whether they have a job at Zum Schneider in 2020 or not.

On Sept. 1, 2019, we received a letter from the co-op's lawyer stating that they have no intention to renew the lease, and that we are to vacate the store by Feb. 29, 2020. In the following months we tried to convince the co-op that we are in fact a good tenant that has paid his rent on time every month for 20 years. We recommended different solutions, e.g. a shorter term lease, but the co-op was simply not interested. Therefore it is now 100 percent irreversible and unchangeable that our last day on Avenue C will be Feb. 29, 2020.

Here's what will happen in the next 8 weeks:

• Our restaurant will operate business as usual until Feb. 2. We then have to close the kitchen and will operate as a bar only. On Feb. 20 we'll kick off our annual Karneval party, which will go for 6 days, and will also double as our closing party.

• Feb. 25 will then be the very last day we're open to the public.

Future of Zum Schneider:
We will take a moment to reflect, and then start the search for our new location in Spring 2020. We intend to stay in Manhattan, and we are looking forward to turn the page and start with a fresh breeze, to create an even better and funner Zum Schneider elsewhere and with a landlord who appreciates our tenancy.

Last and most important:
We cannot thank you enough for your patronage, enthusiasm and loyalty over the years. Every Zum Schneider patron is part of the big Zum Schneider family. We are very anxious to welcome you and serve you the Bier, fare and fun you became familiar with over the years, at a new location in the near future.

Zum Schneider did announce that they will once again host their Oktoberfest tent along the East River this coming fall.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Last Christmas for Zum Schneider on Avenue C: Biergarten on the move in 2020

Last Christmas for Zum Schneider on Avenue C: Biergarten on the move in 2020

[EVG photo from August]

In early 2020, Zum Schneider will be be moving away from its 20-year-old home on the northwest corner of Avenue C and Seventh Street.

As we understand it, the landlord is not renewing the lease of the popular Bavarian bierhaus and German restaurant. (The landlord, listed as 229 East 7th Street HFDC, unsuccessfully tried to evict Zum Schneider in 2006.)

"Yes, it's rather sad after 20 years, but the East Village seems to have the trend that storefronts become empty and stay empty for years," said owner Sylvester Schneider. "Strange development."

Schneider said that they will start looking for a new location in early 2020. Meanwhile, the kitchen closes on Feb. 2, with Feb. 25 serving as the last day for Zum Schneider on Avenue C. They'll be closing out with the annual Karneval party, held Feb. 20-25.

Zum Schneider opened on Avenue C in August 2000, and soon became a destination for World Cup and Euro Cup matches as well as events such as Karneval and Oktoberfest, which they later moved to a tent along the East River.

Schneider also serves as Mösl Franzi, the frontman for the house Oompah band, the JaJaJas.

From a pre-Oktoberfest article from September in The Red Hook Star-Revue:

Schneider is, undisputedly, the heart and soul of the restaurant, whether he’s behind the drums or not. His pervasive energy, enthusiasm and joy have made it a jubilant place since it opened. He’s often seen hopping up onto the benches and bar, leading the entire place in rousing singalongs, or creating spontaneous dance parties.

But he was a musician first. Born in Wessling, a small town outside of Munich, he moved to America to become a drummer. He played in rock bands in Boston and NYC in the ‘90s, before he opened Zum Schneider, which instantly stood out for its uniquely authentic German coziness.

Schneider said that Zum Schneider fans could sign up for their newsletter online for updates about the move next year.

Wednesday's parting shot

The 19th annual Mai-Fest at Zum Schneider, Avenue C at Seventh Street... thanks to Aaron Wilson for the photo...

[Updated] Report of a fire at 229 E. 7th St.

Dave on 7th shares this photo... the FDNY responded to a report of a fire on the fourth floor at 229 E. Seventh St. at Avenue C...

FDNYalerts MAN ALL HANDS 229 E 7ST, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE IN APT 7,

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) July 13, 2017

The FDNY gave the all clear about 20 minutes later.

There aren't any further details at the moment, including cause or extent of the damage to surrounding apartments or the ground-floor tenant, Zum Schneider.

Updated 3:55 p.m.

Thanks to East Village Eats for letting us know about this...

Paint out the barrel...

Chico is at working on a new mural for the gate at Zum Schneider on Avenue C and Seventh Street, as these photos by EVG reader Daniel Root show ...



By the way, Zum Schneider celebrates its 16th anniversary on Aug. 19 starting at 4 p.m. Details here.

Headline H/T

Zum Schneider celebrates 15 years on Avenue C tonight

Per the Facebook invite:

Come celebrate 15 years of Zum Schneider with us!

Moesl Franzi and the JaJaJa's
Sidewalk Pig Roast ("Spanferkel")
DJ Volka Racho
Keg tapping at 5pm

Zum Schneider is at 107 Avenue C at East Seventh Street.

Have yourself a Germanish Christmas

Starting tomorrow…

Via the Zum Schneider website:

Doors open at 1 pm. Free admission. Sorry, no reservations!

• Traditional community singalong with Benjamin and Sylvester on the guitar and hammered dulcimer
• Songbooks will be provided
• German and American Christmas carols
• Mulled wine
• Mama Schneider's Christmas Stollen
• Weihnachtsgebäck / Christmas cookies
• Festive decoration

Zum Schneider is on Avenue C and East Seventh Street…

This morning in lines for German beer

Oktoberfest begins today at Zum Schneider on Avenue C and East Seventh Street... and EVG reader John noted a 30-person line at 9:41 a.m. ...



Doors open at 11. First keg is tapped at noon. (And what is German for Woo?)

For those about to Oktoberfest

From the EVG inbox... in case you are interested in Oktoberfesty things... starts tomorrow at Zum Schneider on Avenue C and East Seventh Street ...

NYC's most authentic Oktoberfest party is now in its 13th year.
Sing and dance the Polka with Mösl Franzi and the JaJaJa's
Drown yourself in a Mass (Stein) of original Oktoberfest beer, including Andechs Festbier and HB Traunstein Festbier
Get your loved one an original Oktoberfest Lebkuchenherz (gingerbread heart)
Enjoy our special Riesen-Wiesn-Brezn (giant pretzls) and Wiesn Hendl (whole broiled chicken)

Free Admission
Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!
Dates with live music and DJ:
Saturday, Sep. 28, 11 am - Tapping of first keg at noon!
Sunday, Sep. 29, 1 pm
Monday, Sep. 30, 5 pm
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 5 pm

Saturday, Oct 5, 1 pm
Sunday, Oct 6, 1 pm
Monday, Oct 7, 5 pm
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 5 pm

Saturday, Oct 12, 1 pm
Sunday, Oct 13, 1 pm

Rolling out the barrel, or taps, at Zum Schneider

Zum Schneider is back open today after being closed for a few days for "renovation and mechanical repairs" ... that must include some new taps... spotted by Dave on 7th here on Avenue C and East Seventh Street...

Or maybe it's a new self-serve sidewalk bar...? Ha.

New signage for Zum Schneider, Kingston Hall

Just noting some new signage from last week... Zum Schneider has new letters on East Seventh Street and Avenue C...

[Dave on 7th]

... and Kingston Hall has a new awning/canopy on Second Avenue... at the former Holy Basil ...

Anyone been to Kingston Hall? Don't hear too much about it... kind of hard to spot before up above the 13th Step ... the Holy Basil awning was up until very recently too ...