Closing notices: J-Spec Wagyu Dining and Esora Omakase on 5th Street

Photo from October 2020 by Jacob Ford 

The owners of J-Spec Wagyu Dining and Esora Omakase have announced that they are closing the 44-seat restaurant at 239 E. Fifth St. at the end of April. 

Here's part of an email they sent out last evening (thanks to the EVG reader for the tip)...

Regrettably, after careful consideration, we have come to the difficult conclusion that we will be closing our restaurant at the end of this month. This decision was not made lightly and comes after much reflection on various factors, BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE GONE FOREVER. 

We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support over the years. It has been our utmost pleasure to serve you, and we are truly grateful for the memories and experiences we have shared together.

As we approach the closing date, we will provide you with further details regarding any upcoming events, possible transition arrangements, and how we plan to bid farewell. 

While we embark on this new chapter, we will continue to strive to provide you with the best service possible until our last day of operation. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patronage and loyalty throughout the years. It has been an honor to serve you, and we will cherish the memories we've made together. 

J-Spec, an abbreviation for "Japan-Specification," opened here between Second Avenue and Cooper Square in November 2020 ... taking over part of the former Jewel Bako space. 

 Tomoe Food Services Inc., a Waygu supplier, owns and operates the restaurant. 

Dan & John's has closed its original East Village location after 9 years

Thanks to @410E9th for the initial tip and top photo

2nd photo by Steven

Dan & John's Wings has closed its first location, 135 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. Sunday was the last day in service here. 

Management said they couldn't come to terms with the landlord on rent for a new lease. 

Dan & John's opened on First Avenue in October 2015... and expanded the space to include a dining room in May 2018. 

Friends Dan Borowski and John Henninger started their business in 2013 at Smorgasburg using recipes they learned working in bars and pizzerias in their native Buffalo.

Dan & John's outposts remain open in Murray Hill, Chelsea and the Dekalb Market Hall in downtown Brooklyn.

After 8 years in the East Village, Fortnight Institute has closed its doors

Fortnight Institute, an art gallery that billed itself as a public salon, closed on Tuesday. 

Founders Fabiola Alondra and Jane Harmon made the announcement on Instagram: 

We deeply appreciate and are thankful to our gallery team, to the artists, supporters, visitors, curators, collectors, writers, and interns throughout the years, for their contributions and involvement in Fortnight Institute's life. Fortnight Institute was established in 2016, and now, eight years later, its journey has completed its full circle with its closure in 2024, reminiscent of the cyclic nature of the ouroboros. 

At the heart of our gallery's inception was the desire to experiment and collaborate closely with artists. Keeping this priority in mind, we, as advocates for creative expression, engaged in numerous discussions. We questioned whether we would need to adopt a more market-oriented approach and further expand the gallery to support our artists. Amidst these conversations, we reflected on the most enjoyable and valuable aspects of running this space. 

Ultimately, these discussions led us to reaffirm our commitment to a mission centered on creativity and artist-driven endeavors — a mission that resonates deeply within us and one that we aspire to nurture in our future endeavors. With this pursuit in mind, after eight fulfilling years, Fortnight Institute is concluding this chapter of our lives with gratitude and fulfillment. 

What turned out to be Fortnight's final exhibition featured paintings by Cheri Smith. It had been scheduled to run through April 20. 

Per artnet: "The gallery was instrumental in launching and supporting the careers of numerous figures who went on to fame, such as the London-based figurative painter Somaya Critchlow and New York's Chris Oh, a creator of beguiling sculptural paintings."

Fortnight Institute opened on Fourth Street Second Avenue and the Bowery in April 2016 ... before relocating a block away to 31 E. Third St.

The Avenue Cafe is closing tomorrow on St. Mark's Place

Tomorrow (March 30) is the last day in service for The Avenue Cafe at 102 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue.

Per an Instagram message: "Though the time was short, the experience and support will last a lifetime. It’s been real NYC!"

The post also mentioned some upcoming "sweet" news about the space (which we heard is a new vendor taking over the storefront).

The independent/minority-owned shop, which opened in October and offers a variety of coffee drinks and housemade pastries, recently reduced its hours to weekends only.

We heard from a few bummed-out EVG readers who were fans of The Avenue. 

This marked the first storefront for the owners after two-plus years inside the Jamaica Market food hall in Queens.

The previous tenant at No. 102 was another short-lived cafe concept — Compilation Coffee.

Awash in debt, Body Shop shuts down operations

Photos by Stacie Joy 

The Body Shop announced that its U.S. operations would shut down immediately. According to published reports, it filed for Chapter 7 insolvency on Saturday, under which assets are sold to clear debts.

The outpost on Broadway at Astor Place was said to have closed on Sunday...

Some background via The Associated Press: 

The Body Shop, founded by Anita Roddick and her husband in 1976, is often hailed as an early champion of ethical practices in business. The retailer of soaps, creams and makeup has promoted fair-trading practices and products that were not tested on animals.

The brand became hugely popular in the 1980s ... and grew to have stores in some 80 countries, including many operated through franchises.

(A show of hands who bought the bath pearls collection as a gift sometime between 1987 and 1993.)

In 2006, Roddick sold the business to L’Oreal ... and the brand changed hands several times in recent years, first to Brazilian cosmetics business Natura and then to Aurelius, a private equity firm specializing in buying and turning around troubled companies.

PLNT Burger closes its Union Square outpost

After two-plus years at 139 Fourth Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street, PLNT Burger has shut this outpost... as of this past Friday along this corridor featuring other fast-casual brands like Cava and Dos Toros.

Meanwhile, PLNT Burger fans can get their fix at 1147 Broadway...

Here's more via an Instagram message: 

This decision follows the growth of our other Manhattan locations, leading us to consolidate our operations in New York. 

We are extremely thankful and proud of our team, journey, and accomplishments in Union Square. We are looking forward with optimism and excitement to the continued growth of our Nomad location and the continued expansion of our brand on the East Coast. 

This was the first NYC outpost for the Virginia-based chain via celebrity chef-Food Network star Spike Mendelsohn ... the brand also has locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, among other places.

Perk Espresso & Coffee Bar closes on 14th Street

Perk Espresso & Coffee Bar is officially done at 534 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

EVG readers Russell K. and East Village Tours spotted workers removing equipment on Saturday... this after the shop had been closed in recent weeks during announced business hours. 

Perk has two other locations, in Murray Hill and the UES. 

The shop debuted in March 2019.

Goodbye Dolly

Photo by Steven

An item we didn't get a chance to previously mention ... a for-lease sign recently arrived at 137 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. 

This marks the official end of the ice cream and waffle shop The Dolly Llama. The business had been closed since last summer, with a note for patrons announcing "temporarily closed for remodeling and a refreshed look." This was odd, seeing how it only opened in March 2023. 

A rep previously told us in October that they hoped to be back open soon.

The Dolly Llama started in Los Angeles in 2017 and has multiple locations in the United States now. 

Koko Wings has apparently closed on 1st Avenue

Koko Wings looks to be done at 192 First Ave. between 11th Street and 12th Street. 

The quick-serve restaurant specializing in Korean fried chicken has been closed in recent weeks. Google lists them as "temporarily closed." No one responded to our requests for comment. 

Meanwhile, the retail space is on the rental market via Meridian Capital Group. The asking rent is $13,500. 

Perhaps in an early sign of distress this past summer, Koko Wings began advertising a price drop and that tipping was not necessary (photo from July by Steven)...

Koko Wings debuted in December 2019... this was already a wing-friendly corridor along First Avenue with Dan and John's and Atomic Wings... then Buffalo Wild Wings opened early last fall ... plus, there's Wingstop around the corner on 14th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue.

On 5th Street, Etérea announces a March 30 closing date

Etérea, the vegan Mexican restaurant in Overthrow Hospitality's portfolio, will close at 511 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B at the end of March. 

In an Instagram post, Overthrow said the restaurant that opened in April 2021 "has not achieved the level of success we had hoped for." 

They also cited the death of Etérea Chef Victor Hernandez, who suffered a stroke on Dec. 26, as "a void that cannot be filled."

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Overthrow Hospitality (@overthrowhospitality)

Starting March 4, Etérea will only be open for dinner, Wednesday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m. The last day is March 30. 

Overthrow will be unveiling a new concept for the space this summer.

Sidney's Five closes on Friday

Photo of Sidney's Five partners Kai Woo, Walker Chambliss,

 Edie Ugot and David Lowenstein from June 2021 by Stacie Joy

Sidney's Five has announced its closure after nearly three years at 103 First Ave. between Sixth Street and Seventh Street. 

Here's part of the Sidney's notice via Instagram: 

After nearly 3 years of Corn Dogs, Dirty Fundy’s, and Burgers, our chapter in the East Village is coming to a close. In true Sidney’s fashion, we will not mourn but celebrate our time with you all with one last hurrah! Our last service is officially Friday, February 23rd, so let’s close it out with a bang. 

While we absolutely hate saying goodbye, every single person who walked in and hung out with us made us remember the reason why we opened up in the first place. Our community, our loyal patrons, our dedicated and truly one-of-a-kind staff, old and new, you created such an environment that will be hard to let go of but will forever be remembered. Be proud of that ... Until we see each other again! Xoxo 

Readers we talked with liked Sidney's Five with its kitschy seaside motel vibe... though there were seemingly some identity problems, per these readers — was it a bar that served food or a restaurant with a bar? 

Sidney's Five debuted in May 2021. 

The East Village outpost of Chinatown favorite Dim Sum Go Go has closed

Top photo by Steven; 2nd photo by Stacie Joy 

Dim Sum Go Go's stay in the East Village was short-lived. 

A for-rent sign is now posted on the storefront at 221 First Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street. 

The EV space has been closed — initially temporarily — since early February...signage pointed to an "electrical issue."

In an Instagram message, a restaurant rep told us they closed "due to intense competition in the area, despite our relentless efforts."

They went on to offer a thank you: "We want to express our gratitude to the vibrant restaurants nearby ... We sincerely appreciate the support from our loyal customers and eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone to our Chinatown establishment."

Dim Sum Go Go fans in the East Village can order their food via the Chinatown branch on various delivery apps or from the restaurant's website.

The EV location just debuted this past September. And it took a while to get here: signage first arrived in July 2021, and between the pandemic and some bureaucratic issues, the opening kept getting pushed back. 

This was the second outpost for the restaurant that made the Michelin Bib Gourmand list last year. The flagship space at 5 E. Broadway in Chinatown opened in 2000. 

Thanks to the EVG reader for the tip about the lease signage!

Boris & Horton, NYC's first dog-friendly cafe, announces the 'devastating' decision to close on Feb. 26

Photo by Claire Esparros via the Boris & Horton website 

Updated 2/28: The cafe will remain open. Read more about it here.

-----

After six years anchoring the NW corner of Avenue A and 12th Street, Boris & Horton, the city's first dog-friendly cafe, announced today that it was closing effective Feb. 26. 

The notice came via Instagram from daughter-father co-owners Logan Mikhly and Coppy Holzman... the brand is also closing the newer Williamsburg location...

Ownership did not offer a specific reason behind the closings and said they were opting to "celebrate the great times we've had as New York's first dog-friendly cafe." 

For the next 11 days, Boris & Horton will sell merchandise and fixtures "at a deep discount." 

Later in 2018, Boris & Horton expanded its footprint in the building along Avenue A.

News of the closing shocked regulars, with the Instagram post prompting hundreds of comments in less than 20 minutes.

Closings: Emilia by Nai on 1st Ave.

Photo by Pinch

A for-rent sign hangs above 174 First Ave. (south storefront), marking the official end of Emilia by Nai here between 10th Street and 12th Street.

There's no mention of a closure on the restaurant's website or Instagram account. A "Closed for Private Event" sign had been on the storefront for months.

This was a return (circa June 2022) to the address for Chef Ruben Rodriquez, who ran Nai Tapas Bar in the subterranean space until a move to Second Avenue in 2018.

Rodriquez has several other restaurants in the neighborhood, including the recently opened Bad Hombre at 29 Second Ave. — the former Amigo.

Per the listing (PDF), the asking rent at 174 First Ave. is $18,500 a month.

Jolene set to close soon on Great Jones

Updated 2/9: Jolene closes on Feb. 10.

ICYMI: Jolene, the bistro-cafe at 54 Great Jones St. between the Bowery and Lafayette, will close soon.

Gabriel Stulman, founder of the West Village-based restaurant group Happy Cooking Hospitality, made the announcement last week. 

Per the media alert that we received:

I'm writing to break the news that Jolene will be closing soon. We have had to write a letter like this before, and it never gets easier — but the experience has only strengthened my belief that we learn as much from our experiences that don't succeed as the ones that do. 

We didn't go looking for the restaurant that is Jolene, it found us. My kids went to school with the grandchild of the building owner. Over drop-off one day, a connection was made that unlocked the doors. We loved the tiny space and the block with its proud fire station... 

... we're leaving with our heads held high and we hope that all the good mojo will make the next keyholders of 54 Great Jones a storied success. 

Stulman started here with The Jones, an all-day cafe that opened in August 2019... changing concepts to Jolene, named after the Dolly Parton song, in May 2021.

The closing had been rumored since an application landed on the Community Board 2 website (PDF here) last month for a new concept via Eric Kruvant and Darin Rubell, who operate Mister Paradise on First Avenue between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.

Before The Jones, No. 54 was home to the Great Jones Cafe, which never reopened after Jim Moffett, the longtime owner, died in July 2018 at age 59. The Cafe, a popular yet low-key spot, first arrived in 1983.

Everytable has closed its Avenue B outpost (and every other NYC location)

Everytable, the Los Angeles-based fast-casual concept focused on healthy meals, has closed all NYC locations, including the outpost at 229 Avenue B between 13th Street and 14th Street. 

The gate has been down at Avenue B for several weeks. Google and Yelp both list the location as permanently closed. In fact, all the NYC outposts — we counted seven locations — have closed. 

An Everytable rep told an EVG reader: "Last week, we made the incredibly tough decision to leave New York for now." The rep said they would take a "step back in this moment to build a truly revolutionary company." (We reached out for comment as well.) 

The Everytable website no longer lists any NYC addresses, with 11 locations still serving in Southern California. 

Here's more about the company, per a June 2023 news release on a $25 million round of funding: 

Founded in 2016, Everytable is a mission-driven food company based in Los Angeles that fights for food justice and equality by providing healthy and nutritious food that is both accessible and affordable for everyone. Everytable is a multi-channel, fresh-prepared food business blending stores, subscriptions, delivery, and SmartFridges supplied by a central kitchen, with meals priced according to the neighborhood. 

The Avenue B location opened in May 2023. 

H/T EVG reader Diane Jones Randall

Ongoing building issues force Caffe Corretto to close after only 2 months in service on 12th Street

Photo from June 2023 by Stacie Joy 

After more than five months of frustrating limbo during building repairs, the owners of Caffe Corretto announced yesterday that they will not be reopening at 511 E. 12th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

East Village residents Colin Vickery and Leah Blewett, partners in business and life, were behind this project that they say was inspired by the all-day cafes of Rome. Sadly, though, they only were able to realize their dream of running a restaurant for two months last summer.

The two shared this statement with us yesterday:

We are heartbroken to announce that Caffe Corretto will not return ...

After years of planning, two joyful months of service, and five months and counting of frustrating limbo, the ongoing repairs to our building have forced us to depart permanently. Following a gas leak that was discovered in August, we were required to close our doors, and while we've worked hard since then, the space still cannot be used for our restaurant at this time. 

We remain hopeful that the robust and comprehensive business interruption insurance that we purchased to protect us in the case of an event like this will come through. However, without that crucial support for our young business, we must bid farewell to our home on 12th Street. 

We want to share our warmest thanks with our team, our investors, our friends and family, and especially our guests. Welcoming you was an unmitigated delight, and we will miss you dearly. 

We're so grateful for all of the love and support you've shown us, including through this interminable closure, and we look forward to seeing you around our neighborhood for a caffe, a slice, or a cold vermouth over ice with a twist.

In a follow-up email with EVG's Stacie Joy, Leah said:

We love the idea of reopening at some point, but for now, it's far away and would for certain require our business interruption insurance to pay according to the terms of our policy. Until then, there's not much we can do except vacate the space and wait and see.

Caffe Corretto opened last June, offering an appealing mix of breakfast pastries and lunchtime pizza al taglio ... while the evening menu featured a variety of pasta dishes, seasonal salads, and other entrees via Chef Alessandro Urbisci. 

Previously, Raclette was here for six years, bowing out in 2022.  

Dunkin' shutters on Cooper Square

After 10 years of dispensing doughnuts and coffee, the Dunkin' outpost at 67 Cooper Square has closed. 

A for-lease sign now hangs in the front window here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. Workers cleared out the space last week.

Apparently, the 10-year lease was up. The brand arrived here in the summer of 2014, the new tenant after Norman's Sound & Vision decamped to Williamsburg. 

Dunkin' was always a nice alternative to chains like Blank City Coffee.

Chicken & the Egg closes; taqueria in the works for the space

Chicken & the Egg has closed at 221 Second Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street. 

Signage notes the new business coming soon: Dear Rufino Taqueria...

We're not sure who's behind the new establishment... and if the closure also impacts Sincerely, Ophelia, the speakeasy in the back. 

The fried chicken sandwich restaurant-speakeasy combo opened in August 2022.

Mr. Kim quickly leaves St. Mark's Place

Photos by Steven 

Store-for-rent signs are now posted at 22 St. Mark's Place, marking the end of a brief run for Mr. Kim. 

The business only arrived in September and offered one-stop-shopping for some St. Mark's Place-friendly staples — tattoos, piercings, cheap sunglasses, etc.

Mr. Kim, no relation to the onetime famous Kim's on the block, was here 21 years and nine months less than the last business — WAGA, which sold handmade goods primarily from West Africa.