Showing posts with label closures 2025. Show all posts
Showing posts with label closures 2025. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Upperz Cafe and Bar announces closing date on 14th Street

Photo from October 2024 by Stacie Joy 

Upperz Cafe and Bar is closing on Saturday at 319 E. 14th St., between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

The owners, siblings Marilyn Velazquez and Ramon Velazquez, made the announcement on Instagram, noting, "This decision was not made lightly, and we are so grateful for the support and love you've shown us throughout our journey." 

The all-day cafe debuted here late last November.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Rossy's Bakery & Café to close after 15 years on 3rd Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

A family-run bakery and café that's served its neighbors for the past 15 years is closing. 

Rossy's Bakery & Café, 242 E. Third St. between Avenue B and Avenue C, will soon shut down after opening in June 2010. 

Owner Roselia "Rossy" Caba confirmed the news, citing rising costs and the impending retirement of her mother, Norma Ortiz, who founded the business.
"After so many years, we decided to call it quits," said Caba, whose brother Gabriel Escalante is also part of the business. "With the way things are, it makes no sense for us to continue… We can't keep trying to be affordable to the community and still make money anymore. There is no profit. We just can't do it anymore."
Ortiz (below) began baking cakes for family and friends from her Second Street apartment. Demand quickly grew beyond her kitchen's capacity, and soon, the mother-daughter team opened their own storefront just a few blocks away.
Over the years, Rossy's became known for its hearty and affordable lunch plates — BBQ ribs, baked chicken, and rice-and-beans combos. Empanadas and smoothies were also popular picks for kids in the neighborhood.
But even with a loyal customer base, Caba says the numbers no longer add up. "I haven’t made a profit in a while," she said. "Everything we use is quality here, and that screwed me over. There's no margin." 

She's also taken on debt just to keep the business afloat. The business — minus the name — is now for sale as a turnkey operation, including the lease, equipment and established location. Caba says there are a few years left on the current lease and that the landlord is open to an extension. 

As for what she hopes comes next for the space? "Something for the community. A restaurant. Maybe Spanish food. Staying in the roots." 

Caba plans to return to her previous work in nightclub accounting. 

Ortiz, meanwhile, is officially retiring. "She's not baking cakes anymore. So if you want one, you’d better get it in now," Caba added. 

Rossy's will be missed — not just for its food, but for the sense of neighborhood it helped sustain. Who goes to Rossy's Bakery & Cafe? Neighbors, teachers, postal workers, construction and sanitation crews, police officers, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders. UPS and FedEx drivers. Kids after school. People craving home-style Dominican and Spanish food or a fresh-baked treat. The morning and midday crowd needing a Bustelo fix — coffee with frothy, sweetened milk. Regulars with a standing dinner plate order.
It was a place that served everyone and made everyone feel like a regular. Caba remembers your order — "She doesn't like pieces of fruit in her smoothie, so make it extra smooth," she reminds the staff. You may catch her out front in her fire-engine red muscle car, always quick with a joke and a smile. 

A neighborhood needs places like Rossy's.
Previously on EV Grieve

Wash Rite Laundromat has closed on 4th Street

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Wash Rite Laundromat at 112 E. Fourth St. is now closed here between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Workers started clearing out the space in recent days...
As we reported on May 5, the owners weren't able to come to terms on an affordable lease renewal with the landlord.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

The last jiggle: Viral dessert shop Ănjelly closes on St. Mark's Place

Photo by Steven 

Ănjelly, a Vietnamese dessert shop, has apparently officially closed. A for-rent sign now hangs above the storefront at 103 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue. 

We noticed the gate had been down in recent weeks. Yelp lists it as closed while the shop's Instagram account is no longer on the platform. 

Ănjelly went viral shortly after opening in the fall of 2023 for its jiggly dessert animal collection.

Saturday, May 17, 2025

That's all for the Dunkin' at 100 1st Ave.

Photo by Salim 

The Dunkin'-Baskin-Robbins combo on the NE corner of First Avenue and Sixth Street has closed.

Yesterday was the last day in business. The closure notice on the door directs patrons to other local Dunkin' outposts. 

The closure isn't a surprise, as the storefront appeared in a for-rent listing in April 2024. A tipster initially told us the Dunkin' was closing this past Dec. 31.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Nosh Up (officially) closes down on St. Mark's Place

A for-rent sign has arrived at 24 St. Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue, marking the official end of Nosh Up.

The gate, currently used as a message board for travelers, has been down at the market for the past two months. A closure was expected.

Nosh Up, which sold fresh-made sandwiches, grilled paninis, salads, quesadillas, etc., just opened in October.

Not sure why they didn't even make it to six months.

The business took over for Jewels, the body jewelry and piercing parlor. The address has a lot of recent history—Ben & Jerry's! Pinkberry! No. 24 was also the Ice Cream Connection in the early 1970s before the owners of Dojo opened the Japanese restaurant here in 1974 (RIP 2007).

Thanks to EVG reader Brandon for the photo!

Monday, May 5, 2025

On 4th Street, Wash Rite Laundromat cleaned out by rent increase, patrons say

Wash Rite Laundromat at 112 E. Fourth St. is closing at the end of the month. 

Several EVG readers told us about the pending closure, which they say is due to a rent increase that is more than the current ownership can manage. 

Here's the closure notice, posted over the "We ❤️ NY Small Business" poster in the window between First Avenue and Second Avenue...
Patrons signed a petition urging the landlord to allow the business to stay. We stopped by multiple times, though we were always instructed to return later to speak with the owner. (The owner also did not respond to our call-back requests.) 

"The laundromat has had a petition on its counter for a few weeks and got hundreds of signatures to try to keep it open, but the landlords are demanding an obscene rent hike," a patron told us. "All of us neighbors are so upset."

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Closings on 14th Street: Amara Coffee, Dua Kafe

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Dua Kafe has closed at 520 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

While Google states the Albanian restaurant is temporarily closed, the space has been cleared out. A tipster informed us that the landlord sought a larger rent increase than the owners could afford and that they hoped to relocate to a different location.
There is a sign on the door that says, "For all deliveries, please talk to Johnny, the socks guy next door." 

So I went next door and spoke to Johnny, the socks guy, who confirmed the permanent closure.
Dua Kafe opened here in 2018, offering a touch of homespun warmth amidst the impersonal chill of the EVGB retail-residential complex that flanks both sides of the address.

Meanwhile, closer to Avenue B, Amara Coffee closed several weeks ago...
From an Instagram post from April 7: 
Thank you to each and everyone who came and supported us on our journey. We met incredible people who supported us and cheered for us. Sadly, we encountered difficulties and decided to close our doors. 
The coffee shop, which debuted last May, also offered pastries and sandwiches and showcased the work of local artists.

The space was previously Perk Espresso & Coffee Bar

Seasoned Vegan Real Quick has closed on 2nd Avenue

Photo by William Klayer 

After nearly 20 months in business, Seasoned Vegan Real Quick closed after service on Tuesday at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

Per an Instagram post announcing the closure: 
Chef B poured her heart into every plate, every smile, every moment — and today, she shares her deepest gratitude with you all. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in us, for every dollar you donated, and for showing SO much love 💜💚 This is not the end. It’s the beginning of something even greater. We love you. Stay tuned for all updates… 
The restaurant was a new vegan concept from mother-and-son restaurateurs Brenda "Chef B" Beener and Aaron Beener, who closed their Harlem restaurant, Seasoned Vegan, in the spring of 2023 after nine years in service. According to a restaurant representative, they decided to relaunch as a quick-service takeout and delivery option, offering a few of their most popular dishes as sandwiches. 

Seasoned Vegan Real Quick had its share of fans. Unfortunately, this has been a tough spot to make work in recent years. Tony's Pizza, Nolita Pizza and Kati Roll Company have been the post-Stage tenants. The Stage, the 35-year-old lunch counter, closed in March 2016 following an ongoing legal/eviction battle with landlord Icon Realty.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Black Seed Bagels is closing its East Village location (but don't count out a return some day)

After 10-plus years at 176 First Ave., Black Seed Bagels will close up shop here between 10th Street and 11th Street after the business day on Sunday, May 4. 

As co-owner Matt Kliegman explained in a phone call with EVG yesterday, the lease was up, and the company no longer needed such a large space. The First Avenue shop is twice the size of the brand's other storefronts outside the commissary in Bushwick. 

When it opened in October 2015, the space served as Black Seed's commissary for five years, where they prepared their salads and spreads and operated the catering office. In 2020, they relocated that part of the business to a Bushwich location with more functional space.

"If you open businesses like this, you have to be comfortable closing them at some point. Kind of the nature of the beast, but it's always a bummer," said Kliegman, who attended NYU and later lived in the East Village for 13 years. 

He reported that all of the East Village staff will be retained and employed at Black Seed's nine other locations throughout the city, including the latest outpost set to open next month in Long Island City.

Black Seed, which specializes in hand-rolled, hand-boiled, and wood-fired bagels, took over the storefront from DeRobertis Pasticceria and Caffè, which had been in operation for 110 years until December 2014. The economy, age and health reportedly compelled the four DeRobertis siblings to sell the building.

Kliegman and the Black Seed team got to know the DeRobertis family and even attended the opening of their new bakery in Clifton, N.J. 

"The vibes were good," said Kliegman, who is a history buff and prefers older buildings with character for his businesses. (By the way, the iconic DeRobertis neon sign is preserved on the residential roof deck of 176 First Ave.) 

An EVG reader who tipped us off to the closing called this "a real loss." The reader, a longtime EV resident, continued: "Black Seed was a place to grab a good sandwich and a seat. They played decent '90s music as well. A real go-to for me and many others." 

The original Black Seed on Elizabeth Street remains open for business. And in talking with Kliegman, don't rule out an EV return someday. 

"I love the area. And you know, I wouldn't be surprised if at some point we just find a smaller format store in maybe a different part of the neighborhood," Kliegman said. "It's a neighborhood that has welcomed us into their arms. There's a great school across the street with terrific teachers and parents ... but we'll be back. I feel pretty good about that."

Misoya closes Sunday on 2nd Avenue

The East Village outpost of Misoya shuts down after service on Sunday, ownership announced in an Instagram post. (Thanks to the EVG reader for the initial tip.)

No word as to why the seemingly homey and popular miso ramen shop, which opened in the fall of 2011, is closing at at 129 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (We reached out for comment.) 

The West Village location at 535 Hudson St., which opened a few years back, remains in service.

Monday, April 21, 2025

On Avenue D, Food City Market closes

Photos by Stacie Joy

After nearly two years in business, Food City Market has closed at 85 Avenue D, located between Sixth Street and Seventh Street. (Thanks to the EVG readers for the tips about this.)
We weren't the only ones who found it odd that Food City set up shop just steps away from the Food Emporium on the SW corner of Avenue D and Sixth Street. (And there was a rumor that Food City would merge with the Emporium — but an employee quickly shot that down.)

This space, previously occupied by a Rite Aid, is now available on the retail market. Per the listing: "Ownership will consider logical divisions. Perfect for a laundromat, adult daycare, medical facility, or non-profit." And maybe not a grocery.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Angels on A has closed

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After 18 months at 66 Avenue A, Angels on A has closed. 

On Sunday, I came across a sales rack of clothing outside the partially shuttered storefront between Fourth Street and Fifth Street...
Inside, the store was nearly empty ...
Owner Angel Ramirez, who launched the business as Downtown Threads in the fall of 2023, said that they decided to call it quits. 

"With rising rent and real estate taxes so high, it didn't make sense to continue to operate," he said.
Still, Ramirez hopes to find a more affordable storefront somewhere downtown. 

"We are looking at a new space to potentially relocate, looking at spaces on the Lower East Side," he said. "I'm a lifelong resident of the area, and it hurts to have to close." 

He said people can follow the shop's Instagram account for relocation updates. 

"Thank you to the community for the continued support," Ramirez said. "In the last few days, we've received tons of really sweet messages of love and support. Appreciate everyone: Big hugs."
This was the third business Ramirez closed in this stretch of storefronts in the block-long building that sold in the fall of 2023. He was also behind Angels Boutique and Café Social 68/Viva! Café, which went dark in January

Three businesses remain on the once-livelier block — Mast Books, March Gallery and the liquor store, which changed hands earlier this year.

Monday, April 7, 2025

Signage alert: Bánh Mì Café on 10th Street

Bánh Mì Café, offering Vietnamese coffee and sandwiches, is coming soon to 241 E. 10th St. just west of First Avenue. 

It is primarily a to-go operation, though there is seating for a handful of patrons inside. 

Some signage remains from the previous business here, To East Sushi, which quietly closed earlier this year (photo below by Steven)...
To Eat Sushi offered fresh sushi and sashimi with sake and Japanese craft beer starting late summer 2023. 

There was no official word about the closure.

Thursday, March 27, 2025

An impromptu goodbye party as Sabor A Mexico closes on 1st Avenue

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After 15 years at 160 First Ave., Sabor A Mexico has shut its doors. 

The nook of a restaurant closed on Monday.
On Tuesday evening, I found (from left) owner Maria Escamilla, her brother, chef Enebidio Escamilla, and staffer Antonia Escamilla inside the space...
They welcomed me in to take some photos, discuss the decision to close, and drink some strong house-special passion fruit margaritas. 

Like other small business owners, Maria cited rising costs as the driving factor behind the closure.

"The economy, rent, supplies. I couldn't afford to pay my employees anymore, and I wanted to quit while I was ahead," Maria said. "The cost of ordering food was going up." 

She does not owe back rent and decided to leave the storefront between Ninth Street and 10th Street before she dug herself into a deeper hole. 

Maria will take a few weeks off to plan her next move, but she says her current focus is on shutting down the shop.

"Thank you to all the guests, our customers, and the support we received. The business was a way to give my kids an education," said Maria, who has two adult daughters, a son, and several grandchildren. "The restaurant also helped employ other people and provided for them. My friends, family, and clients, this means a lot."
Originally from Guerrero, in southern Mexico, Maria moved to the United States in 1988.

"This was my dream, my restaurant, my cuisine," she said. "I learned my style of cooking from my momma. This keeps the tradition going." 

As I eyed my still-half-full margarita, people stopped by to thank the family. 

An impromptu party broke out, with Maria giving everyone souvenirs from the place.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

These bars and restaurants are temporarily closed, and at least one is permanently shuttered

In recent weeks and months, we've received several reader queries about a handful of bars and restaurants that have not been open during advertised business hours. 

Among them: 

• Taverna East Village 

Taverna East Village has been closed since at least early December at 228 First Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street. 

According to a patron in December, the Greek restaurant was closed without any notice to the public until a sign later arrived noting the closure due to a "required Con Edison" inspection. The rolldown gates have been down lately. 

The restaurant's website still notes: "We are currently closed due to a Kitchen Renovation project. We are working very hard to reopen as soon as possible." 

The outpost of Astoria's favorite Taverna Kyclades opened in the fall of 2013. However, ownership changed hands, and the name change to Taverna East Village was made public last June.
• The Cabin 

The bar-restaurant remains closed at 205 E. Fourth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

An Instagram post from Dec. 26 states the bar-restaurant is temporarily closed due to "building maintenance." 

Yelp states that the Cabin will reopen on March 31.
• Grillify-NYC 

The bar and grill specializing in burgers has been closed in recent weeks at 540 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

A Feb. 26 Instagram post states, "Sorry we are temporarily closed." 

Estefanie and Luis Cuahutle, a brother-and-sister team, took over ownership of the former Le Burger space last summer. People seem to like this low-key spot, so hopefully, they will return.
• Down & Out NYC 

The bar at 503 E. Sixth St., between Avenue A and Avenue B, has been dark for months, and we have been waiting for an official notice about its closure. (Google lists the business as permanently closed, but we have not received a reply to our messages about its status.) 

The top photo, from Jan. 12, showed legal documents affixed to the front door. 

The cocktail and oyster bar opened in late 2022

The address was previously Cholo Noir, the Chicano-inspired bar-restaurant that closed in August 2018 after 13 months. No. 503 was also home for five weeks to Long Bay, a Vietnamese restaurant that closed in the spring of 2015. 

Several years earlier, the space housed Gladiators Gym.

Thursday, February 27, 2025

This longtime convenience store has closed at 124 2nd Ave.

Top photo by 2ndAvenueSilverPanther
2nd photo by Steven 

Village Convenience closed its doors yesterday at 124 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

Workers cleared out the space, marking the end of an era for the longtime business. (One neighbor said the space has been a convenience store under various names since the mid-1970s.)
There have been signs of distress lately, starting with the store's closure during usual business hours and reopening with a 50%-off sign on the storefront. 

While there were unfounded reports that the store lost its license to sell cigarettes and lottery tickets (a lucrative piece of business) after selling to a minor, no official confirmation has surfaced.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Another local Duane Reade by Walgreens closes

The Duane Reade by Walgreens on the SW corner of Broadway and Fourth Street closed yesterday. (H/T to the EVG reader who shared this info.) 

 Prescription holders here are being sent to the CVS on Bleecker...
As USA Today reported last month: 
The thinning of Walgreens locations has been in the works. Walgreens said in October 2024 it planned to close about 1,200 underperforming stores across the U.S. as a strategy to offset declining profits resulting from low drug reimbursement rates and sluggish retail sales. 
This is the latest Walgreens or Duane Reade to shutter around here in the past 5-6 years. The oddly configured Walgreens on 14th Street and Fourth Avenue closed in January 2022, the Walgreens on Astor Place closed in August 2020, and three neighborhood Duane Reade by Walgreens locations shut down: The outpost on Avenue D at Houston and First Avenue between 14th Street and 15th Street shuttered in November 2019, while the storefront on 10th Street and Third Avenue shut down in early March 2019

Still, it seems like there are still a lot of Duane Reades around.