As the chain stores turn on Astor Place

An EVG reader shared word that the Pret A Manger has closed on Astor Place...

This is the latest chain to throw in the town on the block between Lafayette and Broadway. The former Sweetgreen space remains vacant after the salad bowlery shuttered last summer.

A Hampton Chutney is at 2 Astor Place, a space that has seen some recent churn, including Felix Roasting Co. and Blue Bottle. 

Oh, and the high-profile Starbucks space is still vacant after a July 2024 shutter. 

While the Raising Cane's and Juice Generation seem to be doing well... there are plenty of vacanies in what is considered a high-traffic corridor. 

Anyway, not every chain is sticking around for the long haul here.

Closures: Village Cafe & Grill on 4th Street

After nearly five years in business, Village Cafe & Grill has closed at 128 E. Fourth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

The modest breakfast-and-lunch spot shuttered Saturday. It was one of the few places left where you could still grab two eggs on a roll and a small coffee for under $5 — and be out the door in minutes. 

The arrival last spring of the glossier Mayberry Marketplace on the southwest corner of First Avenue and Fourth Street likely didn’t help matters.