We've heard from a handful of concerned readers going back to Friday... when news circulated that the Barnyard Cheese Shop had temporarily closed.
The popular
cheesemonger and sandwich shop at 168 Avenue B between 10th Street and 11th Street had been open through most of the pandemic, most recently selling from a to-go window and offering curbside seating.
The readers cited the letter for patrons taped to the gate... two of the readers described the initial passage as "mysterious" ...
The letter reads in part...
It is not without consideration or careful thought that we inform you that due to circumstances not under our control, Barnyard will be closed from now until further notice. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this neighborhood and we are grateful to all of you who have made us part of your daily lives. We have never taken it for granted and have loved being here to nourish you, comfort you, and be a pillar for you to lean on when needed.
The rather ominous lead-in gave some readers the impression that there might be a landlord/rent-related issue... or perhaps something to do with Con Ed and the gas service.
However, the second paragraph sounds as if there may be a pandemic-related health issue ...
The decision to close is unfortunate, but there is not doubt that it needs to be done. It is in your best interest and in the best interest of our supporting staff that we closed until we are 100% certain that to reopen is safe and will not be a risk to anyone.
The letter, signed by owner Beatriz Gutierrez, ends on an optimistic tone...
... thank you for your loyal support and for understanding our decision. It has been a grueling year and we have been through a lot together. We move forward always. It takes a village!
We reached out to learn more... and to offer best wishes to the Barnyard staff.
Brix Wines, the sister shop of Barnyard, remains open next door. (
H/T Salim!)
Updated 2/22
In a follow-up note, Gutierrez told me the following:
The sign I ended up posting was difficult to write but I felt I needed to write something. It's been an exhausting year but I know that a lot of folks look to us, literally, for their daily bread and I knew it would be a shock to see us closed. But I also know that closing Barnyard, for at least now, was the right thing to do. I am working hard at finding the best way to reopen and also stay safe, relevant, and of course, solvent as a business at a time when so many other businesses are not able to do so.
It's a challenge and as I mentioned in the note I left, it takes a village. I have nothing but fondness for the people who have supported us for 13 years and hope to be able to continue to be there for them.
... Stacie stopped by the new storefront the other day to find O'Rourke setting up shop...
He plans to be ready for an official opening in early March.
In 2012, O’Rourke started selling his merch in the subways via a mobile art cart. He was on a month-to-month lease on 11th Street these past 15 months.
