Memorial set for d.b.a. co-founder Dennis Zentek

[Photo by KM Keller via Facebook]

Dennis Zentek, who opened d.b.a. at 41 First Ave. in 1994 with friend Ray Deter, died on March 23 from injuries he suffered in a fall.

The folks at d.b.a., where he was the co-founder and owner, have released details about a memorial celebrating his life.

Via Facebook:

On Wednesday, April 16 at 4 pm SHARP, we will have a ceremony at the Marble Cemetery, on the north side of East 2nd Street between 1st and 2nd aves, around the corner from d.b.a. This will be a non-religious Celebration of Life and Memorial Service led by non-denominational Celebrant Sacha Jones. All friends of Dennis are welcome.

This will be followed by a New Orleans-style Second Line parade, leaving from d.b.a at 6 pm.

We will continue to honour and toast Dennis well into the wee hours at d.b.a., 41 First Ave. between East Second and Third Streets

Please, no flowers, but donations are welcome to Dennis's favourite charity - the d.b.a. bars!

His brother Ron wrote the following on Facebook on March 26:

Those of you who knew my brother ... will remember him as a unique individual whose greatest pride was saying he never worked a day in his life since as a Rock n Roll photographer, a bartender and finally a bar owner ... he was being paid for being at places he would have been anyway doing things he loved to do surrounded by beautiful women.

He passed [March 23] at Bellevue hospital from the head injuries he suffered in fall down a flight of stairs on [March 21]. To my knowledge, he never regained consciousness.

Deter died in July 2011 from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling accident.

d.b.a. is back open on 1st Avenue

A reader told us that d.b.a. reopened last evening.

The bar at 41 First Ave. between East Third Street and East Second Street closed for renovations in early December.

As previously noted, David McWater is d.b.a.'s new owner. (His other bars include Milano's and Doc Hollidays.)

It was our understanding that the bar would have the same basic look and feel... except for maybe the bathrooms. We'll swing by later to see how it all looks.

Ray Deter and Dennis Zentek opened d.b.a. in 1994. Deter died in July 2011 from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling collison. Zentek died on March 23 from head injuries he sustained in a fall down a flight of stairs.

The d.b.a. in Williamsburg closed for good in late November.

Previously on EV Grieve:
David McWater looks to be the new owner of d.b.a.

Memorial today for d.b.a. co-founder Dennis Zentek

Dennis Zentek, who opened d.b.a. at 41 First Ave. in 1994 with friend Ray Deter, died on March 23 from injuries he suffered in a fall.

The folks at d.b.a., where he was the co-founder and owner, have updated the details about a memorial celebrating his life today:

• The bar at 41 First Ave. will be open as usual starting at 1 p.m.
• The memorial service will be held around the corner in the Marble Cemetery on East Second Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. The memorial, led by non-denominational Life Cycle Celebrant Sacha Jones, begins right at 4 p.m. (People may start arriving at 3:45 p.m.)
• A New Orleans-style Second Line Parade will follow the memorial.
• Afterwards, there will be a slide show in Dennis's memory as well as a showing and silent auction of his photography at d.b.a.
• Please, no flowers, but donations are welcome to Dennis's favorite charity - the d.b.a. bars!

"We the dba family thank you so much for your support and kindness during this time. The bar is open, and we are enjoying a beautiful spring. See you soon …"

[Photo by KM Keller via Facebook]

d.b.a is temporarily closed for renovations

We walked by d.b.a. last night and noticed that the gates were down at the bar at 41 First Ave. We didn't spot any signs offering an explanation.

However, there is a message on d.b.a.'s Facebook page dated Monday:

Dear Customers!!! d.b.a is temporarily closed for renovations. Stay tuned for reopening date - and Yes! new loos!!!

As previously noted, David McWater is the bar's new owner. On Nov. 17, CB3's SLA committee approved a new liquor-license for the 20-year-old bar. As BoweryBoogie reported: "Nothing about the bar is changing; it’s the same name, same method of operation, and same staff."

Ray Deter and Dennis Zentek opened d.b.a. in 1994. Deter died in July 2011 from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling accident. Zentek died on March 23 from head injuries he sustained in a fall down a flight of stairs.

The d.b.a. in Williamsburg closed for good after service this past Sunday.

Report: CB3 OKs liquor license for a David McWater-owned d.b.a.

As we reported earlier this month, David McWater, a local bar owner and former longtime member of Community Board 3, emerged as the new proprietor of d.b.a. at 41 First Ave.

And last night, he went before CB3's SLA committee for a new liquor-license approval.

As BoweryBoogie reported: "Nothing about the bar is changing; it’s the same name, same method of operation, and same staff."

CB3 OK'd the new license, though there was debate about the legality of the bar's backyard. (You can head to BoweryBoogie for the back and forth about that issue.)

Paperwork (PDF!) on file at the CB3 site shows that McWater, who also owns part of The Library, Doc Holliday's and Milano's, and Tower Brokerage's Bob Perl as the principals for d.b.a.

Ray Deter and Dennis Zentek opened d.b.a. in 1994. Deter died in July 2011 from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling accident. Zentek died on March 23 from head injuries he sustained in a fall down a flight of stairs.

According to BoweryBoogie, the heirs of d.b.a. had reached out to McWater about taking over the ownership.

David McWater looks to be the new owner of d.b.a.

A familiar name is set to become the new owner of d.b.a.

David McWater, a local bar owner and former longtime member of Community Board 3, has apparently emerged from a number of potential suitors for the popular 20-year-old d.b.a. at 41 First Ave.

According to paperwork on file at the CB3 website ahead of this month's SLA licensing meeting, McWater is behind "41 1st Avenue Rest Corp." that is applying for a new liquor license.



McWater, an often controversial local official, resigned from CB3 last September citing an array of reasons. According to The Villager, McWater has an ownership stake in Doc Holliday's, the Library and Milano's. He also owned Nice Guy Eddie's, which closed in June 2012 on Avenue A and East Houston.

As The Lo-Down pointed out in September 2013, McWater came "under fire for strongly advocating for the rights of bar owners, as a member of the community board’s State Liquor Authority Committee. McWater served as chairman of CB3 for four years until June of 2008. He has played critical roles in two major CB3 initiatives — the 2008 rezoning of 111 blocks of the LES and the East Village and the Seward Park development plan."

One d.b.a. source tell us that McWater isn't planning on any major changes at the bar, which specializes in craft beer.

Ray Deter and Dennis Zentek opened d.b.a. in 1994. Deter died in July 2011 from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling accident. Zentek died on March 23 from head injuries he sustained in a fall down a flight of stairs.

The application for 41 First Ave. will be heard at the Nov. 17 licensing committee meeting.

'Go home Santa'

[Photo by Steven]

This sign is on the front door at dba on First Avenue between Second Street and Third Street ahead of SantaCon tomorrow.

The copy underneath a naked Santa (with seemingly ambiguous genitalia) reads:

It might be hard to realize with your super awesome santa hat on,

but try and understand:

Manhattan isn't a sprawling playground

built for your exclusive right to visit once a year

and puke and/or piss all over our homes and businesses.

That said, SantaCon is annually overrun with terrifying predators.

If you find yourself feeling unwell and in need of help please come in

and we will make sure you are safe, comfortable, hydrated, and have a way home.

dba loves you, always.

It's not immediately clear who the invitation inside is for: People fleeing SantaCon? SantaConners who may have had too much to drink ... or maybe SantaConners feeling creeped out by other SantaConners?

The dba Instagram account makes it more clear: No Santas, period...

View this post on Instagram

🚫🎅. Get away from the Santa's. Come hang with us. They aren't allowed in. Not them, their elves or* their damn reindeer. Let's keep the holidays happy and safe.

A post shared by d.b.a. (@d.b.a.eastvillage) on Dec 12, 2019 at 11:34am PST

SantaCon begins tomorrow in Times Square ... aside from bars in that area, as well as Midtown East and Murray Hill, more than a dozen East Village bars are officially participating. Find the list here. We'll do a separate post later listing the local bars taking part.

[Updated] d.b.a. owner Ray Deter in critical condition after bicycling accident

The folks at d.b.a. asked us to share the following message about Ray Deter, who owns dba on First Avenue as well as the locations in Williamsburg and New Orleans:

We are reaching out to every one of our patrons and friends to please send your prayers and loving energy to Ray Deter at this time.

As some of you may have heard, Ray was in a very serious bicycle accident yesterday and is in critical condition. For those of you who are hearing this for the first time, we are so sorry to share this news in this manner, though we are grateful for the tool to reach many of you.

We believe your healing prayers, and energy and whatever loving means you have, can really help Ray pull through, and this is a request for just that.

At this time we ask that you please not call the bars, and we will keep you up to date.

The accident happened yesterday at 5:30 p.m. at West Broadway and Canal Street. Friends will post updates on the dba Facebook page.

[Updated] The Daily News had an item on the accident this morning... though at the time, the paper didn't have Ray's name yet. According to the article, a silver Jaguar that was driving east on Canal Street hit Ray. "The driver remained at the scene but received a summons for possessing a small amount of marijuana," the Daily News reported.

An update on d.b.a. owner Ray Deter: 'Please celebrate Ray as he passes on'

On Wednesday, we posted information about the bicycle accident involving Ray Deter, who owns d.b.a. on First Avenue as well as the locations in Williamsburg and New Orleans. He has been in critical condition since the accident. His wife, Catherine, just updated the d.b.a. Brooklyn Facebook page with this note:

"Thanks so much for everyone's kind words and support for me and the boys....Ray will no longer be with us after this weekend, but we hope our loss will give life to others. Please celebrate Ray as he passes on. Love to you all, Catherine, Jake & Maxwell"

More information will be posted at a later date regarding funeral arrangements.

[Image via MetroMix]

Second Line March tonight at d.b.a for Ray Deter

Tonight at 7, friends of Ray Deter are invited to d.b.a. on First Avenue to take part in a Second Line March. Per the bar's Manhattan Facebook page: "Please everyone bring a candle, if you like an umbrella, and perhaps a tambourine. And ladies please bring a white handkerchief. We plan to send Ray off in the spirit he would have wanted. N'awlins style." See Edible Manhattan for more details.

Deter, the owner of d.b.a., died on July 3 after a bicycling accident.

Here then, the new-look men's room at d.b.a.

As we mentioned on Saturday, d.b.a. is back open with new ownership at 41 First Ave. between East Third Street and East Second Street.

The bar was closed for renovations for several weeks... we haven't had a chance to stop in ourselves, but we hear that the place essentially has the same look and feel ... except for the bathrooms.

EVG reader Spike shared a shot of the new-look men's room...



And for a comparison (sorry, our d.b.a. bathroom-photo archive is quite lacking)...


[Photo via]

EV Grieve Etc.: Mourning Edition

234 E. Seventh St. hits the market for $6.7 million (Commercial Observer)

About the Bum Phillips opera at LaMama (Deadspin)

RIP King Glassware on the Bowery (Jeremiah's Vanishing New York)

Can NYU ever make peace with its Village neighbors? (Curbed)

A record sale at 151 Bowery (BoweryBoogie)

Details on the Triangle Fire Tribute Concert (The Lo-Down)

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… and via the EVG inbox...



Surrealist painter Wayne Krall shows his latest works this Sunday at his spring art show "Collage By Krall" at dba bar. Krall, who has lived in the East Village the past 25 years, tends bar at dba, and has worked at many infamous watering hotels in the neighbourhood including Milano's, Banjo Jim's and the Mars Bar. This upcoming show features new works where he incorporates collage into his paintings. The show and opening is one day only from 2-7pm(?) at dba, 41 First Ave.

At the Second Line March tonight for d.b.a.'s Ray Deter

Tonight at 7, friends of d.b.a. owner Ray Deter arrived at the bar on East First Street to celebrate his life with a Second Line March.

Deter, the owner of d.b.a., died on July 3 after a bicycling accident.

Thanks to jdx for all the photos here.

Another look at the dba cab accident

[Monday morning, with a dented canopy]

In case you missed this... late Sunday afternoon, a cab backed up into dba on First Avenue... said one witness on the scene, the driver "had a diabetic incident, according to the cops on the scene."

Here a few other photos from the accident, where thankfully no one else was injured... These photos are via Event Photos NYC ... where you can find more shots here.







BoweryBoogie also has a few shots here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Cab backs into dba today

Out and About in the East Village

In this weekly feature, East Village-based photographer James Maher provides us with a quick snapshot of someone who lives and/or works in the East Village.



By James Maher

Name: Creaux
Occupation: Waiter, VBar St. Mark's Place
Location: 9th Street and First Avenue
Time: 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 25th

I’ve pretty much worked and lived in this neighborhood for a total of 11 years. I’m originally from New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina brought me here.

When I first got here, I was in a hotel in Queens for three months, and then I ended up getting a job at DBA down the street. I worked there for eight years. I lived in Williamsburg for three years, and then I finally moved over to First Avenue, right next to DBA, and ended up moving around the corner. I’ve been living here for about six years.

The neighborhood reminded me of the French Quarter. I feel a kinship toward this place because it reminds me of home, there being a variety of people. For instance, I feel the difference between the East Village versus the Upper West Side, is on the same block you can see a guy with an eight-inch mohawk, a guy like myself, and a guy in a business suit, and all three of us are living here. Whereas if you go to the Upper West side, you may see some of those people, you might see a guy like me or a guy with an eight-inch mohawk, but we’re probably working there; we’re not living there. Whereas, there really is a melting pot in the East Village. I like that. I like being around different types of people. I love different cultures. I love to get to know people.

Right now I work at VBar. I’m a waiter over there. When it comes to restaurant work, you’ve got to like people to do it. Waiting tables, as much as people might think that it’s an easy job, it can be frustrating. You’ve got to be able to deal with people. It’s easier to appease someone who’s drinking versus food. Food is harder to appease someone. People walk in cranky already because they’re really hungry. There’s a lot of nuance, because you have to give them a lot of attention and satisfy their needs.

We tend to attract a lot of Europeans; I meet so many. Yesterday I had a German guy ... and a young lady from the Czech Republic. I guess because we have a very European café décor about us, it tends to attract Europeans to us. The owner is Italian, from Sardinia.

One thing I like about this neighborhood also is that you kind of get to know your neighbors. It becomes a personable thing. I was just talking with some guy last night about how when you live and work in the same neighborhood, your familiarity becomes a lot deeper and you build more lasting friendships.

I had this friend of mine who died, who lived next door to DBA when I worked over there. The most I knew about him is that he was a playwright. We never hung outside of work, besides when our paths would cross, but in the time I spent with him drinking at the bar with me, I felt I really got to know who he was, even if it was only for a couple hours in a day. This is my neighborhood. I’m part of this. I feel it.

James Maher is a fine art and studio photographer based in the East Village. Find his website here.

Cab backs into dba today

[Via an EVG reader]

As we understand it today around 5 ... a cab driver somehow backed into dba on First Avenue...


[Via an EVG reader]

...as our friends from dba tell it, the cab driver was taken off in an ambulance with unknown injuries, but amazingly nobody else was injured... all the more amazing when you look at the photos from inside via EVG reader Shawn...

November CB3/SLA highlights: The return of Lucky Cheng's

CB3 released its November calendar of meetings yesterday ... including the two nights of fun for the SLA licensing committee. Lots of items on the agenda this month, including a new home for Lucky Cheng's on Ludlow Street.

Here's a look at some of the applicants over the two nights. We'll pass along more info once it becomes available.

Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 pm
Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St. (between Second Avenue and The Bowery)

Renewal with Complaint

• Percy's Tavern, 210 Ave A (op)

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Vintage B Inc, 56-58 Ave B (aka 235-237 E 4th St) (wb)

This is the former Vella Market (and Kate's Joint) space at East Fourth Street.

• To be Determined, 137 Ave C (op)

This is the new bar/restaurant going into the Sunburnt Cow quarters. The building is currently getting a head-to-toe renovation.

• To be Determined, 206 Ave A (op)

• To be Determined, 137 Ave A (op)

We went through this last month. It was a mistake then.

• Table 12 (188 Ave A Take Out Food Corp), 188 Ave A (upgrade to op)

Alterations

• Cornerstone Cafe (AO Cafe & Restaurant LLC), 17 Ave B (aka 241 E 2nd St) (alt/op/convert service counter to patron bar with 5 seats)

New Liquor License Applications

• Parmys Kabob and Grill Inc, 124-127 1st Ave (upgrade to op)

We noted this change a few weeks back.

• 41 1st Avenue Rest Corp, 41 1st Ave (op)

This is the address of d.b.a. Dennis Zentek, who opened d.b.a. in 1994 with friend Ray Deter, died on March 23 from injuries he suffered in a fall. Deter died in July 2011 from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling accident.

• To be Determined, 188 2nd Ave (wb)

Looks like there's a taker for the former Shima space at East 12th Street. We noticed that the for rent signs were down the other day.

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm
University Settlement at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery

Applications within Saturated Areas

• Lucky Cheng's (Red Room Hospitality LLC), 154 Ludlow St (op)

Lucky Cheng's, which closed its Midtown location last summer after the death of owner Hayne Suthon, looks to be making the move back downtown permanent. (They had been operating out of the DL on Delancey Street.)

The Living Room was the most recent tenant at 154 Ludlow St.

New Liquor License Applications

• Lucille (Little Rebel Inc), 134 1st Ave (op)

Hmm, this is the address of Simone Martini Bar.

Items not heard at Committee (meaning neighbors don't have any say in these items)

• The Bean (147 First Ave Bean LLC), 147 1st Ave (wb)

• G & Nishi Inc, 54-56 Third Avenue (wb)

• 4T USA Inc, 127 4th Ave (wb)

• Zund New York Inc, 84 E 10th St (wb)

b=beer only | wb=wine & beer only | op=liquor, wine, & beer | alt=alterations

At the memorial for d.b.a. co-owner Dennis Zentek

Here are a few scenes from the memorial today for Dennis Zentek, the co-founder and owner of d.b.a. who died on March 23. The afternoon began at the Marble Cemetery on East Second Street followed by a New Orleans-style Second Line Parade …



By EventPhotosNYC

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Photo by peter radley

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Photo by Bobby Williams

Saying goodbye to Ray Deter

East Village resident Ray Deter died last night from the injuries he suffered in a bicycling accident on June 27. Deter, the owner of d.b.a. on First Avenue as well as the locations in Williamsburg and New Orleans, is survived by his wife Catherine, and sons Jake and Maxwell.

Per the d.b.a. East Village Facebook page:

This evening we say goodbye to our dear friend Ray & wish him peace in his place of rest. We remember him as a pioneer, a community-maker, a father, partner, & friend. He touched countless people & his loss is felt far and wide. ... Details of his memorial ~ the celebration of his life will be posted soon. Thank you for all your love and kind words.

[Photo via Brew York, New York]

d.b.a. reopens today on 1st Avenue

d.b.a. is back in action today starting at noon here at 41 First Ave. between Second Street and Third Street.

This is the first day back for the 27-year-old bar since March 2020.

The same ownership team is also behind Milano's, which recently reopened on East Houston, as well as two other bars expected to be back soon — the Library (7 Avenue A)  and Doc Holliday's (141 Avenue A). 

EVG photo from April