A sushi restaurant, a deli, an eyeglass store and a salon products shop have all closed, or will close in the coming weeks.
Imi, a sushi restaurant on 92nd and Amsterdam, closed last week. That corner appears to be cursed; three restaurants have closed there in about five years. Paul, our tipster, wrote: “I go there weekly- left them a great review on yelp! I bumped into the owner and his wife and little daughters – so sad.”
The Spec Shop on Broadway between 111th and 112th has closed after more than 20 years because the owner is retiring, according to a sign on the door. The copy shop on that block is also closing to make room for a Citibank, our tipster says.
Beauty Plus Salon on 97th street and Broadway is closing in July, apparently due to higher rents. Tipster Loren says it is expected to become a bakery. Thanks to Harriet for the tip.
Olympic Deli, which has been around “forever” at 87th street ad Columbus, closed suddenly about five days ago, several people told us. “Been there forever. Saw them taking down the cut flower display steps on my way to work this morning,” Kenneth wrote.
The owner of The Spec Shop was rude, so good riddance. He ridiculed me when I was trying to locate cords for my eyeglasses since they already hooked behind my ears. I was planning on white water rafting, so that wasn’t secure enough. He lost 20 years of business from my family.
Interesting, I also had a negative experience the one time I went in there and decided not to go back.
As for the Citibank, I’m told that it’s only a temporary location, for about two years, while they rebuild the site across the street that burned.
Olympic Deli was very overpriced and a lot of time items I bought from there were expired. i’m not really surprised.
I used to frequent Imi when it was Yuki. I went there recently and it seemed to still be a nice, family-run place with consistently good sushi – I’m sorry they are leaving.
I never figured out why Yuki closed. The quality of the fish was excellent – the envy of friends I took there from the West Village and elsewhere – and it was always packed. I saw Alec Baldwin there more than once. Imi never seemed crowded so I switched to Miyako. Agreed about Olympic – very overpriced.
Re: “…I saw Alec Baldwin there more than once.”
UGH! That’s the best reason to avoid such a place!
When IS that self-absorbed jerk going to carry out his persistent threat to leave Manhattan for LA-LA Land? His departure would please many.
The owner of Olympic Gourmet Deli donated all of his inventory to Goddard Riverside Community Center. This generous act will be put to good use by the UWS hard working organization dedicated to helping everyone from toddler to senior citizen.
whether the stores are good or bad, it’s a shame that Mom and Pops keep closing at what seems like a high rate… and many are replaced by chains or “high end” type places.
“Whether the stores are good or bad it’s a shame”. Um, what?
not everyone is going to be a fan of a particular store. but the general issue of Mom and Pop stores being driven out, and the ultra high end stores and restaurants that are doming in, is an important one for UW Siders.
The Olympic Deli was WAY overpriced for anything, so it’s no wonder. They did do a good deed, though, and donated all their pet supplies to Animal General across the street. So that was a good thing.
So let’s talk about the Olympic Deli. To say it was overpriced is to miss the point. The owner is a real gentleman. The place always spotless. The selection both broad and quirky. And the place is right there. There are more things than price. To focus on price is how you get Walmarts. Good bye Olympic Deli. I shopped there on and off for 19 years. Thanks, and I will miss you folks.
Thank you Steve for writing the only non-smarmy comment. Olympic Deli was a neighborhood treasure. Jay was such a gentleman, always doing favors for his neighbors. I’m so sorry most of you didn’t take the time to get to know him. You didn’t go there for a deal; you went there for convenience. His rent doubled thanks to the building owner who also runs the (dirty) cafe on 86th, and Jay had to get rid of everything. I hope he’s ok; the deli was his life. My family will miss him.
How is saying it is overpriced “missing the point” exactly? That is exactly the point! I guess maybe money is no object to you? Also, there are other more “spotless” places right there in that area, and they don’t overcharge.
Yea Olympic Deli wanted $19.50 for a 6-pack that is $12 at D’Agostino’s (which is also overpriced). You also couldn’t find a box of cereal less than $7, really old fruits and veggies, etc. etc. 50% markups will cause you to close, sorry. Place also always had NPR blasting through staticky speakers. Guy did seem nice though.
I bought a Yelp deal a while back for $20 for $10 for Imi. Guess I’m eating it..damn.
I’m really going to miss Olympic Deli and their $19 six packs of beer. Not.
I didn’t shop at Olympic Deli frequently, only when convenience mattered most, but in my nearly 25 years here it was a friendly place to which to go. The owner was always extremely pleasant. He’d say hello even as I walked past his door. And the WQXR radio was dependable! To see it vanish was a shock, and I dread that something much less useful or intriguing will take its place.