It looks like Georgia’s Cafe & Bakery on 89th Street and Broadway won’t be reopening after a fire last year that injured three people, at least not anytime soon. We’ve heard in the last day from two readers who said that the restaurant has auctioned off its equipment and furniture.
The cafe, which tried to be “a little taste of Europe in the middle of the Upper West Side of Manhattan,” closed on Dec. 7 after a fire that sent three people to the hospital with smoke inhalation. We’re waiting to hear back from FDNY on whether inspectors ever established a cause, which was unknown on the day of the fire. (Update: Just heard back from FDNY. “This fire was investigated by FDNY Fire Marshals, and the cause was determined to be an electrical fire in the basement of the location.”)
After the fire, people who emailed the restaurant were told “we will reopen sometime after the new year.” But that’s looking less and less likely.
The phone “has been temporarily disconnected” and the owners and a former employee haven’t responded to our messages.
Readers have written in bemoaning the loss of the neighborhood cafe. Georgia’s owners expressed their desire to be a local hangout.
“As we strive towards excellence in everything that we do, our greatest reward is the familiar faces that we continue to see. In a neighborhood friendly cafe like Georgia’s, do not be surprised if we get to know you by name.”
We would definitely miss Georgia’s Cafe if they were to not re-open. We’ll keep our hope up that in the future they’ll be able to return to the Upper West Side. It certainly was one of our favorite places to grab a cup of coffee.
i used to go to Georgias evey week to get an eclaire. When they closed i couldn’t miss it more. do you know whether they are opening anytime soon?
– 9 year old charlotte
Georgia’s closing is a real loss for the neighborhood. I’m sorry to see a for rent sign. They were the best bakery and a terrific spot for lunch and brunch. Dinner wasn’t bad either with live music once a week.
I feel so betrayed.
They promised they would reopen soon.
How many times, I have passed by to check on them.
Why, Georgia? Why?