Deluxe Luncheonette on Broadway between 112th and 113th street closed last week with a sign on the door that said goodbye and then… it suddenly reopened this weekend! An employee told us “there was a community outcry, the owners decided to reopen.” The owners, who also own Le Monde, are planning to open a new concept restaurant there, but until they’re ready to do that Deluxe will stay open. Thanks to Scott Matthews for the photo.
Suite Stuff, a pop-up shop with collectibles from hotels and restaurants, recently opened at 228B Columbus Avenue (70th-71st). “This twinkling, treasure trove, lit with a sea of lanterns ($145) from Tavern on the Green, is filled with gifts, both new and old, curated from the country’s most historic hotels and iconic restaurants.”
Bolton’s on 68th and Amsterdam is holding a “Good Buy” sale. They told our tipster Dorothy that they don’t yet know when they’ll be closing. So far, the merchandise is 20% off, but discounts could rise.
Sing & Sing neighborhood grocery store has now closed at 96th and Columbus and “merged” with Columbus Natural Foods on 95th and Columbus. The owner told our tipster Anne that the landlord raised the rent and is seeking a higher-end tenant. “Sing and Sing is a neighborhood institution. They have EVERYTHING! Including artisinal pastries and breads. Excellent fruit and great ice coffee.”
Coco Tea, a bubble tea and smoothie shop, recently opened at 118 West 72nd street. Thanks to Roger for the photo.
Correction: we initially had the wrong block for Suite Stuff.
Landlords of Commercial spaces please try to think about the neighborhood not just your $$
You are the ones who are killing a wonderful family friendly neighborhood.
One of the problems is that NYC is raising commercial real estate taxes with no regard to owners, tenants or neighborhoods.
I own a commercial building in Queens. The neighborhood is taking off and on paper, the building’s value is rising. The city assesses my neighbors and I for the new value of the building. My real estate taxes doubled in the last 3 years and are taking about one third of the building’s gross.
I have space rented out to several small family businesses. I’m not getting anywhere near Manhattan rents but when leases expire my tenants are going to have to expect a fairly large increase just so I can maintain some profitability from my big investment. If they can’t pay I’ll feel bad losing tenants of 10 or more years but will follow the lead of my neighbors and find new tenants who can pay substantially more.
A real estate attorney told me that the city has no problems taking 30-35% of the GROSS income of a building.
Not much is left over after paying staff, maintaining the building to an acceptable standard and making mortgage payments.
I’d love to think about the neighborhood and about small businesses but I can’t rent at no profit or a loss.
NYC is profiting handsomely off of the work of others because the way that commercial property is assessed is different from residential property and it gives the city a license to hold up landlords.
I apologize for the rant but if they are doing this in Queens it must be much worse in Manhattan.
Thank you for that informed response. I think many of us don’t consider the otherside of the equation.
I still think that there are property owners who really are just out to make a buck regardless of cost. I also think that there are property owners who are no happier about the the loss of small business in this city then the rest of us..and, unfortunately, having to be part of the problem.
The days of the mom and pop store is long gone in Manhattan. If you want neighborhood you must move elsewhere. Once rent subsidies go, the investment apartment will drive that market.
Thanks for covering the opening of our pop-up shop!
I wanted to let people know that we are located on Columbus Avenue between West 70th and 71st and NOT at 69th St. We’re on the west side of the street just about in the middle of the block.