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    Openings & Closings: Mimi Cheng’s, Moscot, Brooks Brothers

    June 24, 2020 | 3:03 PM
    in FOOD, NEWS, OPEN/CLOSED
    27


    Dumplings and more from Mimi Cheng’s.

    The Upper West Side is starting to see some new leases get signed even as the city is just emerging from the coronavirus. The leases are a good sign that there’s still appetite to open restaurants and other businesses here. The first two tips are from our anonymous sleuth “Upper West Sider”.

    Mimi Cheng’s, a downtown chain known for its handmade Taiwanese dumplings, has signed at 309 Amsterdam Avenue, between 74th and 75th Streets, according to a city building permit. The owners credit their mom for teaching them to make dumplings the right way. “We use pasture-raised pork, organic chicken, organic and/or local vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, and non-gmo sunflower oil. Mimi taught us to never take shortcuts.” Check out their website here.

    Moscot, a 5th generation eyewear company, has signed a lease at 188 Columbus Avenue, between 68th and 69th Streets, according to permits filed with the city.

    And the Brooks Brothers on 87th Street and Broadway appears to have closed for good. Multiple tipsters tell us the store is completely cleared out, and one relative of the manager says it’s gone. The corporate office did not respond to a request for comment. We wrote previously about how Brooks Brothers is one retailer that has experienced some financial trouble lately. Thanks to Marci for the tip.

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    27 Comments
    Ellie
    Ellie
    6 years ago

    Mimi Chang’s is a great addition to the UWS. We ‘ve gone to the one in the East Village and love their food!

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    Reply
    Horatio
    Horatio
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Ellie

    I agree 100%, Ellie.

    0
    Reply
    Mark Moore
    Mark Moore
    6 years ago

    Was always surprised Brooks Brothers was there to begin with.

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    Glen
    Glen
    6 years ago

    I note both Brooks Brothers and Aldo departed their Broadway locations and left plywood up over their windows. A real eyesore in the neighborhood, which is struggling with retail curb appeal as is. Victoria’s Secret also left the plywood up. I have come to the conclusion now we are in Phase 2, if the plywood is still up, the store is not coming back.

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    Reply
    Deri
    Deri
    6 years ago

    Great to here about Mimi Cheng’s! Does anyone know if Vanessa’s is still on its way?

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    Reply
    Sue L
    Sue L
    6 years ago

    Though Upper West Siders can only regret the ongoing pandemic-induced closures of the few small-business/mom-and-pops left in our nabe—that never applied to Brooks Brothers’ 87th Street outpost. From day 1, many of us reacted to its inapprpriatevpresence with some version of “Ya gotta be kidding!”
    As the old saying goes, “We live in hope”!

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    Reply
    Rob G.
    Rob G.
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Sue L

    Brooks Brothers was an “inappropriate” presence? Believe it or not, some of your neighbors like to buy nice clothing without having to go to the UES or downtown. Not all Upper West Siders appreciate the thrift-store granny look.

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    Reply
    Julia Spring
    Julia Spring
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Rob G.

    There still is (I think) a BB at Broadway and 64th or 65th.

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    WEAguy
    WEAguy
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Rob G.

    loling at the thrift store granny look. Nailed it.

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    Reply
    Rob G.
    Rob G.
    6 years ago

    Sigh…Brooks Brothers was the last upper-end clothing store above 86th Street.

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    Reply
    uwsmom
    uwsmom
    6 years ago

    There are already 2 or 3 eyewear stores on columbus bw 68 & 69. Does another really think it will survive? Or is it a strategy to place them closely and customers can comparison shop?

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    Reply
    Mark P
    Mark P
    6 years ago
    Reply to  uwsmom

    Moscot is quite nice, they offer their own frames which don’t change every year. If you want to pick a look that’s classic and stick with it, I think they’re a good option.

    In other words, they are offering something different and worthwhile and this store will be a lot more convenient than the Lower East Side one. I’m looking forward to checking them out!

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    Reply
    Mike L
    Mike L
    6 years ago

    No more Brooks Brothers?!?!?!?!? That makes me very sad….

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    Reply
    Lauren
    Lauren
    6 years ago

    Brooks brothers is sad because so many businesses have closed on this stretch of broadway. Banana Republic did last year as well. I’m never a fan of empty storefronts, even if I’m not the brooks brother’s “type”.

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    Reply
    Columbus&Broadway
    Columbus&Broadway
    6 years ago

    Mimi Cheng’s is the best thing I’ve heard all quarantine!!

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    Reply
    Dana R
    Dana R
    6 years ago

    Anyone have news on La Caridad? Will they ever reopen?

    0
    Reply
    Leonardo
    Leonardo
    6 years ago

    Does anyone know if Aldo on Broadway and 84 is closed for good? Store is empty.

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    Reply
    Glen
    Glen
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Leonardo

    Also is gone for good The Aldo shoe company filed for bankruptcy. The headquarters are in Montreal; that is where the filing took place.

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    Reply
    Christine
    Christine
    6 years ago

    The Gap on Broadway is open! I went in yesterday and spent over $400 on a complete summer wardrobe refresh. (That’s a lot of clothes – who knew one could even spend that kind of money at The Gap?!)

    I did notice a lot of the styles that they are featuring include drawstring and stretchy waists. Post-covid lockdown wear — lol. And also lots and lots of bright colors. Exactly what we need right now.

    Go support our “local” businesses and get off the computer! She said, typing on her computer. 🙂

    0
    Reply
    Hugh Van Dusen
    Hugh Van Dusen
    6 years ago

    check out Brooks Bros on-line sales which get more
    discounted every day!!

    0
    Reply
    Wendy
    Wendy
    6 years ago

    I was amazed that Brooks Brothers lasted as long as it did on 87th and Broadway. I live quite near there. Never saw any people in that store…and the ugliest women’s clothing imaginable, completely devoid of style….and with another BB one mile away, what was the point of two stores in the same area? It was a terrible fit for the neighborhood imho. Bring back Saigon or Malaysian Grill, or the 4 Brothers diner, which use to be there in the old days 🙂

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    Reply
    tom
    tom
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Wendy

    I’d rather have Merit Farms back.(anybody remember)

    0
    Reply
    Cole
    Cole
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Wendy

    May I suggest that the ladies take a look at what’s on offer at Darryl’s on Amsterdam just south of 84th? Elegant clothes, a mix of prices, much much prettier & more flattering clothes than what was on offer from BB. And Darryl is a real (lovely) person with one store in the city, two in Rhinebeck and Beacon.

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    Reply
    Amelia Gewirtz
    Amelia Gewirtz
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Cole

    AGREE ! DARRYLS IS THE BEST !!! (for women ) dont have a fix for B.B. for the guys 81st & columbus is FRANK STELLA

    0
    Reply
    WEAguy
    WEAguy
    6 years ago
    Reply to  Wendy

    I never shopped there, but I don’t think we’re in a position to be choosy about retail establishments at this point…

    0
    Reply
    amelia s gewirtz
    amelia s gewirtz
    6 years ago

    FRANK STELLA if you need 81st & columbus for guys & Darryls on Amsterdam 83rd for women both have elegant clothes hope that helps

    0
    Reply
    MelissaB
    MelissaB
    6 years ago
    Reply to  amelia s gewirtz

    Yes! Also ShiShi – it’s on Broadway and 90th? and CPW on Amsterdam and 84 – those are great contemporary clothing stores I frequent often. We just need more like that – especially one that sell menswear above 86 street!

    0
    Reply

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