Openings and Closings: Richard Gilder Center; NYU Langone Health; Bed Bath & Beyond; Getir; DiDi Dumpling; Starbucks; Pier i Cafe

By Scott Etkin and Lisa Kava

The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation will be opening to the public on May 4 (members of the American Museum of Natural History have the chance to get preview tickets). The cavern-like building, designed by the architecture firm Studio Gang, has been under construction since 2019 and was originally expected to open in February. Highlights of new exhibits in the space are: “Invisible Worlds,” an immersive experience that illustrates how life on Earth is connected, and a vivarium with 80 species of free-flying butterflies. Look for the Rag’s full coverage of the opening!

NYU Langone Health is opening a large medical practice and imaging center at 1992 Broadway, on the corner of 67th Street. The space has been vacant since 2016, when Gracious Home, the furniture store, closed after 18 years at the location. Construction is underway but the timing of the opening is still to be determined, a representative of NYU Langone told the Rag. (Thanks to Melinda, Amy, and Patricia and for the tips.) 

Bed Bath & Beyond’s last day at 65th Street and Broadway will be April 23rd. They are having 60-80% sales off the entire store, including fixtures and equipment, with new merchandise arriving daily. Customers are advised to bring their own bags. As previously reported, the chain has closed almost half its stores over the past year. “We have been conducting a comprehensive, store-by-store analysis of our portfolio to ensure we can grow profitably while best serving our customers,” the company wrote in a statement to WSR. “We previously shared this information [about the closing] with our valued Associates. While the decision to close a store is always a difficult one, customers can shop online at bedbathandbeyond.com and our mobile app.”  

Getir, the grocery delivery service, has closed its location at 120 Riverside Boulevard (66th Street). A sign on the door says they’re still operating at 2567 Broadway (between 96th and 97th Streets). In November 2022, Getir acquired Gorillas, a competing delivery service. Business Insider wrote that 100 Getir employees were let go earlier this year and store closures were expected as the two companies consolidate. Fast delivery companies received significant funding from venture capital firms early in the pandemic, but were scrutinized on the UWS as “dark stores” that were pushing out local businesses. (Thanks to Joy for the tip.) 

DiDi Dumpling has closed its small storefront at 201 Amsterdam between 69th and 70th Streets, a representative confirmed. The Chinese food restaurant lasted about six months in this location – it opened in mid-August 2022 – but it is still operating its other restaurant on 24th Street and Lexington. (Thanks to Joy for the tip.)

The Starbucks at 86th Street and Columbus has reopened after being closed for a two-week renovation project. A new floor that is easier to mop and clean was installed behind the counter, a store clerk told the Rag. 

Pier i Cafe, the seasonal outdoor restaurant in Riverside Park, has opened for spring 2023. Established in 2005, the restaurant serves American fare along the Hudson River waterfront at 70th Street (the closest entrance to the park is at 68th Street and Riverside Boulevard). It is open daily from 11:30am to sunset, weather dependent. 

Correction: We original reported that Scotch & Soda, the Amsterdam-based clothing brand, is closing its store at the corner of 80th Street and Columbus. Scotch & Soda recently filed for bankruptcy in the Netherlands. We have been informed by the store, however, that all their U.S. stores are remaining open.