Johnny Was, a women’s clothing store at 270 Columbus Avenue (between West 72nd and 73rd streets), closed on February 28th, an employee told West Side Rag on a phone call. “We appreciate your loyalty to our brand, and we look forward to working with you at our Madison Avenue location,” staff wrote in a sign posted on the door. The store opened in 2017. The space was previously a Crocs store. The brand has one other location in Manhattan at 1070 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side, according to its website. (Thanks to Scott for the photo and the tip.)
Wendy’s, the fast food chain, opened a location at 2565 Broadway (between West 96th and 97th streets) in February. Hours posted on the website are 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. The burger chain has 12 locations in Manhattan, but this is the first one on the Upper West Side. Getir, the app-based grocery delivery company, which exited the U.S. market in 2024, previously occupied the space. (Thanks to Steve for the tip.)
Kolorbar, a full service hair salon located at 2301 Broadway (between West 83rd and 84th streets), is relocating on March 8th around the corner to 255 West 84th Street (between Broadway and West End Avenue), according to an Instagram post and signage posted on the door. “Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We can’t wait to welcome you back and continue making you look and feel your best,” salon staff wrote in the Instagram post. The salon will reopen as KolorStudio, an employee told the Rag. The salon has two other UWS locations: 222 West 72nd Street (between Amsterdam and West End Avenue), and at 2490 Broadway (between West 93rd and 92nd streets.) (Thanks to Sue for the tip.)
PWR NYC 72, an Upper West Side personal and small group training fitness center, is opening a second location at 143 West 72nd Street (between Amsterdam and Columbus avenues), in April. PWR NYC’s original location opened in July 2025 at 2284 Broadway (between West 82nd and 83rd streets). “PWR 72 is simply an extension of what we’ve built at our 82nd Street location. Thoughtful strength training, experienced coaching, and a supportive community,” owner Carolyn Osborne wrote to West Side Rag in an email. “The new space allows us to expand our team, train more clients and roll out ideas we’ve been excited to share with the neighborhood.” The location will have set times for small group training sessions on weekdays and weekends and other private sessions — including one-on-one and duet sessions — by appointment, with coaches working from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Osborne said. The fitness center is offering a pre-opening discount and founding client packages on their website. (Thanks to Scott for the tip.)
Mr. Byrdie’s Joint, a casual eatery serving late night snacks, is opening this spring at 988 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 108th and 109th streets), according to signage posted on the door. Founded by couple Jenice (Jae) and Jon, Mr. Byrdie’s Joint is a “mom-and-pop shop” that will serve “sandwiches, bites, wings and dessert,” Jenice wrote to West Side Rag in an email. “Our mission is simple: to create a welcoming neighborhood space where quality food, amazing flavor and modern uptown energy come together,” she wrote. “A place that feels just as right for Columbia students grabbing a late-night bite as it does for longtime Upper West Side families stopping in for something sweet.” There will be specials and promotions offered during the grand opening celebration. We will update with details when an opening date is announced. La Constancera, a Dominican fusion cafe, was previously in the space.
United Vein & Vascular Centers, a vein treatment center, leased a space at 21 West 86th Street (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue) in February, the leasing agent confirmed to West Side Rag. This will be the first location in New York, according to United Vein & Vascular Centers’ website. We will update when we have additional information.
The Openings & Closings column wouldn’t be possible without our many tipsters: thank you! Anyone can send tips about openings and closings in the neighborhood to info@westsiderag.com.
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And just like that there are some very helpful accommodating folks hanging around the Wendy’s front door who are more than happy to open the door for you, along with 4 – 5 e-bikes outside at all times, what a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
What’s the over/under on the first fight, assault or shooting at the Wendy’s ?
The new weed dispensary Pure Blossoms opened on Amsterdam and 95th while the poster child of illegal weed bodegas, the one near Gail Brewer’s office on Columbus, is now an acai bowl shop. I guess that’s progress.