By Lisa Kava and Julia Ornedo
Mr. Byrdie’s Joint, a casual eatery, opened on September 7th at 998 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 109th and West 110th streets.) It offers a wide range of sandwiches (such as Cuban sandwiches and tiki masala parm), wings, empanadas, and late-night bites. It also serves coffee and dessert. Mr. Byrdie’s Joint is open from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays, 12 p.m.- midnight Thursdays to Saturdays, and 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sundays. Jenice (who goes by Jae), who co-founded the eatery with her husband Jon, told West Side Rag on a visit that they plan to offer discounts for Columbia students and first responders. “We need to see more mom-and-pop shops and more locally owned shops. I’m happy to be a part of that,” Jae said. “Now more than ever, it’s harder to operate a small business in New York.” The space was previously occupied by La Constancera, a Dominican fusion cafe. (Thanks to Erik for the tip.)
Canine Puppy Cuts, a dog and cat grooming salon, is opening at 73 West 83rd (just east of Columbus Avenue) on September 28th. Owner Jose De La Rosa was a groomer for over 25 years at A Cut Above, the salon that was previously in the space and closed in March. “The space has been completely renovated from floor to ceiling”, De La Rosa told West Side Rag in a phone interview. “All machines, dryers, and tables are brand new.” De La Rosa has been doing housecalls and working at two other UWS grooming facilities ( Bark Avenue and Aristo Paws), but had planned to eventually open his own salon. Joining him will be another groomer, Arturo, who also worked at A Cut Above, along with two bathers. Canine Puppy Cuts will be open seven days a week, from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Canine Puppy Cuts will offer hand stripping for terrier breeds — a special grooming method to maintain their natural coats, De La Rosa explained. (Thanks to Dione for the tip.)
Doughnut Plant, a gourmet doughnut shop, is opening “sometime before the holiday season” at 2167 Broadway (between West 76th and West 77th streets), CEO John Antretter told West Side Rag in a phone interview. The artisanal doughnut chain was founded in 1994 by Mark Israel, who began making doughnuts from his grandfather’s recipe in a Lower East Side basement. He delivered the doughnuts by bicycle to neighborhood coffee shops. Doughnut Plant now has locations on the Lower East Side, Grand Central Terminal, Long Island City in Queens, and Williamsburg and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn. All doughnuts are certified kosher, vegetarian, and made with fresh ingredients. Flavors include: apple cinnamon, buttered pecan, peanut butter and banana cream, and mixed nuts, among others. “Every single Doughnut Plant store receives fresh doughnuts three to five times a day, and the bakery runs 24 hours a day seven days a week,” Antretter said. “We are excited about being a part of the Upper West Side community,” he added. Beard Papa’s, a cream puff shop, which closed in 2021 was previously in the space.
ICYMI:
The owners of Friedmans, a restaurant group with a location on West 72nd Street, recently purchased 541-555 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 86th and West 87th streets). The Granola Bar, which closed in January, was previously at 551 Amsterdam Avenue. The deal was reported by Commercial Observer. “We are excited about this opportunity,” a spokesperson for Friedmans wrote to West Side Rag in an email. “We haven’t decided but are leaning towards a Friedmans’ concept, which will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Read West Side Rag’s coverage of this news here.
Trader Joe’s, the popular neighborhood grocery store, at 2073 Broadway (at West 72nd Street), reopened on September 12th. It had been closed since May 17, 2026, for renovations. Read West Side Rag’s coverage of this news here.
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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Great news about Canine Puppy Cuts — Jose is a terrific groomer!